Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Exclusive Interview with
Jane V. Blanchard
When did you start writing?
As a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago, I was moved by the personal stories of other female pilgrims. Sensing that their stories would be interesting to others, I decided to write a book. With their permission, I recorded their stories to incorporate into "Women of the Way: Embracing the Camino," the first book in the Woman on Her Way series.
The Camino was my first, long-distance hike, but not the last. As I explored other countries, I kept writing — both a travel blog and other books.
What makes writing your passion?
As I explore countries, I not only learn about people, their history, language, and culture, but also about myself. I love sharing these experiences and my personal growth with my readers. My books, Camino Tips: How to get the most out of "The Way," and A Short Walk on a Long Trail: A couple's sauntering on the Vermont Long Trail, both offer practical wisdom gleaned from the long-distance effort.
How long have you been writing?
As a latecomer to writing, I published my first book at age sixty-two.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I was understandably ecstatic when I first published my book, and I even had a book release party. But I soon realized that the book needed editing (friends and relatives are not professional editors). I destroyed the first order of printed books, found an editor, and felt much better with the second edition.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Pursuing a writing career is not annoying; being creative is exhilarating. Marketing, on the other hand, is tedious and my least favorite activity.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
My path as a non-fiction writer is much easier than that of a fiction writer. I write about my adventures, feelings, and personal growth. I think that to become a good writer, new authors should incorporate what they know, have felt, or have feared into their story.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I have been having adventures since my teen years, but I never dreamt of sharing them with others. My advice would be to take copious notes and not be shy about sharing your stories. I would also recommend keeping a diary.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I read all the reviews. The first bad review hurt a little, but it pointed out how I could improve, and I am grateful that the reviewer took the time to let me know how the book could have been better.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
Though I do not use the second person when I write, I envision sitting with a friend, having coffee, and telling them about my adventure. Often, at book events or lectures, I enjoy chatting with my readers about the books.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Who is your favorite author? Why?
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
What would you say to your readers?
Go on an adventure. Whether in person or in an armchair, explore the world.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I am 75+ years old, live in Massachusetts with my husband, and enjoy helping the grandchildren, cooking, gardening, and walking.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Since retirement, I enjoy walking 6 to 10 miles a day while listening to audiobooks in a variety of genres: historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, YA, and more.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, I was very shy, had a good education, and learned the benefits of hard work and dedication from my parents.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I think children should learn a second language from an early age and should read more. Since I am multilingual (English, French, Spanish, and Italian), conversing in the native tongue with people on the street helps me better understand a country.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
At my age? Good health, good travels, and friends to share them with.
What is your favorite music?
Share a secret with us 🙂
My husband and I lived off the grid in a tent in the middle of Massachusetts until December when we moved into a small log cabin that we built by hand.