Your novels, Victoria and the Ghost and Worth Her Weight, couldn’t be more different. I cannot imagine your reading list! So… as a reader are you drawn toward certain genres? Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a reader? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?
That’s funny, but true, and not only do I write multiple genres, but I read multiple genres. I read young adult, romance, suspense, mysteries, non-fiction, women’s fiction, general fiction. I guess I look more than anything for hope in impossible situations. I don’t only read Christian. Sometimes, the story provides hope because the protagonist learns what’s really important in life. However, since God brings everlasting hope, I do prefer Christian novels.
What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?
I guess I would say “Joseph’s Cradle,” a children’s Christmas book. (I told you I read everything.) It was new view of the nativity, showing Joseph’s point of view, and I liked that. I chose it because I had become acquainted with the author.
As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?
True confession: Lately, I’ve mostly read books that I agreed to review or that I won as a gift, so I haven’t chosen just by cover in awhile. I will say that my all time favorite cover is the one Kimberly Pennell did for my devotion book, Divine Dining. It’s not just me. I’ve been told that by others.
Having published other books do you find time to read during the months you spend writing or with deadlines ahead is it either/or for you? If so, what did you read while working on your last book? If not, what did you read when you finished this one?
I read all the time. Reading makes my writing fresher, or at least, that’s my opinion. Besides, I need to get into a story other than my own. I keep a non-fiction and a fiction going at all times.
The last few months, I’ve been on deadline to finish Worth Forgiving, the sequel to Worth Her Weight. During this time, I read Remembrance by Danielle Steel, In This Together by Gail Kittleson, and Moonlight Can Be Murder by Blanche Day Manos.
What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?
The Debt by Angela Hunt
Oooh, good choice! Did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?
A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer.
Children in novels always make me laugh. In this one, little Lily was a reader of wild western novels, and especially ones written about the exploits of the man that became their protector. The shivers came with the girl’s kidnapping, and the crying when they learned how the precious child had been used for criminal gain.
Lots of sighing over the protagonist and the hero’s opposing ways of looking at things, but again we learn that in romance, opposites attract.
Sounds great! Judging by the cover, that's a book I've been wanting to read. Now I have a real excuse. Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?
I don’t remember reading a lot before college. The first I remember was a LaVryle Spencer book. But, as a lonely child, I made up my own stories, some in my mind, some written. My imagination was my book.
When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?
My junior high school English teacher was extremely hard on me. At the end of the school year, I got up the courage to ask her why she didn’t like me. She told me she was harder on me because she saw promise in my writing. That sparked a dream that never went away.
I'm so glad you asked her! How special! Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?
The Debt by Angela Hunt made a lasting impression, again because of the theme of hope for an impossible situation, and in this case, redemption despite sin.
With a chilling winter deep upon us, what is on your cozy to-read list? And what is your ideal winter reading experience?
Actually, I don’t read as much in the winter as I do in the other months. I read in thirty minute swatches between writing, promoting, Bible study, family activities, and watching movies during this time.
We travel with our RV during the spring, fall, and some in the summer. My husband and I like nothing better than to sit outside and read overlooking a gurgling brook or a mountain scene.
I’m now reading 74 Seaside Avenue by Debbie Macomber. My next book to read is Virginia by Cathy Marie Hake and the one after that will be Private Eye Protector by Shirlee McCoy.
Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?
I rarely reread a book.
If Lacey from Worth Her Weight were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?
Lacey, my protagonist, likes romance and is a Christian, so she’d probably read Margaret Daley or Linda Goodnight.
Thanks so much for visiting, Janet, and letting us get to know you better as a reader.
I’ve enjoyed it, Deirdre. Wow, you ask tough questions. Made me think.
BIO:
Janet K. Brown lives in Wichita Falls, Texas with her husband, Charles. Writing became her second career after retiring from medical coding.
Worth Her Weight is the author’s first inspirational women’s fiction, but it makes a perfect companion to her previously released, Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness. Both books encompass her passion for diet, fitness, and God’s Word.
Worth Her Weight marks Brown’s third book. Who knew she had a penchant for teens and ghosts? She released her debut novel, an inspirational young adult, Victoria and the Ghost, in July, 2012.
Janet and her husband love to travel with their RV, work in their church, and visit their three daughters, two sons-in-law and three perfect grandchildren.
Janet teaches workshops on writing, weight loss, and the historical settings of her teen books.
on Twitter at https://twitter.com/janetkbrowntx
E-mail: Janet.hope@att.net
Purchase Links for Worth Her Weight:
This was a fun interview, but wow, did you ever make me scratch my head & think.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet! It was great getting to know you as a reader!
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