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Monday, February 3, 2014

Interview of Author Jayne Ann Krentz

Welcome! Recently I managed to pull Jayne Ann Krentz (AKA Amanda Quick, AKA Jayne Castle) away from her work to chat a little bit with us about life, her writing, and her new release, RIVER ROAD. As a fan, I'm super excited to bring this interview to all of you.

Giveaway Alert!
After you're finished reading, be sure to leave a note to Jayne in the comments section below. On Friday, TWO commenters will be chosen at random to win a free copy of Jayne's newest release, RIVER ROAD. Squee!

Q:  Tell us about your new release.

A:  RIVER ROAD is my return to straight romantic-suspense -- no paranormal involved.  It has been a while since I’ve written a book that doesn’t have a psychic twist.  It was a lot of fun to go back to the “pure” form of what has always been my favorite genre.  Hey, I grew up on Nancy Drew.

Q: You write under three pen names: Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, and Jayne Castle.  What is the biggest challenge for you when juggling so many names?

A:  I’ve never thought of having three names as a challenge.  Each of my names suits a particular world and I find it refreshing to write in the various fictional landscapes.  Different plots and different kinds of characters work in different worlds. When I come out of one world, I can’t wait to dive into another landscape.  I can’t move back and forth between worlds when I’m in the middle of a story, though.  Can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, I guess.  When I’m in one world and a particular story I can’t leave it until it’s done.

Q: You've said:  "It took me six years to get published and during that period I told myself over and over again that it was hopeless; that I should give it up and concentrate on my real career (I was a librarian)." What made you keep going? What would you recommend other writers do who might be going through this dark time?

A:  I kept going because I literally could not stop writing.  It is an addiction and, like all addictions, it has a dark side.  But I love it.  As for what I would do differently in today’s market, that’s easy – I would not hesitate to self-publish.  But that option was not available when I started out.  Here’s a blinding flash of the obvious: The world has changed!  Writing is a self-taught craft.  Writers learn by writing.  I see no good reason not to start out on your own.  If one of the big publishers comes calling, that’s great.  But why not get going on your own future?

Q: You've said: "[Romances] are books that celebrate women's heroic virtues and values: courage, honor, determination and a belief in the healing power of love." Who are some of your favorite romance authors who really show off these strengths?

A:  Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Christina Dodd, and  Elizabeth Lowell are a few of my favorites.

Q:  You are an incredibly prolific writer.  How do you write so many books?

A: I write at the pace that suits me.  Every author I know has her own pace.  It is what it is.  If I tried to write more slowly I would lose interest in my story.  By the same token, I can’t speed up very much, either.  For the whole of my career it has always taken me about the same length of time to write a book.

Q:  Do you ever suffer from “burn out?” What are some things you do to refresh and recharge between projects?

A:  I’m never sure how to answer this question because I don’t know exactly what “burn-out” means.  If you are a storyteller, the stories just come.  The hard part is turning off the tap. For as long as I can remember I have always told stories to myself.   There is always one waiting in the wings and it doesn’t take much to trigger it.  Now, it may not be a great story – it may not be a marketable story – but there’s always a story hanging around.   And in my experience, creativity begets creativity.   I suspect that what most people mean by burn-out is simply loss of interest in a story.   I don’t know of a cure for that except to move on to another story.    I think one of the biggest mistakes beginning writers are inclined to make is to write a story to death.  When that happens, everything, including the writer, goes flat.

Q:  What is your favorite part about being an author?

A:  Watching a book come together.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen for me until I get to the very end and then – suddenly – I find out where I’ve been going all along.  There is a reason they call the first draft the “discovery draft.”

Q:  What do you do when you’re not writing?

A:  Cook, shop and travel; not necessarily in that order.

Q:  Which one of your many characters do you feel is most like you? In what way(s) are you two alike?

A:  I never think of any of my characters as being like me.  However,  all of my heroes and heroines do share my own core values.  I could not write one who went against those values.  I have always said that if you enjoy my books, it is probably because we share similar core values.

Q:  You mentioned in other interviews that your typical day starts at 7AM and you write until noon. How do you stay so disciplined? When you are going through a rough patch in your personal life, how do you stay focused on the story?

A:  I took the discipline of the work world into my writing world.  But that was easy for me to do because I have always been a fairly disciplined person.  (Hmm.  Note to self: Consider writing some BDSM erotica).   Ahem.  Where was I?  Oh, yes – I like my work routine so I tend to stick to it.  Sometimes life gets in the way, of course.  When that happens I deal with it.

Q:  What one item can you never leave the house without?

A:  A credit card.  I consider retail therapy at Nordstrom to be the most effective therapy for me.

Q:  Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what kind of music?

A:  I love music -- Mozart and serious Rock – but I can’t listen to it when I write.  Too distracting.

Q:  What was the most outrageous thing you've ever done?

A:  Sadly, I am not a very outrageous person.  I save the outrageous stuff for my characters.

Thank you so much Jayne for stopping by and spending some time with us. We're honored!

Okay, now it's your turn. Do you have a question for Jayne? Leave it in the comments section below. If you don't have a question, that's fine. Comment on the interview, or how much you love her books. Reminder: Just be sure to leave a comment, because on February 7th, TWO commenters will be randomly chosen (through random.org) to win a free copy of Jayne's newest release, RIVER ROAD!!

More about RIVER ROAD:

RIVER ROAD (Jayne Ann Krentz)
Hardcover - 326 pages
On Sale January 7, 2014
Putnam; ISBN-10: 0399165126
ISBN-13: 9780399165122

Buy it from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo Books, iBooks, or Sony ebookstore.

From the New York Times—bestselling author of Dream Eyes and Copper Beach, a brand-new quintessential Jayne Ann Krentz romance.
It’s been thirteen years since Lucy Sheridan was in Summer River. The last time she visited her aunt Sara there, as a teenager, she’d been sent home suddenly after being dragged out of a wild party—by the guy she had a crush on, just to make it more embarrassing. Obviously Mason Fletcher—only a few years older but somehow a lot more of a grown-up—was the overprotective type who thought he had to come to her rescue.

Now, returning after her aunt’s fatal car accident, Lucy is learning there was more to the story than she realized at the time. Mason had saved her from a very nasty crime that night—and soon afterward, Tristan, the cold-blooded rich kid who’d targeted her, disappeared mysteriously, his body never found.

A lot has changed in thirteen years. Lucy now works for a private investigation firm as a forensic genealogist, while Mason has quit the police force to run a successful security firm with his brother—though he still knows his way around a wrench when he fills in at his uncle’s local hardware store. Even Summer River has changed, from a sleepy farm town into a trendy upscale spot in California’s wine country. But Mason is still a protector at heart, a serious (and seriously attractive) man. And when he and Lucy make a shocking discovery inside Sara’s house, and some of Tristan’s old friends start acting suspicious, Mason’s quietly fierce instincts kick into gear. He saved Lucy once, and he’ll save her again. But this time, she insists on playing a role in her own rescue . . .
Booklist (starred review). “Irresistible: scintillating humor, stunning suspense, & sexy romance.”

Library Journal (*starred* review): “Wonderfully appealing protagonists, a clever, skillfully crafted plot, soul-stirring sensuality, and delicious flashes of humor result in a classic tale of romantic suspense.”

Biography:


The author of a string of New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ uses three different pen names for each of her three "worlds". As JAYNE ANN KRENTZ (her married name) she writes contemporary romantic-suspense. She uses AMANDA QUICK for her novels of historical romantic-suspense. JAYNE CASTLE (her birth name) is reserved these days for her stories of futuristic/paranormal romantic-suspense.

"I am often asked why I use a variety of pen names," she says. "The answer is that this way readers always know which of my three worlds they will be entering when they pick up one of my books."

In addition to her fiction writing, she is the editor of, and a contributor to, a non-fiction essay collection, DANGEROUS MEN AND ADVENTUROUS WOMEN: ROMANCE WRITERS ON THE APPEAL OF THE ROMANCE published by the University of Pennsylvania Press. Her commitment to her chosen genre has been strong from the very beginning of her career. Each year at the annual convention of the Romance Writers of America she participates in a special day-long workshop for librarians and speaks on the importance of the romance genre.

"The romance genre is the only genre where readers are guaranteed novels that place the heroine at the heart of the story," Jayne says. "These are books that celebrate women's heroic virtues and values: courage, honor, determination and a belief in the healing power of love."

She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.

She is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.

103 comments:

kaisquared said...

Jayne, was it difficult to go back to writing non-paranormal romantic suspense after producing so many excellent paranormal books? Why did you choose to do so at this time? Were you serious about plotting a BDSM book?

Kimberley said...

I love your books, all genres. Over the years, your books have brought me many hours of enjoyment!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Jayne, I read your Amanda Quick books first, and then your Jayne Ann Krentz ones. I really must try out a Jayne Castle soon!
Cara

Marianne Stephens said...

Thanks for being on Romance Books '4' Us today! An author page has been created at http://www.romancebooks4us.com for you!

ELF said...

I love all of the books by all three of your personas. I probably still have Candlelight Ecstasy Romances by you on my shelves (and I am under the impression that there was another pseudonym back then as well)! Thanks so much for visiting and sharing some of your routine with us, I look forward to reading the new book!

JennRoseton said...

Jayne, you inspired me to write romance! You've always been my favorite author since I discovered your books at my local library many years ago, and I gradually bought my own copy of each of your books!

catedid said...

I especially enjoy your writing under Jayne Castle. Love to visit Harmony.

Kimberly Dawn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kimberly Dawn said...

Loved reading your interview. River Road is high on my TBR list!

Debby said...

I used to just read two of your names but now I am reading them all and loving it.
debby236@ gmail dot com

Sydney Jane Baily said...

I never care which of her names I'm reading though Amanda Quick's world is my favorite. I know it will be a quality story. She is, above all else, a tremendously gifted storyteller. So glad to learn more about her here. I, too, can't write to music, except when one of my characters was a classical pianist. Cheers!

Carly Carson said...

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your books. I love your heroes who manage to be alpha without being overbearing and also your clever heroines. Thanks for the laughs, as well.

Suzanne Rock said...

Hi Jayne! Thank you so much for being here today. I love your books and I'm so excited to have you on the blog with us!

Sandy Loyd said...

Wow, what a great interview! I've been a fan forever and am happy that you are doing a straight Romantic Suspense. It's also fun to discover that your favorite authors are my favorite authors (with your name added, of course). Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to dig into your new story.

Molly Daniels said...

I did not know you wrote as Amanda Quick! I love your books under that name:)

Very nice to get to know you better, and I will definitely check out your books under your other names!

Nina Pierce said...

Such a great interview. I read every book (in every pen name) of yours at my small local library. I've always enjoyed your books. This newest one sounds wonderful.

Now that I've jumped into the publishing world myself I have another level of admiration for your stories and the worlds you create. I am amazed at your production and the different stories and characters you've created.

Thank you so much for taking time to visit this blog. It's always fun to learn more about a favorite author.

Sandy said...

Jayne, I started reading your books when you wrote for Harlequin. You hooked from the very start of your career.

Renee Vincent said...

OMGosh, I feel like a crazy teenage fan right now! I LOVE your Amanda Quick books....Historicals are my first love and I think your romances are simply timeless! Your heroes are to die for!

Thank you for taking the time to be with us today. I know you are a super busy author, but it means the world to me that you're here. Thanks again for creating the best Alpha heroes and taking me to another place and time.

Judy Baker said...

I've always been a fan and looking forward to River Road which sound like another hit. Thanks Jayne for all you give to readers. Judy

Harlie Williams said...

You are one of all time favorite authors. Jayne Castle was the last of your "names" that I read and I love the bunny.

And plus one of your Amanda Quick characters is Thad, my husband's name. ;)

Marika

Cindy Spencer Pape said...

Thanks for visiting us here. You've inspired a lot of other authors, partly, I think because your sucess in multiple genres, and partly because your books are always such fun. You've been a favorite of mine for years--I still remember that getting a peek of you walking around my first RWA conference was such a thrill. You were a bigger celebrity to me than any movie star.

Anny Cook said...

So I'm gonna be a fangirl here for a moment. Years ago (we won't discuss how many!) I wrote to you about being a writer. I still have the letter you sent to me. Just want to say...I made it!

I have all your books--yes, even the really old ones. And I re-read them frequently. Loved River Road!

Melissa Keir said...

Thank you for sharing about yourself and your writing. I've loved the Jayne Castle series. Do you find that some readers only love one of your genres or do they go for them all?

Good luck with your latest release!

Melissa
daringzoey at yahoo.com

sassytdw said...

I am a huge fan of your Jayne Ann Krentz and Jayne Castle books. And while I generally am not a fan of historical, I do enjoy your Amanda Quick when they intercept with your other pen names. Thanks for allowing me into your story worlds.

jean hart stewart said...

So glad to get to know you better. Very interesting you don't mention a soggy middle. Sounds like you write through that and just keep going. Wow..

Larion aka Larriane Wills said...

Jayne by any name has always been one of my favorites. Like Cara started on Amanda and grew.

N.J.Walters said...

Love your books. It was your Amanda Quick books that turned me into a romance reader. (Until then I mostly read fiction and historical fiction.) There was no looking back from there. :)

Charmaine Gordon said...

Thank you for your revealing interview, an inspiration to all of us. I am taken with your words: "celebrate women's heroic virtues and values, courage, honor,determination, and the healing power of love." I believe all this and write my books expressing with humor and warmth what you believe in. Again, thanks.

Berengaria Brown said...

Awesome interview, thank you, Jayne. I have a lot of your books and I always love to reread them.
Berengaria

Cara Marsi said...

Jayne, such a wonderful interview. I love your books. I can't wait to read the River Road series. I really liked what you said about self-publishing. Thank you for that. I'm totally into it and it was good to hear your take on it. I don't have a question for you, but I certainly enjoyed your interview.

Love to win your book. Here's my email: carolyn4books@aol.com

Paris said...

Jayne,

Lovely interview! I always look forward to another Jayne Ann Krentz book, no matter what the genre. Thanks for stopping by today.

Unknown said...

Great interview. The new book 'River Road' sounds great! I love Jayne Ann's stories. Thanks for the contest/giveaway.

Lea Ellen {night owl in IL}
borg_66@hotmail.com

LKF said...

I'm so excited to learn that Amanda Quick, is you. : ) I love your stories and feel I have new authors to explore since you write under a few more pen names. Thanks for being here today and giving me new books to add to my kindle.
Lynda

Unknown said...

Hi Jayne, it's so nice to have you here! I've read most of your books and love them all, especially the Amanda Quick books. You were one of my inspirations to start writing again. My question has nothing to do with writing... how do you look younger now than you did on author photos from years ago? Please share your fountain of youth secrets!

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Kaisquard: No, it wasn't hard to go back to straight romantic-suspense -- it has always been my favorite genre. I was ready for the change, at least in my contemporaries and historicals. The futuristics that I write as Jayne Castle are another matter. I will get my psychic/futuristic fix in those books.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Kimberley: Thanks for taking the time to let me know that we have been a "team" for quite a while now!

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Cara Adams: Be careful when you try my futuristics -- there are dust bunnies involved. I will say no more...

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Marianne Stephens: Thanks so much for inviting me here today. Great group!

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

E.L.F.: Thanks so much for letting me know that you have been enjoying my books for so long.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

JennRoseton: Congratulations on your own writing career. I wish you all the best with your writing.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Debby: Thanks for letting me know that you read me under all three of my names -- not everyone will follow me into all three of my worlds. I really treasure readers like you, who do, believe me.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Sydney -- thanks and congratulations on your own writing career!

Carly Carson: Sounds like we like the same kind of men! And thanks for "getting" my sense of humor -- not everyone does.

Molly: Yep, I write as Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle. It's the worst kept secret in the book world.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Nina Pierce -- thanks for letting me know that you enjoy my books and all the best to you in your own writing.

Sandy -- So glad we're still a "team".

N.J. Walters -- The romance genre is the best genre of all, in my opinion. As a writer, I've been able to do any kind of plot and any kind of character that I've ever wanted to do.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Renee Vincent: I'm delighted to be here today. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know that you enjoy my books. It was very kind of you.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Harlie Reader: Glad you're enjoying the dust bunnies. Those little suckers have taken over my Jayne Castle life.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Cindy Spencer Pape. Thanks and isn't RWA the best writers' organization on the planet? I recommend it to everyone who writes or wants to write, regardless of genre. (And for anyone out there wondering, here's the website: www.rwa.org)

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Anny Cook: Many, many congratulations on your writing career!

Melissa Keir: Yes, indeed, a lot of readers only want to go into one of my worlds. Some people read me only under my Amanda name. Others will only read me as JAK.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Sassytdw: Thanks for trying all three of my names. I appreciate that, believe me.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Jean Hart Stewart: Here's a tip for getting through the "soggy middle": Skip ahead and write a rough draft of your ending. When you do that, a lot of things get clarified -- including what has to happen in the middle.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Charmaine Gordon: Sounds like we're both on the same page when it comes to our world views and our writing.

Gram said...

I enjoyed River Road, but I also enjoy Harmony and Rainshadow and the Ladies of Lantern Street - waiting for #3. and all the other Amanda Quick books.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jayne,
Do you think Amanda Quick might have a straight up historical romance in her? (By that I mean not paranormal.) Although I do enjoy the recent books, some of the earlier ones were my favorites.
bonnieblue at wowway dot com

Sharon H. said...

I'm a long-time fan of all your books in all your personas way back into the '80s and never miss buying one. However, my bookcase is so full now (can't bear to get rid of them because I re-read them), I am reading your latest creations (like River Road) on my Kindle. When I read your Jayne Castle Harmony novels, I am reminded so much of Robin D. Owens books, which I also thoroughly enjoy. Do you read Robin D. Owens too?

janeanng said...

I am so thrilled you are back to writing romantic suspense and have the new book on my night stand to start tonight. When I am reading your stories I feel like I have walked into the world of the characters and am disappointed when I am finished and have to leave. Thank you for coming back to my favorite genre-romantic suspense.

Sharon H. said...

I noticed that Anonymous was asking about straight-up historicals. I recommend he or she order copies of Ravished, Reckless, Dangerous, Deception, Desire, Mistress, Mystique or Mischief, just to name a few. Mystique is the only one set in Medieval times and is one of my favorites. (That said, I'd love to read a new Amanda Quick creation set in Medieval times…just a little hint. ;-)

janeanng said...

I am so excited to start your latest book and that you have returned to my favorite genre of romantic suspense. I started reading your stories in 1981 and have never stopped. Thank you for returning to the books I love with River Road.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Anonymous: Thanks for asking about my Amanda Quick plans. The next book: OTHERWISE ENGAGED Apr. 22nd will be my first non-paranormal historical in quite a while. Hope you enjoy it.

Sue Everhart said...

I don't know which of your genres I love the most...but when I see either name, I buy it. I agree with you about Susan Elizabeth being a favorite, too. There are so many of you top rated authors, it gives us readers sooooooo much reading pleasure! Thanks for all your previos works and those to come!

Riley said...

Love any and all that you write, Started reading candlelights in the 80's and Looked all over when you moved on and if It says Jak I will buy it. Have several books on my shelves that I have kept through the years

Kim Vixy said...

I still remember the day I was walking through Target and your book Paid Companion caught my attention. I've been hooked ever since! I used to make fun of my older sister for reading romance and now I have a bigger collection than she does. After reading Paid Companion, I had to read more by you. I have crossed all three names and love them all for different reasons. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and for changing my outlook on the genre of romance. Also, like kaisquared, I'm interested in if you are serious about a BDSM book.

okbarbie5 said...

I love your books Jayne and own several of them. I just can't seem to get enough of them. Looking forward to reading River Road!!

Susan said...

I have to admit I really love your paranormal books. I found you through Jayne Castle and the flower books (first edition used). I've mostly read your other paranormals, but enjoy romanic suspence too.

P.S. I usually review books I receive for free.

Susan
skadlec1@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Hi again Jayne, I am so glad that you went back to writing straight romance. I love those the most and have missed them so much. I don't know what BDSM means so I'm lost there. Ready and waiting for each and every future book you write as Jayne, Amanda or Jayne. Love Margie Lee

Aurian said...

Thanks for the lovely interview ladies, I really enjoyed reading it. I have been a fan of JAK in all her incarnations for over 25 years now, and I still love them all. I've read an ebook of River Road this weekend and loved it, but I sure would not mind winning a paper book! Regarding the non-paranormal, I very politely point out that dear aunt Sara gives off some very witchy/psychic vibes! And that made me smile while reading.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Ahem: Those of you who love my paranormal books: Sure hope you caught the little reference to Rainshadow in RIVER ROAD. I put it in just for you...

Chantel Rhondeau said...

River Road is next on my list to read! I've always loved your books. In fact, when I first started writing I thought I would be a fantasy author, but had a hard time with the story. I picked up one of your books by chance at the book store - having never read romantic suspense before - and quickly devoured every book of yours in a reading frenzy! Now I'm getting ready to publish my 4th romantic suspense novel, so thanks! For the great stories and pointing me in the right direction :-) Love your worlds and characters!

Unknown said...

I love the "return" of romantic suspense and had been glued to your River Road novel...loving every minute but I also have an addiction to your dust bunnies adventures. Need a fix on those ASAP!

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Chantel: Congratulations on your publishing career! Writing is a self-taught craft. Writers learn by reading and by writing. Glad I could help you find your voice.

Diana: Thanks and don't worry, there's another dust bunny on the way. His name is Lyle and he will appear in THE HOT ZONE this summer. Stay tuned.

Angelique Maine said...

Jayne, I love that your pen names are an off-shoot of your birth name. I think that's delicious. You mentioned that you write at the same speed most of the time....how long does it take you to finish a first draft once you start it?

Cathie in UT said...

Yep Jane I did catch the Rainshadow in River Road. :o)
I love how you can weave your three worlds together going from Victorian England to contemporary USA and the to the future worlds. Of course the dust bunnies are the best! Also I really enjoy that your HR and H have a certain sense of humor in some of the oddest situations. Keep them coming!

Unknown said...

I have always loved your books.. My fav's are the early British era ones, like Second Sight and The Perfect Poison. Any plans to write more of those any time soon? Thank you so much for creating such wonderful stories. I have spent many hrs with my nose in one or another of them, a glass of wine by my side and nothing else on my mind.

Jayne Ann Krentz said...

Angelique: It takes me about three months of heavy writing to finish a book. Every author has her own pace and no two authors go about writing a book the same way. There are no rules and no "right" way but I can tell you that being disciplined about the process makes most of us more creative. Waiting around for inspiration to strike is rarely productive.

Melané Fahner-Botha said...

Jayne, when other people listen to a favorite song for comfort I go to one of your books. I have still not bought River Road yet: saving that for 11 March when I fly to South Africa :-). Thank you for the many many hours of pleasure your books brought and still and always will bring to me.

Rita said...

Jayne - You are one of my favorite authors, and have been for many years. The first book I read of yours was Joy (that should tell you how long ago I started reading your books). I especially love that you write in different genres. I like the variety, and you never disappoint.

Unknown said...

Jayne, I love all your books. Have been reading them for years. I am happy to hear you are going to write some non paranormal HR again. Love those.
I am a huge fan of Jayne Castle, love how you allow us to see some of the previous characters. love to see how they are doing.
I so enjoyed River Road, but then I cannot think of any JAK books I haven't enjoyed. I found myself thinking of other books you have written and had to re-read some of them. I think I have all of your books, no matter what the name you are writing under.
Thanks for all the wonderful hours of enjoyment you have given me.

Chandra Crawford said...

I have only read a couple of Amanda Quick novels but I love Jayne Ann Krentz Novels and I am totally addicted to Jayne Castle novels. Her worlds are so real. I love you Jayne!

Anonymous said...

Jayne, River Road lived up to my high expectations. Just LOVE reading your books, under any name. I also want to thank you for being such an articulate and generous advocate for the Romance genre, [in all its sub-genre glory]. I'm STILL planning on writing my journal article on "Romance as a Feminist Endeavor" -- and I'll probably hit you up for a quote or two when I do!!!!! Sending you thanks, and a hug.--- Chris Hirsch

Anonymous said...

Chris Hirsch, part 2:
So sorry to post twice, but the dear google account did not recognize my name... sheesh.

Anonymous said...

Just one.....thank goodness you didn't give up! I love every one of your books I have read, and I think I have read them all.

Journeys With Janis said...

Jayne, I was so happy to see you had returned to writing a straight romantic suspense novel as this is my favorite romance genre. Some of my favorite fictional characters are from your books: Desdemona Wainright and Sam Stark, Dr. Harry Stratton and Molly Abberwick, Oliver Rain and Annie Lycroft, and Max Fortune and Cleopatra Robbins. I took your advice from a meeting with you at RWA to look into Brilliance Audio for unabridged audio books and have been very pleased with them, especially when Richard Ferrone reads them. Thanks for River Road!

MaryC said...

Love all your voices, Jayne! I have quite a few of your books in all versions - print, digital and unabridged audio.

Swarna said...

Jayne,
I love love love your books under all pseudo-names.
I read a lot of novels and do have a readers burn out meaning losing interest in reading...when that happens all I do is take one of your books and read/re-read it, bam I am back on track.You are my most favorite author...thanks for all your stories..keep them coming.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad I read this interview. I appreciate getting insight into my favourite author's perspective on writing. Like others in this blog, I began reading Jayne Castle books in the Candlelight Ecstasy collection. I remember reading my first Jayne Ann Krentz novel and finding the "feel" of it to be familiar. That's when I learned about pseudonyms! I carefully collected the novels under all three names -- I even tracked one down under a fourth name, Jayne Barton, I think. And then I lost all of them when our house burned down three years ago. I couldn't live without the books by my favourite author, so within two weeks I bought most of them again. Amazon must love me! And I got some of them for my Kindle, too! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jayne, for the untold hours of enjoyment your novels have brought me.

Peggystarr3@live.com said...

You have given me over 30 years of fantastic reading. You can't write a "bad" book - they just are all good and interesting. I did have every book, but have had to downsize twice now and get rid of a lot of my older books. I now have a Kindle and am getting the older books back again. I really, really wish there is an actual dust bunny!

crabbylove said...

I'm curious, do you have a favorite book or series of your own? ( I mean a book or series written by you.)

Anonymous said...

I love Jayne's books because they make me laugh, right from the very first.

MelCurtis said...

Congrats on the new release! I love it when the heroine doesn't know who to trust

Unknown said...

I loved reading Nancy Drew too! I love reading your books Jayne.

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Hej! Love your books. Have already read River Road, I loved it. In my opinion the book shows your best ...
My question is: How do you get your inspiration for the mysterious part of the books? In fact, how do you get spired to create so many lives and murderplots?
Best regarsd,
Iracelia

Paula in Arkansas said...

I'm so glad that you will continue to write for as long as possible. I do believe that sharing morals and values with an author, make the story much more enjoyable. You really are my favorite writer, in all your genres.

Oula and Kia Winder said...

Thank you so much for all of your amazing writing! When I have a rough day, I can slip on one of your books likes a pair of cosy socks...suddenly everything looks much better :) No desire to know what I would have done all these years without your books!!

Unknown said...

Hi, Jayne! Great interview! I've been a huge fan for years, under all your pen names. I just finished re-reading a lot of Arcanes and a couple of the trilogies. I so love following the Joneses through the three eras, my favorite being Harmony. Always so impatient for Jayne Castle . . .I do have a question, though: your heroine usually has an aunt who has played a significant role in her life. Is this pulled from your own life (hope it's not too personal a question)? More Harmony and Rainshadow Island, please.

Unknown said...

Hi, Jayne! Great interview! I've been a huge fan for years, under all your pen names. I just finished re-reading a lot of Arcanes and a couple of the trilogies. I so love following the Joneses through the three eras, my favorite being Harmony. Always so impatient for Jayne Castle . . .I do have a question, though: your heroine usually has an aunt who has played a significant role in her life. Is this pulled from your own life (hope it's not too personal a question)? More Harmony and Rainshadow Island, please.

Unknown said...

Hi, Jayne! Great interview! I've been a huge fan for years, under all your pen names. I just finished re-reading a lot of Arcanes and a couple of the trilogies. I so love following the Joneses through the three eras, my favorite being Harmony. Always so impatient for Jayne Castle . . .I do have a question, though: your heroine usually has an aunt who has played a significant role in her life. Is this pulled from your own life (hope it's not too personal a question)? More Harmony and Rainshadow Island, please.

Unknown said...

HI! enjoyed interview -- As your #1 Arcane Fan, I enjoy the Arcanes(Fallon Jones is a favorite), but really enjoy all three of your worlds. Finished River Road the night I got it -- good job!!! Am waiting for Otherwise Engaged -- am signed up with Seattle Mystery Bookshop for all your books by all your "personae" -- my only regret is I can read faster than you can write! God Bless, and keep them coming!

Kristin said...

Jayne, I first discovered you years ago when you were writing the regular historicals under the Amanda Quick name. Since then, I've read almost everything you've written under both the Krentz and Castle names...and, I've recently discovered the books you wrote under the Stephanie James pseudonym.

I know you said you don't have any particular character that you identify with more than the others. Do you have a favorite book or storyline out of all the ones you have written?

Unknown said...

Oh, geez. I wad having a problem sending out my first comment. Awkward! Go dustbunnies.

Madam Quill said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Madam Quill said...

Hi Jayne! It's still hard for me to think of you as Jayne since I knew you as Amanda for so many years. :) So I recently read a JAK two in one romance. They were short romances from your very early days as a writer. Though I enjoyed both, I must say there is a huge difference between then and now (as it should be). You've obviously grown tremendously in your craft and my question is: what are some of the biggest differences or aspects of growth you've notice about your writing over the years? Thank you and I look forward to reading River Road! --Amber

Kathy in Oregon said...

I enjoyed River Road tremendously. It has the elements that I want most, admirable and likeable people who confront a difficult situation and persist until they succeed. I'd love to read more books like this.

Karen Worthington said...

Jayne-I enjoyed RIVER ROAD very much. This interview showed a side of you we haven't seen before at the Seattle Mystery Bookstore. You'll have to share more next time!

Suzanne Rock said...

Wow - so many comments. I love it! Thank you again, Jayne, for doing this.

It's FRIDAY and you know what that means....it's time to pick the winners of Jayne's new book, River Road. :)

And the winners are (chosen by random.org)...

Cara Marsi (February 3, 2014 at 5:17 PM)

and

Susan (February 4, 2014 at 2:29 PM)

Thank you so much everyone for commenting!


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