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| Jenni Fletcher - Author |
Hello Jenni – Like you, I’m a member
of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and it was through the RNA that I’ve
been able to connect with so many amazing authors – such as you.
But before we discover more about
your latest release, An
Unconventional Countess,
here are a few questions which will
hopefully give your readers an insight into some of the things that matter to
you.
Arabella: How did you manage to get your first Regency
novel published and what did you learn from the experience?
Jenni:
This is my ninth
book, but my very first Regency. I was a little intimidated by the time-period
because it's so popular, but then I had an idea for a series set in a
biscuit-shop and I just really wanted to write it! Fortunately, my
editor liked the idea, too, so it became 'Regency Belles of Bath - From
Shopkeepers to Cinderella Brides'. I'm not sure how many books there'll be yet
- probably four or five - but I've almost finished the second.
Arabella: If you could choose, which would it be: A stroll
in the woods, a walk along a beachfront to dip your toes in the sea, or a day
shopping for clothes?
Jenni:
A walk along the
beach. I don't care if it's sunny or not. I just love being by the sea. Not in
it though - I really don't like being underwater!
Arabella: Who or what inspired you to write your
latest Regency release, An
Unconventional Countess?
Jenni:
So many writers
inspire me. Jane Austen is obviously the greatest of all, but I also really
love Mary Balogh (especially the Bedwyns and most especially 'Slightly
Dangerous') and Julia Quinn. I only recently read the Bridgertons and they're
addictive!
Arabella: Learning the special symbolism of flowers
became a popular pastime in the 1800’s.
A Pink Rose
symbolises: grace, happiness and gentleness, and a Forget-Me-Not symbolises: true love memories. Do you have a
favourite flower, and does it hold a special symbolic meaning or sentiment for
you personally?
Jenni:
I live in
Yorkshire so I'd have to say a white rose. The one time I wore a red rose was
to my grandfather's funeral because he was from Lancashire. We used to tease
each other about the rivalry so it seemed fitting. I also really love
bluebells. I like that they're a woodland flower and that they come at such a
nice time of year.
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| A Carpet of Bluebells |
Arabella: Some authors write at first light, others
need a gallop across the fields or a glass of Madeira before putting pen to
paper. When writing, are there any “essentials” you need to help the words
flow?
Jenni:
I'm an early
morning person, but more of a work-in-bed-with-coffee-writer than a galloper.
I'm not much use in the afternoons so I tend to do all of my non-writing jobs
then. I tend to perk up again after 5pm, but I usually have my best ideas in
the middle of the night.
Arabella: You’re halfway through the work-in-progress,
you’re about to kill off the hero and there is going to be no happy-ever-after.
In other words, you’re stuck! If you had to contact an “author/publisher/editor
friend” for guidance, who would it be?
Jenni:
I have a
wonderful editor, Linda, who's also incredibly patient, so I'd probably ask her
and try not to cry. She always offers great suggestions and she's the kindest
critic I've ever met. I'd go for a long walk first though. That always helps to
clear my thoughts.
Arabella: Your next Regency WIP (work in progress) is
on schedule, and it’s time to take a break and relax. Which Jane Austen
adaptation would you choose to watch (again ☺)
?
1) Persuasion
2) Pride and Prejudice
3) Northanger Abbey
4) Mansfield Park
Jenni:
Persuasion - the
Amanda Root/Ciaran Hinds version. It's one of my favourite films, but this is a
very cruel choice. I'd happily watch all of them, even though my family object
to my 'cravat programmes'.
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| Persuasion |
Arabella: In Georgette Heyer's "Frederica",
when Alverstoke is contemplating the merits of Miss Frederica Merrivale, his
thoughts turn to her two brothers. Alverstoke believed he had allowed
himself to yield to the blandishments of Felix (detestable imp!); then Jessamy
had got himself into a scrape (tiresome young chub!), and as for Frederica,
she had been as cross as crabs, and was a top-lofty little pea-goose.
What endearing nick-names or slang expressions have
you used, (if any), for your characters in your Regency novels?
Jenni:
Nothing as good
as those! My heroine Annabelle Fortini has a biscuit shop (and a type of
biscuit) named after her - Belles - but she prefers to be called Anna on
principle. My hero's friend also refers to her as a termagant, but lofty
pea-goose would have been better!
Arabella: Do you have any great writing, publishing,
or marketing tips you’d like to share to “want-to-be” historical authors
starting out on their writing journey?
Jenni:
Just get
writing. I used to spend way too much time trying to get the beginning of a
story right in the hope that the rest would somehow appear by itself. Now I try
to write a full draft (which is usually awful) and then revise. I think
the pacing works itself out that way, but to be honest, I think everyone finds
their own way. It's just trial and error. You need to find out what works best
for you!
Thank
you for joining us on Arabella’s Blog and Chit-Chat, Jenni.
'Cravat
programmes' – that’s a new one on me. J And I have to agree that a woodland full of
bluebells is a lovely sight.
Best
wishes for your latest release - An
Unconventional Countess
Arabella
Sheen
About Jenni Fletcher
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| Jenni Fletcher - Author |
Jenni Fletcher is Scottish by birth and now lives in
Yorkshire where she writes historical romance novels for Mills & Boon. She
has a PhD in English and teaches creative writing when she's not running around
after her family. She has been nominated for four RoNA Awards and her ninth
book is out now.
Social Media Links:
@JenniAuthor
Book Blurb: An
Unconventional Countess
From
shopkeeper - To earl's wife!
Part
of Regency Belles of Bath. Two things are certain: Annabelle Fortini makes the
best biscuits in Bath and Samuel Delaney, the charming bachelor who's just
entered her shop, is trouble! Her mother's unfair exile from society has taught
Anna aristocrats can't be trusted. Samuel may be a famous naval hero and
reluctant heir to an earldom, but Anna can't fall in love with him! Unless she
can overcome her pride and surrender to her heart!
BUY LINKS:
Amazon UK:
Amazon US:
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