Friday, May 4, 2018

Interview with Jayne Self



Which of your books was your favorite to write? Why?

I think I’m best suited to writing mysteries, and my favourite is always the one in progress. There’s still so much to discover, twists to unravel, and secrets to expose. I love unearthing my characters’ secrets. The anticipation keeps me awake at night. I love it!

That being said, I had a blast writing my two Seaglass Mysteries. Written at the seashore, about the seashore. I even had a reading on the beach. Wonderful.

Which of your characters was/is your favorite? Why?

At this point in my career, I think my favourite character remains the hero of a yet-to-be-published series. He’s Dean Constable, a former police detective turned crime-solving pastor. Dean is a man haunted by his past, but through situations he confronts in each book his wounds are healing and his faith is growing. He has a ridiculous dog, an off-beat sense of humour, and he’s falling in love with a woman from his past. For me, a character doesn’t get more fun than that.  

What is your favorite theme to write about?

Whether intentional or not, I find myself returning to the theme of belonging. Perhaps because, as someone adopted, belonging is my own issue. I can explore it safely through my characters and learn about myself. That I keep returning to this theme tells me I have much to learn.

What made you decide to become a writer?

I have always dreamed of writing stories. Ever since childhood I’ve entertained myself imagining ‘what if’ scenarios. For a time, I set that aside. I locked my imagination away because I thought it was somehow sinful. But eventually I returned to it, older, wiser (I hope) and more able to see it as a God-given blessing. Around 1999, I decided to try putting my thoughts onto paper, and my passion for words was unleashed.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Learn the craft. Craft takes time. When I started writing I didn’t even know there was such a thing as writers’ craft. I though you only needed a good story. Over the years, and through lots of hard work, I’ve discovered that good story is not enough. Without good craftsmanship, a story will never reach the people God longs to influence. So, take the time needed to do it right.

God has given us His best and we should never be seduced into to giving Him anything less that ours.


















Murder In Hum Harbour: A Seaglass Mystery [Jayne E. Self] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. There's a sleuth on the loose Part-time medical receptionist, part-time jewelry crafter, Gailynn MacDonald thinks she knows everything about everyone in Hum Harbour





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