Today we’re celebrating the release of What Janie Saw
Pamela Tracy's next Heartwarming Releases in November of 2014. It's called Holiday Homecoming. It continues the Scorpion Ridge series and features Meredith.
So, Pamela, where did you get the idea for this novel?
I’m a college English professor. I read all kinds of essays and journals. Years ago while sitting in the student union one night, when it was dark outside and empty inside, I suddenly thought, “What if....” It took years for Janie to get her turn, but she’s been asking me to write the story for about eight years.
In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say?
Maybe you should run!
How long did it take you to write?
Six months. I work full time and have a nine-year-old son. My life is this wonderful adventure that has me teaching big kids, going to fun adventure with little kids (little league, cub scouts, Youth Leadership Training for Christ), and then sitting down and writing about romance at night. I write a thousand words a day.
What is your favorite scene?
The opening... definitely the opening. Hmmm, I’m working on a Love Inspired novel right now, and I love the opening. I need to look back and see if I always love the openings.
Who was your favorite character and why?
It would have to be Janie because I can identify with her. She deals with students while she’s little more than a student herself. She has dreams. I remember when I was a young teacher. My dream was to write.
If you could pick fictional characters to play the hero and heroine, who would they be?
I always do this.
This is Rafael Salazar: cop This is Janie Vincent: art teacher
Tell us one thing you learned during research.
I learned about the value of the EpiPen for people who have nut allergies.
This is your 25th book. Exactly what does that mean to you?
LOL, that maybe I ‘do’ know how to write.
What do you plan to work on next? I’m working on a Love Inspired contemporary. I’ve called it the Weaver’s Needle, but the name will change. It’s about a woman who manages a guest ranch and an ex-con who comes to work for her father. He turns out to be a gifted rider, something she’s always wished to be.
What are you reading for pleasure right now?
I’m really into veterinarian books. I blame Eleanor. I read her Harlequin Heartwarming The Country Vet and turned about and bought Vet on the Loose. Now, I’m reading the last Brenda Minton Love Inspired.
You sound so busy. I can,t wait to read What Janie saw
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DeleteLOL, busy is an understatement. Luckily Little League ended on Thursday and Dive doesn't start until June 2nd.
I have two students with nut allergies. VERY scary!
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DeleteAt my son's school, they actually have a table set aside in the cafeteria for students with nut allergies. They're that careful.
I have a grandson with a peanut allergy. I was visiting when he had his first peanut
ReplyDeletebutter sandwich. My daughter and I watched him choke and swell up and turn blotchy. She had benedryl in the house and I gave him that while she called Medics. Epi pens are a great medical miracle. And you, my friend, are a gifted writer, and the kind of teacher everyone wants, and the kind of mother every kid should have.
DeleteOh, Roz, you're good for my heart. Writing is easier than mothering. In writing, I can erase, revise, etc. With mothering, once you've said it, you have a hard time taking it back. I always said I wouldn't be a yeller. Yup, I yell.
Pamela, I'm inspired by your life! Your passion, dedication and self-discipline is so heartening and encouraging...I'm looking forward to What Janie Saw!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteLOL, last night I went to bed early and got eight hours. Today passion is much easier. I think we all have those three traits. They're what helped us step over the line from un-pubbed to pubbed. They're what the people who tell me "Someday, when I have time, I'm going to write a book" don't have. If I waited until I had time...
I just bought 'What Janie Saw' for my Kindle. Excited to read it. Keep these great books coming, Pam!
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ReplyDeletePatti, I'm thrilled you stopped by. Ladies, this is the great Patti Knoll. I keep telling her that Heartwarming is a great place to be. Thanks so much for buying What Janie Saw.
Pam - we all yell. I'm generally so laid-back, Ron sometimes checks me for a pulse. But when we had our children, I was really Muriel at high-volume. How do they know how to push your buttons? I cannot imagine how you do all you do - and so well. I am in awe. Congratulations on the book. I love your caption - Maybe you should run. How you maintain a sense of humor is beyond me. Or maybe the sense of humor helps you maintain the life? Kudos, Woman! Heartwarming Amazon!
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm too tired and chubby to run.
ReplyDeleteYes, they can push buttons. But then, they do something like cuddle up next to you and chatter in your ear until you think there's nothing better in the whole wide world. Right now, Mike is at my side - as I type - telling me about his dream last night. It was all about Pokemon cards and trading. I've not a clue what all the Pokemon names mean. I do know that EX is most important, and that holograms are good, too.
It's so interesting to hear where everyone's story inspiration comes from. Thanks for sharing.
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DeleteI agree, Mel. I hope the inspiration never ends.
25 books! Amazing! I am in awe because I can relate to working during the day, running kids around in the afternoon, and squeezing in writing time at night. I wonder if I'll ever find the time to write 25. This one sounds so interesting. I can't wait to find time to check it out :)
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DeleteAmy, yup, I'm a night writer too. My first was in 99, and some of the 25 are novellas. You want to look at numbers, I think Roz is our Superwoman.
Love this interview, Pam! I'm totally intrigued by 'What Janie Saw' and love your Hollywood renditions of your h/h. Best wishes!
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