Jean was born at a very early age and now writes about fictional characters suffering authentic history. Accompany her (blog) as her research leads her to travel throughout the twelfth century kingdom of Richard the Lionheart.
Jean talks about her writing in a radio interview with Dana Wensley of Amnesty International, which can be heard here on FreshFM.
Another interview for Top Writers is presented below. |
ABOUT ME
Jean is a regional secretary for the New Zealand Society of Authors.
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INTERVIEW
Q. So, Jean, what inspired you to write books?
I have often written for journals, and scientifically, but, once I started on my first medieval novel, writing absorbed my waking moments. I became a regional secretary for the NZ Society of Authors, quit my day job and subsequently spent three months in Britain and Europe to do research.
Q. Why travel to France. I thought Richard was King of England.
Yes, and Duke of Normandy, Poitiers, Anjou and Aquitaine. France was at that time restricted to the lands around Paris and had vassals further east. Richard spent little time in England.
Q. What was the thing that helped most during the writing of your first book?
I became a reader in the British Library, London and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK. Few men (and even fewer women) could write in the twelfth century and those that could usually had an agenda set by the person paying them and a healthy regard for their necks. However, Richard of Devizes, Matthew Paris, Walter Map Archdeacon of Oxford and Gerald Cambrensis – who wrote of his travels in Wales, were invaluable sources.
Q. What is your writing routine?
Blown to smithereens by the family.
Q. Any good advice for other writers?
Persevere.
Q. Who are your favourite writers?
Elizabeth Chadwick, Sharon Penman, Alison Weir, Dorothy Dunnett (16th Century, but I forgive her), Roberta Gellis and Diana Gabaldon, who is not afraid to write hefty books. I enjoy reading about the history of the times, but I am not interested in blood and battles. I know they were cruel times with different standards of behaviour, but I don't want too many gory details.
Q. Do you have an editor and production team at Spring Grove Books?
Yes. I must thank Sally Astridge for her unstinting editorial help with the Lionheart Chronicles. Sally is qualified in creative writing, in Medieval literature and is a treasure. She is a published author herself.
My covers are designed by Geri Sheppard and books designed by Karen at Contexo. As a team they do a fantastic job.
I have often written for journals, and scientifically, but, once I started on my first medieval novel, writing absorbed my waking moments. I became a regional secretary for the NZ Society of Authors, quit my day job and subsequently spent three months in Britain and Europe to do research.
Q. Why travel to France. I thought Richard was King of England.
Yes, and Duke of Normandy, Poitiers, Anjou and Aquitaine. France was at that time restricted to the lands around Paris and had vassals further east. Richard spent little time in England.
Q. What was the thing that helped most during the writing of your first book?
I became a reader in the British Library, London and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK. Few men (and even fewer women) could write in the twelfth century and those that could usually had an agenda set by the person paying them and a healthy regard for their necks. However, Richard of Devizes, Matthew Paris, Walter Map Archdeacon of Oxford and Gerald Cambrensis – who wrote of his travels in Wales, were invaluable sources.
Q. What is your writing routine?
Blown to smithereens by the family.
Q. Any good advice for other writers?
Persevere.
Q. Who are your favourite writers?
Elizabeth Chadwick, Sharon Penman, Alison Weir, Dorothy Dunnett (16th Century, but I forgive her), Roberta Gellis and Diana Gabaldon, who is not afraid to write hefty books. I enjoy reading about the history of the times, but I am not interested in blood and battles. I know they were cruel times with different standards of behaviour, but I don't want too many gory details.
Q. Do you have an editor and production team at Spring Grove Books?
Yes. I must thank Sally Astridge for her unstinting editorial help with the Lionheart Chronicles. Sally is qualified in creative writing, in Medieval literature and is a treasure. She is a published author herself.
My covers are designed by Geri Sheppard and books designed by Karen at Contexo. As a team they do a fantastic job.