We mentioned Jane Porter's book Flirting With Forty in our Tuesday Three on books featuring single mothers and now Jane answers our Wednesday questions!
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:
Odd Mom Out is the story of an unconventional single mother and a daughter who just wants to fit in.
Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?
Mostly in my office but when the business side of writing starts to intrude, I head to the nearest Starbucks or Tully’s Coffee for an hour or two of solid, creative writing.
Your favourite chick-lit book?
The first chick-lit book I ever read was Jemima J by Jane Green and it got me hooked, but my all-time favorite is probably Marian Keyes' debut novel, Watermelon. I loved it. I still do. That book made me laugh so hard, but it was also painful and poignant. She's brilliant.
Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?
My favorite type of heroine would be someone who takes risks, fights for what she believes in, stands by those she loves and never gives up, even when life gets really tough. A woman who embraces life and recognizes change , as difficult as it is.
What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?
Never give up. Do the very thing you’re afraid to do. Take risks. Listen to yourself, trust your gut and write the stories you're dying to tell.
What are you reading at the moment?
I've got an arc of The Pulpwood Queen's Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life by Kathy Patrick and I'm so enjoying it. Kathy's a joyous, compassionate, witty Texan and she just inspires me.
What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)
I’m just finishing up Alpha Mom, the sequel to Odd Mom Out. Alpha Mom tells the story of Taylor Young, one of the secondary characters in Odd Mom Out and will be released in May 2008.
What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)
I think I should be asked what I can cook really well. And then I could answer that I make one mean hot fudge sundae sauce. My mom taught me how and I'm just now starting to teach my boys. It's important to pass these family traditions on.
Thanks, Jane!
