Novel Kicks Chats To: Janice Preston

A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Janice’s debut novel, Mary & The Marquis was released by Mills and Boon Historical earlier this month. We chat to Janice about her book, her approach to her writing and her advice for new writers.

Can you tell us a little about your debut novel, Mary and the Marquis and how the idea originated?

Mary and the Marquis is set in Northumberland in the autumn of 1811. When destitute widow Mary Vale aids an injured man on the road, she is shocked to discover he is the reclusive Lucas Alastair, Marquis of Rothley. She’s intrigued by him, but when she offers to nurse him back to health in return for shelter he proves a difficult patient. Lucas hides some deep emotion beneath his brusque manner, and a stolen kiss leaves Mary longing for more… She’s able to help mend his physical injuries, but can Mary heal the wounds of his painful past?

The idea came from a mental image of a young woman, with two small children, walking through a gloomy wood. Suddenly a deep, rasping groan sounds from amongst the trees. Who is she? Why is she in that wood? Where is she going? What is that noise?

Did you plan much before starting the novel?

I probably knew more about Mary and Lucas’s pasts than I did about what would happen in the actual story. I had ideas for the turning points, but I didn’t plan in any great detail, which is probably why the editing caused me such headaches! I had to delete a few scenes entirely – always hard to do.

How do you approach editing?

Every day, I go over what I wrote the day before as a way of immersing myself back in the story. I do tend to edit at that point, although I’m well aware it can be a waste of time if that particular section ends up deleted (see previous question). I should try and break that habit!

Do you have any writing rituals?

No, other than reading what I wrote the day before. And drinking far too much coffee!

How important has the Romantic Novelists’ Association been to you?

Joining the RNA New Writers’ Scheme was the best thing I did. Until I joined I had never even spoken to another writer. I’ve made so many friends through the Association, and the NWS is invaluable – where else can you get a full assessment of a novel-length transcript from an experienced, published author?

Do you have a favourite word?

I puzzled a bit over this question. Does it mean a favourite sounding word or a favourite meaning word? Then I realised there is a word that fits both – romance!

What point in history would you like to visit and why?

I’d like to sail down the Nile in Ancient Egypt. We went on holiday there a few years ago, and cruising along the river, watching the banks slip by, was an unforgettable experience. We saw people working the land with oxen and children watering animals at the river’s edge. The scenes were so evocative, and appeared timeless. So I would love to go back in time and sail the Nile, as well as visit all those magnificent temples in their heyday.

Which fictional character would you like to meet and why?

The Genie from Aladdin. Why? Those three wishes…

Seriously, though:

Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. A good man with the courage to stand up for what is right in the face of near-overwhelming opposition. We could do with a few like him on the world stage right now!

Mills and Boon Historical, August 2014.

What’s your best writing moment so far?

It has to be getting ‘The Call’ from Mills & Boon. Nothing can top the knowledge that someone out there likes your writing enough to offer you a contract!

Out of all the books you’ve read, which three have changed your life?

This is hard. Picking favourite books is relatively easy, but life-changing?

My Friend Flicka by Mary O’Hara. There were 8 books in the series, and I adored them as a child. They are set on a ranch in Wyoming, about how a young boy tames a wild horse in defiance of his strict father. I’ve always loved horses, but this story sparked a lifelong interest in the American Midwest, ranching and farming and, I am sure, contributed to my decision at 18 to go to Agricultural College. It was while I was doing my 6 months’ work experience in Devon that I met my first husband. So, yes, life-changing. (I wasn’t bold enough to move to Wyoming – Devon was as far west as I got!)

Arabella, by Georgette Heyer . Re-reading GH’s books in the late 1990s encouraged me to write my own Regencies. Very hard to pick just one, but this was always one of my faves.

Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens. After re-reading GH, I discovered a wealth of current writers penning Regencies. This was one of the first I read… and wow! A Regency with sex, and a hero to die for! Sounds daft, but I hadn’t realised until then that Regencies had moved on from GH!

Five tips for new writers?

• Read a lot, and in all genres
• Write every day
• Join a writing group and mix with other writers as much as possible. You can, and will, learn from each other
• Finish what you’re working on – be it a short story, an article or a novel – and submit it. You will never get published if you don’t share your work
• Be prepared to listen to and act upon advice and criticism from other writers, agents and publishers.

Follow Janice on Twitter: @JaniceGPreston

Mary & The Marquis is available to buy in paperback and e-book. Click here to buy from Amazon.

To find out more about the RNA New Writers’ Scheme, click here to visit their website.

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Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.