Today we have a special treat... and interview with the very-funny Janice Thompson. If you haven't read any of Janice's books before and you're a fan of romantic comedy like Jenny B Jones or the yet-unpublished stuff I've written, I know you'll love Janice.
I didn't conduct this interview myself, so you'll notice there are fewer ice cream references than usual, but I think you'll still get a few laughs out of it. So without further adieu, please welcome Janice!
Who
(or what) influenced you to become a writer?
From the time I was a little girl, I always had a creative bent.
I loved to sing and dance. I got involved with drama in high school and ended
up writing a little play, which we performed. In the late 70s my father moved
our family to Los Angeles so that he could get into the movie business, (as a
producer). He encouraged me to co-author a screenplay, which I did. In fact, I
joined the screenwriter’s guild at age 18. Quite an honor! After I got married
and had my children, they showed an interest in theater, too, so I ended up
directing and writing musicals for Curtain Call Café (a Christian theater
group). From there, my interests spread to books, and I started publishing fiction
for the Christian market. I’ve now published over 80 books, everything from
inspirational romance to non-fiction devotionals. I would have to say that my
father was a huge influence. He passed away in ’06, but did a lot of writing in
his lifetime (both screenplays and lyrics to country songs).
Janice, can you tell us about your latest book
project?
Yes, I’m so tickled to share
the news about my comedic historical, WEDDING
BELLES, which is releasing on May 1st. Most of my readers know that I love
to write light-hearted tales, and this one is no different!
What is the story behind this book?
I received a call from
editor Susan Downs, who shared an idea she had for a series of books titled
“Belles and Whistles.” The books in this series, she explained, must be
historical, set in the west, with funny, quirky female characters. Because I
write romantic comedy, she thought I would be perfect. I quickly put together a
proposal for six books and two were picked up right away: WEDDING
BELLES and SLEIGH BELLES. I was commissioned to write WEDDING BELLES first
and had a blast doing so! The basic premise for the book was developed before I
started writing, but something significant happened along the way to change my
plans drastically. I needed a sneaky reason for Lottie Sanders (my heroine) to
bring a group of women to Estes Park Colorado as potential brides for the
town’s men. About a week after I got the contract for this book I went to a
local restaurant that happened to be hosting a melodrama during the dinner
hour. As I watched the drama take place, I realized this was my answer! Lottie
would write and direct a melodrama to raise funds for Parker Lodge (owned by
the young man she secretly loves). Out of that came the rest of this fun, melodramatic
tale!
Can you share the “official” synopsis?
Lottie Sanders would do just
about anything for the man she secretly loves. When Gilbert Parker suggests
they put on a play to draw people to his family’s lodge, he begs Lottie to
direct it. Lottie agrees to help, but is also worried if they cannot pull this
off, Gilbert and his family will lose the lodge — and she will lose him. When
the local single men look at this as an opportunity to catch a bride, they
secretly hatch their own drama to win the hearts and hands of the actresses.
Why did you choose to write this book under the name
Janice Hanna, instead of Janice Thompson?
Ooo, great question! I write
most of my contemporary novels (like the WEDDINGS
BY BELLA series) under Thompson and historicals (like the LOVE FINDS YOU
books) under Hanna. My maiden name is Hanna, and I love to write under that
name to honor my father, who passed away in ’06. I think he would have been
very proud of this particular book.
Nope. None whatsoever. Just
an interesting coincidence with the titles/names.
What’s the deal with the wedding stories? Why do you
write so many books with wedding themes?
My four daughters (all in
their late 20s/early 30s) got married within four years of each other. Talk
about wedding chaos! At writer’s conferences I’ve been told to “write what you
know” and I certainly know weddings. I worked for a short while as a wedding
coordinator and have catered many a wedding and/or bridal shower. It just makes
sense to keep my writing wedding-themed, as much as possible!
What are Reviewers saying about WEDDING BELLES?
I just found out that
Romantic Times gave the book a four-star rating. Woo-hoo! Here’s what the
reviewer said:
Hanna’s Belles and Whistles series launch is filled with mayhem, drama and,
of course, romance. The characters are engaging, witty and willing to do what
they need to get what they want. Hanna’s magical touch ensures the book brims
with laughter, charm and style.
Reviewed By: Patsy Glans
What outside interests do you have?
People might be surprised to
hear this, but I bake cakes. Wedding cakes. Shower cakes. Birthday cakes. You
name it, I bake it. In fact, I was once asked by a local restaurant to bake
cakes for them.
Cute cover! What’s the story behind it?
My heroine, Lottie, is a
tomboy. She’s not much for dresses. In fact, she wears pants most of the time.
The men in Estes Park make it their mission to get Lottie “gussied up and
lookin’ like a lady” as the story progresses. Of course, she’s still pretty
attached to her cowgirl boots, so giving those up isn’t an option. I love the
cover, because it merges the boots with the wedding dress.
How much research went into this story?
I drove to Estes Park while
working on this book. Even though I had been many times before, I needed to see
the area again so that I could envision it through Lottie’s eyes. The wonderful
people at the Estes Park Museum spent a great deal of time with me, talking
about the history of the area and pointing me to just the right research books
to write. So, I would like to think I’ve got most of the historical elements
right. I added the Stanley Hotel, of course, and the Stanley Steamer. But the
setting for my story is Parker Lodge (which is completely fictional). Because
I’m passionate about photography, I took dozens of pictures of the area. I
particularly enjoy my trek up into Rocky Mountain National Park, where I did my
best to absorb all I could about the scenery.
What are some of the most interesting things you
found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?
I learned a lot about the
health benefits of living in Colorado! Did you know that Freelan Stanley (the
man who designed/built the Stanley Hotel) came to Colorado at his doctor’s
recommendation because he had tuberculosis? His health improved dramatically
while in Estes Park.
What inspired and surprised you while you were
writing the book?
I was directly inspired by
the team of actors and actresses (here in Texas) who performed the melodrama.
That little “spark” of inspiration completely changed the layout of my story
and allowed me to tap into one of my strengths: directing. Many people don’t
know that I spend part of my time working as a director at a local Christian
theater and I love anything and everything about putting on shows.
What do you hope the reader takes away from the
story?
Two things: I hope they see
Lottie as the precious girl she is. I also hope they learn that perceptions are
just that. . .perceptions. They’re not fact. Sometimes we look at situations
and think we’ve got them figured out. When we give them a second look (and a
third) we realize we were dead wrong.
What is the next project you’re working on?
I’m currently writing a
novel titled LET THEM EAT CAKE, which is part of the new WEDDINGS BY DESIGN
series from Revell Publishing. Many of my readers know me as the “Bella” author
(from the WEDDINGS
BY BELLA series). In this new series, readers can catch up with Bella, DJ
and the whole gang!
What do you do when you have to get away from the
story for a while?
I spend time with my
grandbabies. I have six darling grandbabies with number seven on the way.
God has really been moving in your writing life. What
do you see on the horizon?
I feel so incredibly blessed
at this particular season in my life. I’ve been through several hard things
over the past several years, but through it all, God has been right there,
walking me through one book project, then another. He has used the writing to
bring healing in so many areas, and I’m so grateful for that! I’ve made
Ephesians 3:20 – 21 my life verse: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or
imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in
the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
Amen. God IS able to do so much more
than I could ask or think, and He keeps proving that to me. In spite of any
weakness on my part (and there’s plenty, trust me), He entrusts me with this
gift (writing). I will use it to His glory as long as He allows.
Please give us the first page of the book.
A Reckoning in the Rockies
Estes Park, prepare to be razzle-dazzled! Parker Lodge, located on the
beautiful Fall River, continues to offer the best entertainment in town. This
month’s event is certainly no exception. Join us this coming Friday evening,
April 27, for a rousing performance by local musician Jeb Otis, who will play
several well-known ballads and folk tunes on his saw. Otis, who hails from the
Estes Valley region, will be appear- ing at the lodge for one night only,
performing before a packed house. C’mon out and share in an evening of fine
food, rousing entertain- ment, and heartfelt fellowship. Front-row seating for
the first ten guests to arrive. —Your friends at Parker Lodge
Estes Park, Colorado, 1912
“Jeb Otis says he’s going to jump off Longs Peak and end it all.”
“What?” Lottie Sanders looked up from the rippling waters of Fall River into
her boss’s worried eyes. “He’s going to end it all? Why-ever would he do
that?”
“Oh, you know how he is.” Gilbert Parker plopped down next to her and
sighed. “Melodramatic. Always wanting attention. Just like the other men in
this town. He’s frustrated because the Widow Baker won’t give him the time of
day, so I guess this is how he plans to remedy the problem.”
“He’s going to remedy the problem by taking his life?” Lottie swallowed
hard. “Won’t that defeat the purpose?”
“Who knows?” Gilbert offered a little shrug, and a hint of a smile
turned up the edges of his lips. “But if it’s any consolation, I reminded him
that he’s got a concert coming up this Friday evening, so maybe he’ll wait till
after then to do himself in.”
“One can hope.” Lottie thought about the many times Jeb and the other
fellas who frequented the lodge had posed such ludicrous threats. How weary
she’d grown of their antics. “What’s it going to take to convince Jeb that he
and Althea Baker are as different as night from day, anyway?” she asked. “They
would make a terrible match. I’m surprised he can’t see that for himself.”
“True.” Gilbert released a sigh. “But I guess it’s true what they
say—love is blind.”
“Mm-hmm.” It’s blind, all right.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson
Twitter: booksbyjanice
Where can readers buy this book?
