Click the image above or link below to see an interview with Jan from her friends at novelpastimes.com
http://www.novelpastimes.com/2012/08/interview-with-jan-watson.html
And here’s another interview on Ann Cooper McCauley’s blog:
I went home to Robertson County this week to speak and sign my latest book, Skip Rock Shallows. It’s been many years since I lived there, but still the rolling hills and winding roads are as familiar as the streets of my subdivision. A thunder storm was rolling in across the ridges as I drove into town. I thought of my girlhood, when I would wrap up in an army blanket (courtesy of my father’s service in WW2) and enjoy the storms from my family’s back porch. Usually, I had a cat wrapped up in the blanket with me. I was momentarily homesick for that porch and the security of that scratchy wool blanket, not to mention the succession of cats that shared rainy days with me.
My homesickness dissipated as soon as I walked into the library and saw the folks gathered there for my reading. As I shared my book, they shared their memories, so much like mine, of growing up “on the farm.” Some on them had attended the same one-room schoolhouse in Piqua that my brothers and I did. One recalled the column that a friend and I authored for the local newspaper during our high school days. How sweet to share that rainy evening with homefolks.
One of the joys of being an author is being invited to libraries to meet with people who love books as much as I do. I’ve just finished reading, The Forever Fix, by Ricki Lewis. It relates the true story of Corey Hass, a boy whose sight was restored through gene therapy. Forever Fix explains “complex biological processes in understandable ways.” I’ve just downloaded Gretchen Rubin’s, Happier at Home, and am looking forward to a book on making a house a place of simplicity, comfort, and love. Sort of like a woolen blanket, a cat, and a cozy back porch on a rainy day.
Here’s hoping you have a good book for your rainy days.
This week I discovered what makes one of the main characters in my upcoming book, Tattler’s Branch, unique. It continues to amaze me when a character begins to express who they really are, and sometimes it catches me off guard. This character is a gambler, and I don’t even play cards, so where he came from I don’t know. I like getting to know him, though. He has an interesting background that adds a lot to the book. This reminds me that every person I meet, whether fictional or not, has a unique and interesting story.
Have you ever wished you could go home again? Well, I am going home again this week with a trip to Mt. Olivet, Kentucky to do a book signing at the Robertson County library. I was raised on a tobacco/dairy farm there. Readers often ask how I know so much about country life—chickens and cows and gardens. That is why. When you’ve done the work you don’t forget. I live in the city now, and I am thankful. I Iike having neighbors, and I enjoy the conveniences living in town offers. Saturday morning, I went to a local farmer’s market where I bought fresh eggs, cucumbers and two juicy tomatoes. I have the best of both worlds.
Maggie is lying on the floor with her head on her paws waiting patiently for her walk. She is bored with me spending so much time at the keyboard. Maggie would like to be a country dog. She would love to be a hunter, digging into ground hog holes and chasing squirrels. I’m sure the critters are glad she lives in the city and takes her walks on the end of a leash.
Pray for the people in Colorado. Have a safe and blessed week.
Do you remember that wonderful old hymn, Showers of blessing, Showers of blessings we need.Ky.has been showered with blessing this week in the form of much needed rain. My yard looks a little better, but the grass is still brown.
I have been showered with blessings this week also. On Tuesday, I was honored to speak at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville. My dear friend, Elizabeth Hoagland, facilitates the book club there. It’s a real treat and very much a blessing to great new readers there as well as those who have followed my books from the beginning. One of the ladies who attended my reading on Tuesday is a true blessing to my heart. She heard me give one of my first talks after Troublesome Creek was published and has cheered me on since.
Today, I enjoyed another type of blessing as I did some catch-up housework. My maids (in the form of washer, dryer, sweeper, microwave, and dishwasher) were appreciated as I did my chores—especially my dishwasher. My old one had to be watched constantly and nudged through each cycle. I’ve had my Frigidaire dish washer for over a year now and every time I load it I’m thankful.
My biggest blessing this week, however, was Family Day at Oakwood, the residential facility inSomerset,KY., where my middle son, David Andrew, lives. Each year, Oakwood has a day of fun with game booths, great food, and lots of entertainment. Drew was all dressed up in new tee-shirt, shorts, and white sneakers. He looked so handsome. His special “buddy” Jerry accompanied him to all the special activities and to the food tent for hamburgers. It was a fun and festive day for all.
Drew has lived at Oakwood since 1987. It is home to him. Placing Drew in a facility was very difficult for me and for Drew’s dad and his brothers. We were sure that nobody could care for him as well as we did. Our great blessing is that Oakwood can and does.
Count your blessings, name them one by one. I do.
I’ve received some interesting questions and comments over the last few days. I thought you might like me to share.
Christine from Wisconsin asked about my experience of winning the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild First Novel Contest in 2004.
I’d finally finished my first book (and the first thing I’d ever written) and decided to enter the manuscript in the contest that Mr. Jenkins and Tyndale House Publishers sponsored. It was the first ever, First Novel contest. I think I’d read about the contest in Writers Digest Magazine. I was definitely a novice without a clue as to what I was getting into. I had listened to Mr. Jenkins speak at a conference a couple of years before this, and I was impressed by his knowledge and his encouragement to writers, not to mention his wonderful sense of humor.
I hoped, as I sent Troublesome Creek off to Colorado Springs on a wing and a prayer from my home in Kentucky, that maybe, just maybe, someone there at the Christian Writers Guild would take a look at my project and give me a bit of encouragement. I’d already been told by an editor in the business that my book was too long (correct) and that historical fiction did not sell (INCORRECT).
A few weeks after entering the contest, I received an e-mail from CWG saying my manuscript was in the top 20. A couple of weeks later it was in the top 10. This was definitely encouraging—my prayer had been answered. Then I received THE PHONE CALL, Troublesome Creek was in the top 3! The three finalists, along with our spouses, were invited on an all-expenses paid trip to Atlanta where the winner would be announced.
Imagine my delight when my too long, too historical fiction novel was declared the winner. Now I’m writing my 7th book for Tyndale, Tattler’s Branch.
Another reader, Kathy, wondered, since I wrote of my recent experience with a skunk, if there would be a skunk appearance in a future book. Some readers might remember that the never-do-well character, Isa Still from Still House Pond had tried his hand at skunk farming.
Nelda, a retired teacher, shared a story from her childhood. She caught a mother skunk with 3 babies. A doctor bought them and removed their scent glands. He kept them for pets.
And Victoria sent me an e-mail of encouragement. She wrote in part, “I truly get lost in your characters. So, please don’t let this one (Skip Rock Shallows) be the last one in the series.”
Good Lord willing, if you’ll all keep reading, I’ll keep writing.
It’s very hot and unusually dry here in Kentucky, but this is nothing compared to what the folks in Colorado Springs are dealing with. The Christian Writers Guild is based there and I have friends there. The small town of Manitou Springs at the base of Pike’s Peak was evacuated. I have visited Manitou and it’s a beautiful place. I remember walking through the town and stopping to taste some of the waters from the springs. Please pray with me that lives and homes will be spared.
I’ve been watering my lawn, trying to keep the grass from browning out, but I think it may be a losing battle. We need some of the rain that Florida is getting. I’ll bet they would be glad to share!
On the other hand, this is the perfect weather for reading a good book (hint—hint) under a beach umbrella or maybe while sunning by the pool. Maggie and I will be in lawn chairs watching the sprinkler mimic rain. You can bet there will be a book and a glass of iced tea close at hand.
Blessings to you dear friends. Stay cool.
P.S. I just went outside to turn off the water to the hose which I had on a drip under one of my trees, and came face to well—not quite face—with a skunk! Good grief. I ducked back inside and missed the spray, but things don’t smell very good at my house right now. Plus, Maggie is barking her little head off and I can’t get outside to turn the hose off. Guess I’ll wait awhile and try again.
My newest novel, Skip Rock Shallows, has been successfully launched thanks to Central Baptist Hospital Gift Shop, Kentucky Soaps and Such and The Bluebird, and Joseph Beth Booksellers. Each of these venues graciously had me as a guest during the past few days. I’d like to especially thank, Carla Conley, Angela Correll, Michael Cruikshank and Brooke Raby for facilitating my appearances, and Chef Bob for the divine meal on Thursday night. Thanks also to the Danville Advocate Messenger and to the Lexington Herald-Leader for including news of my events. It’s always a pleasant surprise to be turning the pages of my newspaper and see myself staring back.
My favorite part of a book signing is the Q&A at the end. You might like to see a couple of the frequently asked questions and my answers: Q: “Why do your book titles have a water theme? (creek, springs, falls, run, pond, shallows.”) A. “The first book, Troublesome Creek, was inspired by a story my grandmother told me about the terrible flash flooding of a normally docile creek during which a baby was swept away. The first title set the tone for the next books. Also, I spent many happy hours of my childhood playing in a creek on my family’s farm.
Q: “What is your writing style? Do you outline your chapters?” A: “To quote William Faulkner: ‘The primary job that any writer faces is to tell you the story.’ That’s what I do; I start at the beginning and write to The End. I write in story form. I don’t outline, do character studies, or write random chapters. My books are character driven.”
I’d love to answer any questions you might have about writing. Have a happy but not so hectic week.
We all deal with momentous problems: Health issues, the plunging stock market, who to choose for the next president of theseUnited States; So why is it that the small issues bedevil us so?
Case in point: Because of my snail slow internet service I decided to switch carriers—seemed simple enough, especially since the commission driven salesman promised me the moon and a couple of stars for one low price.
A very nice and competent young fellow worked diligently all of Tuesday afternoon to install my new connections. I was pleased. My internet speed is much better, my cable television is fine, the only ant at the picnic is that I had poor to no telephone service for 5 days.
First they told me (even though I was the purchasing agent on the contract) that I was not an account holder because the previous service was in the name of my husband. Funny, they’ve been accepting my checks since 1999, but they couldn’t switch on the phone until I personally went to their local office with two forms of ID. I suppose they thought I might be impersonating myself.
So, I drove to the office and stood in line so that I could tell the person behind the keyboard that my husband is deceased. You wouldn’t think that would be so hard after 7 years, but it is. The nice lady said, “No problem, you are connected.”
For the next few days, I had service on and off, mostly off. When I tried to call Insight from my cell phone I was disconnected or told by the person on the other end of the line that they couldn’t hear me. Yesterday my phone was dead as a doornail. So—I skipped church this morning and took my cell phone outside to hopefully improve my range.
Once I got a technician on the line he gave me instructions about repairing my problem (mine—not theirs.) It all had to do with modems and batteries and crossing my fingers and toes while whistling “When the Saints Go Marching In”. I must have sounded a little tentative because there was a repairman at my door within 20 minutes. Now, that’s my kind of service.
Turns out the modem they had previously installed was defective. Whew, that’s one problem solved. Now my water heater is leaking, I’m sure a thoroughly chewed wad of bubble gum will fix that right up.
For some good news: Maggie and I sort of rescued a dog in distress yesterday. We were walking when the dog from across the street came running to us. I forget what breed he is; he’s wide bodied and low to the ground and has long hair. Generally speaking, Milo does not like Maggie. He growls if she comes within 6 feet of his property, but Milo is like Maggie in that he is as well cared for as a spoiled child. He is never off his lead unless his parents (excuse me—owners) are out with him.
So Milo comes tearing up to me, completely ignoring Maggie, and jumps up to gently put his front paws on my knees. His furry face said, “I’m in trouble. Can you help?” Maggie and I took him home and I rang the door bell. No answer, we went around back. The door to the sunroom was ajar. I said, “Milo you go in.” He did, but gave me an aggrieved stare. I looked in through the open door. He was standing at his empty water dish. I laughed and thought this is a very smart dog.
Maggie and I went back across the street and fetched Milo some fresh water. He seemed satisfied when I pulled the door closed.
Milo’s family had gone shopping. They thought the door was shut. Evidently, Milo knew just who to ask for a little help in a time of trouble. I wonder if he’ll growl at Maggie the next they meet.
I just love dog stories with happy endings. Don’t you? Indeed it is the little things.
I’ve got my flag flying proudly. Do you? I was looking at houses as I walked Maggie this morning and noticed mine was the only one sporting the red white and blue. I so appreciate all the men and women, past and present, who served in the military. Flying the flag is my way to honor them. And, now that I’m thinking of it, I’d like to thank all the spouses and children who sacrifice precious time with their loved one so that he/she may serve. I was one of those. In the 1960’s we were called “sit and waits.” I can attest to the waiting part, but there wasn’t much sitting—too many farm chores to do, coal fires to tend, and diapers to wash.
Last weekend, I had my first signing for Skip Rock Shallows at Lifeway Christian Book Store here inLexington. The Lifeway staff was smart to place a big platter of chocolate-chip cookies on my table to attract people. We sold out in the first hour! (The book—not the cookies.) That’s always gratifying for an author.
My friend, Boneva, made a beautiful silk floral arrangement for me and brought it to the signing. It added a lovely touch to the table. It’s always so good to see old friends at my events and always fun to make new ones.
Make sure to thank our veterans this weekend. If you don’t have a flag, get one. It’s a great way to say, “Thank You.”
Just got back from a trip to the park with Maggie. Even though she is petite Jack Russell, she is not easy to walk. The park we like is really just a paved walking trail. It sits on the edge of a wooded ravine and she likes to pull me right to the edge. She’ll wade through weeds over her head rather than take the easy way. I’m always steering her away from sticker weeds and poison ivy. Sometimes I pick her up and set her on my hip just to make a little progress in the walk.
During our walks, I’ve been watching a pair of Cooper’s hawks. In early spring, I saw them build their nest out of sticks. The nest is high up in a tree that doesn’t have any low hanging branches. Their home is well protected up there. Today, I saw one of the hawks flying with supper clutched in its talons. Once I saw a hawk flying with a snake. Nature can seem cruel, but all things have to eat.
I’m always amazed at God’s provision for all the creatures He created. Whether it’s a small, nearly-blind, deaf Jack Russell who has the perfect owner for her particular needs (me), or a pair of hawks who need a safe place to feather their nest, He always provides.
I pray you have a blessed week.