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Answers posted October 23, 1998

Q: I was wondering how can a person become a professional reader? I heard about people doing this for a living and even wrote Harlequin and Silhouette (when they were separate companies), but neither one could help me. Thanks for any information you can give me. (Barb)

A: Dear Barb: I'm not sure how one goes about becoming a professional reader. I suspect you have to contact some of the editors in the publishing business, give them your credentials and talk them into hiring you. Easier said than done, I imagine. Who knows? You may have to move to New York! Good luck.

Q: Hey Jayne. I have read all the books you have so diligently written that I can get my hands on. My question is: Is there a new Jayne Castle novel on the horizon? I have thoroughly enjoyed Orchid, Amaryllis, and Zinnia, and I am looking forward to another dose of futuristic romance on St. Helen. (Kelly Westervelt)

A: Dear Kelly: Stay tuned to this site for future info on the Jayne Castle futuristics. Yes, there is something cooking... Thanks for your interest.

Q: I am currently reading re-issued The Adventurer. What is next?- The Cowboy or The Private Eye? Even though they were originally published in the "80's" I find them very good stories. I always get very involved in your characters. They become very familiar to me. I am always feeling bereft by the end of the book (in the knowledge that I may never meet them again.) Thanks. (Dee S.)

A: Dear Dee: Harlequin assures me that they keep all of my books in print. They tell me the books are available on their website. Let me know if you can't order them from Harlequin. I'll check into it..

Q: I have two related questions - which of your characters do you feel is most like yourself? And, which is your favorite book that you've written?

A: All of my characters share a little something of me (my world views, personal philosophy, or, vegetarianism, etc.). But no single character is "me". By their very nature, heroes and heroines in popular fiction are "larger-than-life". They are derived from the classic, heroic traditions of storytelling -- they aren't supposed to be just like you and me. That's what makes it fun to read about their adventures. As for my favorite book, it's always the one I'm working on at the moment. Thanks,

Q: Dear Jayne, I have read your books for years and recently read FLASH. Although I enjoyed it thoroughly there is a question. On page 4 Jasper's ex-wife's name is Andrea but on page 217 her name appears as Rachel Sands. Was this one of those trick things to see if we're paying attention or a proof reader thing? I liked this one better than HARD EDGES because there was more of an underlying romance in it. As always I enjoy the humor. (Dolores Horton)

A: Dear Dolores: Good grief! Sounds like you were born to be a copyeditor. You caught something she and I and the editor all missed! What good eyes you have. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, though.

Q: Dear Jayne, This is my third message. Unfortunately I think I deleted the last. I believe in the first I inadvertently called SHARP EDGES, HARD EDGES. To me it was more mystery /romance than romance/mystery. It isn't either bad or good it just put it into another category. It also would not stop me from reading your books but would eventually put them in another category. e.g. Catherine Coulter, Janet Evanovich, Tami Hoag and Karen Robards. They have all shifted. (Dolores Horton)

A: Dear Dolores -- you're right. I am doing more romantic-suspense these days. What can I say? I love it. But never fear, I could never write a book that didn't include a sizzling relationship at the center of the story.

Q: Ms Krentz Could you tell me the other two titles in your Ladies and Legends trilogy? I have read just about all of your books written as Jayne Ann Krentz. I am going to start reading you books under Amanda Quick and Stephanie James. (Betty Fortunato)

A: Dear Betty: The three books in the series are: The Pirate, The Cowboy, and The Adventurer. Hope you enjoy my Amanda Quick books.

Q: Is I Thee Wed your next new book to be published or is there another book coming out before Spring, 1999? (Marty)

A: Dear Marty: As far as I know my next new hardcover title will be I Thee Wed. But if the publishers change their minds, I'll let you know. Thanks,

Q: My wife and I read your short story "The Perfect Match" in EFQ (Amanda Glass) a few years ago and loved it. We remember it so well that even today it remains one of the best we've ever read in its genre. We were wondering if you had written any more of its ilk and if so where are they? We'll understand if this question doesn't get published on the web but we'd love to get an answer if possible. Just out of curiosity, what percentage of your readers (of your romance novels) do you estimate to be men? Thanks, (Gary & Gillian Thompson)

A: Dear Gary and Gillian. I don't recognize the short story or EFQ. I do recognize my Amanda Glass pen name, but I only used it on one book, Shield's Lady. Maybe you've got me mixed up with someone else? As far as male readers go, it's hard to say. Frankly, it's hard to get data on any readers. Maybe that's for the best, hmm? Nice to know there are some areas of life that remain personal and relatively private. Thanks for your note.

Q: Hello! Just wanted to say I enjoyed Flash very much...except when my sister sold it to a used book store by mistake! (Grrrr!) Anyway, I haven't been able to access this website for awhile, so I hope no one has asked you this question already, if so, sorry! I was wondering why there was only one "intimate" love scene in Flash? Not that that is the only reason why I read your books of course! But I do admire you romantic imagination...Is this the trend for you and other romance authors these days? Seems like everybody interesting is ditching this genre...sigh...Sorry for rambling on..Thank you! (Kathi Crusoe)

A: Dear Kathi: Some books need more love scenes than others. Some need fewer. Frankly, I don't count them. I just do them when the story needs them. In the meantime, don't worry about everyone ditching the genre. There are dozens of terrific new writers coming into the romance genre every year. As for me, while I'm doing more romantic-suspense these days, I'm still very, very interested in the relationship between my hero and heroine. It's always at the heart of all my books.

Q: Dear Jayne, I love your books. My all time favorite is Silver Linings. I have been curious as to how you get organized enough to keep turning out great JAK and AQ books every year? Do you spend a lot of time on developing a story and the characters or do you just sit down with an idea and go with it. Thanks for your time. (Sandra Woy)

A: Dear Sandra: I'm so glad you're enjoying my books. In answer to your question, I do spend quite a bit of time outlining and plotting before I sit down to write. It's nice to know where you're going -- even though things always change along the way!

Q: Thought from a former flower child...... I have been wondering if there is any chance we, loyal and devoted fans of New Seattle and the "flower" books, could influence the publisher to expand the series..... Hmmmm. Nothing radical, just a deluge of email or faxes saying, "We want more. Hire Jayne Castle." Rafe got what he wanted by being assertive. :)

As for editors who didn't think your style fit the tradition of the genre, they didn't fit the role of editor at least not on this planet...... clearly out of touch with what the reading public wants. There will always be space in my permanent collection for Orchid, Zinnia and Amaryllis.

Write on and again thanks for all the wonderful stories. (Gayle)

A: Dear Gayle: Don't worry, Jayne Castle will rise again!

Q: I collect very few authors work, but a number of years ago, I picked up Fabulous Beast at the library and got hooked. I have managed to collect most of your books except the early ones, particularly those published by MacFadden. Are there any plans to re-release any of your earliest work? Some of your earlier books definitely reflect the culture of the 80's, but I find that good writing and a good story do not get outdated. I would love to read these books.

A: There are no plans at present to reprint the old MacFaddens but check out the "out-of-print" and used bookstore sites that Cissy has posted on this site. And sometimes the most amazing things turn up in yard sales and second-hand shops. Good luck and thanks so much for your interest!

Q: How long does it take a book to go from hardcover to paperback? I only buy paperbacks because I like to carry my books with me wherever I go. That way, even if I only have a 10 minute wait for something I can read. Whenever I shop for a new purse the first thing I check out is if it is big enough to hold a book. (Annette Dincin)

A: Dear Annette: I'm with you when it comes to purse sizes! As for your question, it generally takes nine months to a year for a book to go from manuscript to paperback and then about nine months to a year for it to go from paperback to hardcover. Publishers can speed up the process when it suits them, however, and they often do so. Thanks for your interest.

Q: Dear Jayne, Let me start by saying that I love the way you write. I only started reading your Amanda Quick books last year (Mischief) and was hooked. I now have all of them and wait with bated breath for the next one in Spring 1999. I love the way your heroines are a mix of vulnerability, strength, humour. They are also a little offbeat. Your heroes are of course the type of male one would never meet in this day and age.

Just started reading your J.A. Krentz books and have really enjoyed them. The last contemporary novels I read were Harlequins when I was a teen, years (and years) ago. Again, your main characters are different and interesting. Not wussy at all.

Please do not think that I'm being impertinent, but I've started four manuscripts over the years and never finished one of them due to the fact that I talk myself out of it by thinking they won't be good enough to submit. I had one rejection 14 years ago and unfortunately it really got to me. Since reading The Family Man I have decided that I should give it another go. Again, don't think me rude, but do you have any advice you could give me? For instance, should you finish the entire manuscript before sending in a sample chapter or just send the publishers my idea and see if they like it. I've read a lot of publishers' info. on the net and found it very confusing. (for instance do I need to get a literary agent). Anyways, if you could take the time to suggest anything that might help I would appreciate it.

A: First off, I'll give you my standard advice for getting info about the publishing world -- check out joining Romance Writers of America. (See details under Frequently Asked Questions elsewhere on this site). I really do feel the organization offers a lot of support, business guidance and a network for aspiring authors. Second, better learn to deal with rejections. They're a fact of life for all writers. During the six years it took me to get published, I collected a lot of them! The best defense is to always have something in the mail. In other words, make certain that you have a manuscript proposal out working for you every single day. Good luck and keep me posted!

Q: Jayne -- What training (college, seminars, ??) do you recommend to people who would like to write for a living. I'm interested in your response particularly from the romance genre viewpoint. (Carole)

A: Dear Carole: The strange thing about writing popular fiction is that it is largely a self-taught process. In other words, you learn to write fiction by -- yes -- writing fiction! (And by reading it). If you're interested in writing literary fiction, however, I strongly recommend the creative writing classes taught in community colleges and colleges. Those classes will teach you the conventions and standards of the literary genre. But there are very, very few academic classes which deal usefully with the popular fiction genres (romance, mystery, suspense, fantasy, science fiction, westerns, etc.) Every successful popular fiction writer I know learned by doing. First, read widely in the genre that appeals to you and then practice writing in that genre. The best of luck to you!

Q: Hi Jayne, You are definitely my hero(ine?). I was wondering...do you decide on a plot and toss your characters in, or do you toss the characters in a pot and see what they cook up? Sometimes my characters get away from me...Thanks for being so prolific! I learn more and more every time I read your books! (Toni)

A: Dear Toni: It's very hard for me to describe how the creative process works. I don't think any author can fully describe it. I know that, on some level, I usually start with a sense of the conflict that will push my characters apart even as it pulls them together. After that I start working on a plot that will use that particular kind of conflict. Somehow the characters, themselves, evolve during the process. But I often don't know them well at the beginning of the book. And, yes, they can certainly get away from you at times!

Q: Hi, Jayne, I was wondering if you are ever planning to create characters with specific diverse ethnic backgrounds, or do you think it would make some readers (who are not of the particular background) feel excluded? (Beth)

A: Dear Beth: You want to know something? I never think of my characters in terms of their ethnic backgrounds. I don't even have a particular mental image of how they look when I'm writing about them. True, I usually slap a few descriptions on them such as eye color or hair color, but that's mostly to satisfy readers who want to have some physical description and, frankly, I'm doing less and less of that. Personally, I never think of them as looking any particular way. I do think in terms of conflict, in terms of emotion, in terms of temperament, in terms of motivation, in terms of personal world views, power, charisma, etc. -- but never in terms of physical appearance or ethnic background. I read the same way. Unless an author goes to some effort to show me that his or her characters are of a particular ethnic descent, I don't even think about it. I'm not sure that answers your question but it's the best I can do.

Q: Ms Krentz, I thought I had read somewhere that write erotica? Is this true and under what name? (S. Herness)

A: Dear S. Herness: Nope. I don't write erotica. That's an entirely different genre.

Q: Dear Jayne, I love reading your books. I can't wait for your next book to came out so I can read it. I have two questions: will you make any sequels to Absolutely Positive and Family Man and how do you came up with titles for your books. Keep on writing we can't wait for more of your books. (Anna)

A: Dear Anna: No plans for sequels to those two books. As for titles, that's sometimes a very easy process; at other times extremely difficult. The goal is to come up with a title that somehow captures the feel of the story. It should also supply an image for the cover art. And if you don't think that's hard....

Q: Jayne, I finished Flash in a 'flash' and thought it great fun. I do hope Olivia gets over her coffee addiction, tho; she must get a whale of a caffeine buzz! My question is: do you ever do appearances/autographings east of the Mississippi? I love to get autographs from my favorite authors, but I can't hop around the country collecting them. Do think of your many fans in Chicago (several of which I lead to your work) when your plan your next publicity trip. Thanks for many hours of great reading pleasure. (Marsha)

A: Dear Marsha: Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be doing signings in the Chicago area in the future. Watch for details on this site! Glad you enjoyed FLASH!

Q: Dear Jayne, I have read every book you have written,and have tremendously enjoyed each one. In THE DEVIL TO PAY Emmy wrote a novel called MINDLINK. Is there any chance that you'll actually write this novel? (Gail Deutsch)

A: Dear Gail: I don't think I'll ever write that particular book but I have very much enjoyed experimenting with paranormal and futuristic elements in other books, including my Jayne Castle titles.

Q: I would like to know more about the "Tal Kek Chara" talked about in Deep Waters. Is there really philosophy to be studied in this direction...involving reference to water? If so ...where can I get more information on it?

A: I sort of invented Tal Kek Chara. To do so, I used bits and pieces of a bunch of different martial arts philosophies. Sorry, I can't send you off to find more info on it but I think you'll discover the study of any of the major schools of martial arts quite fascinating. The essence of most of them is self-control and self-responsibility.

Q: I just wanted to tell you that I love all of your books I have read so far. I really love the heroines and heroes. They seem to have a life of their own and take me to a place where my imagination can soar to new heights. I would like to know are you ever coming to the St. Louis, Missouri area and if you are when? (Mercedez McCloud)

A: Dear Mercedez: Thanks for the positive feedback on the books. I have no immediate plans to go to St. Louis, MO, but you never know what the future holds. Stay tuned...

Q: I can't believe I didn't find the JAK web site until today. I have all your books except Hired Husband and Sabrina's Scheme. I'm sure you've been asked before, but can these two ever be republished? I always look forward to your new books and only wish there were more of them. I miss the postcards and Christmas Cards from years ago. (Marge Lancer)

A: Dear Marge: There are no plans to republish Hired Husband and Sabrina's Scheme. Sorry about those missing postcards and Christmas cards. I couldn't keep up with them! I'm hoping this site will cover the same territory. Thanks for your continuing interest in my books.

Q: Jayne, I love your books and have read quite a few of them. I was wondering if you were going to write any more books around the Sheild's Lady or Crystal Flame theme? I loved both of those books and have anyways hoped you would go back and give us a little bit more about that time and place. I had such fun when I visited them with you. Thanks for all of the hard work you do. I love reading your stuff.

A: Glad you enjoyed the futuristics. If you're looking for more of that kind of story, be sure to check out the three recent books I wrote as Jayne Castle: Amaryllis, Zinnia & Orchid. Thanks for the kind words.

Q: Hi Jayne, first of all I just want to tell you how much I love your books. I have been reading romance novels for a while, but I did not discover your book until recently. I started off with your Amanda Quick books and fell in love with them. Imagine my thrill when I realise that you also write in other names. I have two questions. First is that your heroes and herons often have quite a age gap between them, why is that. And my second question is regarding the book covers. I realized from ready other posts from before that you don't really have a say on how your books are being published, but I was wondering if you know why did they stop the nice pictures that were inside the covers of your Amanda Quick books? Thank you for taking your time and answer these questions personally.

A: Glad you found my Jayne Ann Krentz titles! The age gaps between my heroes and heroines varies. I find that as time goes by (and I get older) my heroes and heroines are getting a little older, too! Amazing. In answer to your question about covers, keep in mind that cover art goes through cycles and fads, just like everything else. Right now there is a strong tendency away from covers that feature pictures of the heroes and heroines. Thanks for your note.