Janet Woods Talks About Her Novels
Historical Romance Writer, Reveals her Writing Methods
Mar 19, 2009
Suite101 writer, Lynne Cobine, talk to Janet Woods an Historical Romance writer.
You mention on your website that you have an interest in human relationships - how do you choose the settings to place your characters and their different relationships?
I imagine all authors have an interest in human relationships, unless they were writing about machines. But even robots and puppets are given personalities. Usually I've used Dorset, because that was where I was born and grew up. I feel I have this psychic connection and can look back at the place with a certain amount of romantic nostalgia. Plus I've visited often over the years because most of my family live there.
However, Australia manages to creep into my books. My latest release HEARTS OF GOLD starts off in Western Australia, on the gold fields. I've written a book set in Ireland, because my agent asked me if I could write one set there. Also in Scotland. My favourite setting was Portland UK. I set a duo of books there, mainly because I'd never heard of a novel being set there. I loved researching it with the help of a book by local historian, Stuart Morris. The island really lent itself to adventure.
Do you have a favourite character you have created?
Ah yes, he appeared in my third book PANDORA'S GIRL . . . his name was Bryn Llewellyn and he was a slightly eccentric Welsh psychiatrist. He was only destined for a small role, but came into my story and took it over immediately. I wouldn't be brave enough to say I created him. He created himself. Of my Severn House books I liked my Irish heroine, Erin Maguire in More Than Promise. And if I can nominate a group, I loved the Batterby Boys who were eight young brothers is Amaranth Moon. I could go on and on. I love most of my characters . . . even the dogs
As you live in Western Australia - how do you research your novel's settings?
Books - internet - personal memory. For instance. I've got about 250 books in my research library. I research even if I live in the setting I'm using. The gold town of Coolgardie in Hearts of Gold for instance, is within visiting distance. I try and get a general feel for a place first through its history. I send off for maps. I have quite a collection of ordnance survey maps of London in the late 1800s. They are also available for other parts of the UK. I can't recommend these highly enough. They are cheap, and as well as being an accurate map of the time they contain heaps of other information, like who had what business where. They can be obtained from www.alangodfreymaps.co.uk
What is a typical writing day for you?
I rise early. 5 am is typical. I make two mugs of tea and go to my office. There I read the emails that have come in overnight, and answer those that need it. For instance. It's now 7 am, and I've been writing the answers to this interview for two hours.
About 7 am I walk on my treadmill for half an hour, have breakfast, shower, then am at my desk by 9 am. Generally I work until noon, and have lunch with my husband, who's retired. If there's a good film on TV I'll watch it with him, though I usually have a snooze. TV does that to me. Nothing to do with the programs. I think it sends out sleep rays that I respond to! I go back to my desk about 2 pm and work until 5 pm.
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