Author Interview with Jane Sutton (The Ride)

Thank You to Jane for offering to do this interview with me. I truly appreciate it. It was alot of fun to read the book and then to speak with you afterwards. Jane is the author of the book THE RIDE. Which I was given the chance to read and review. My review can be seen HERE

Cindy: Jane can I ask you who and what influences your writing?

Jane: Though I write in a voice that I consider distinctly my own, I feel my writing most likely has been influenced by every author I have ever read, starting as a child. Although it may be at a subconscious level, I’m sure that my upbringing, life experiences and people I have met through the years all play a part in the formation of my characters and plots.

Cindy: As a writer, do you have much time to read? If you have time, I am sure you must be busy. Who do you enjoy reading?

Jane: I love to read although lately, I don’t have as much time to devote to it as I would like. I love Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, and Amy Tan, just to name a few. I also have also enjoyed books by emerging authors such as Tina Murray (A Chance to Say Yes) and fantasy author Sandy Lender (Choices Meant for Gods), and Tom Williams (Lost and Found). There are so many excellent authors and so many good books out there that to include everyone I like would take up too many pages.

Cindy: I love reading too. I am sure you know that. Jodi Picoult is really good she is another fave of mine. I also enjoy reading emerging authors too. There is so much unknown talent out there. How long did it take you to write The Ride?

Jane: The Ride took about a year to write. Then I had to tack on another five or six years of revisions and rewrites while trying to find an interested publisher.

Cindy: A labour of love I am sure. What was your inspiration for The Ride?

Jane: It started as a dream—a Stephen King type of story. Then when I sat down to write, something completely different developed. It was as if my characters took control and determined how the plot was going to progress. I think they (my characters) were trying to tell me that my genre is women’s fiction rather than horror/super natural.

Cindy: Speaking of your characters, in the book your main characters are Barbie and Ken, which I thought was really cute especially when she left and in the paper there was an article about Ken and Barbie getting a divorce. Did you plan on using those names when you started the book?

Jane: Yes. It was intentional. I enjoyed playing with the comparisons and symbolism’s such as at one point in the book when Barbie mulls over her marriage to Ken, she thinks to herself, “Our appearance may not resemble the dolls but our relationship is as plastic as they are.” Then when I read the Mattel press release about the breakup of Barbie and Ken dolls a few years ago, I thought it would be fun to work it into the plot.

Cindy: I have to ask you this cause I am sure my readers would love to know, how do you feel about book bloggers? Do you think that they help promote authors books?

Jane: I love book bloggers! They are great sources for established and emerging writers as well as readers. These bloggers open the door to many wonderful books by authors that you may not hear about through the main stream media or see in your local bookstore. Their reviews help readers like me decide what books to add to my ‘want to read’ shopping list.

Cindy: I know since I have started blogging that I have been exposed to many wonderful books and authors that I probably wouldn’t have normally picked up in the store or library. Do you have any other books in the works?

Jane: Yes. I’m working on my second novel, Reigning Cats and Dogs. It’s about two young woman—both misfits in society. Though totally opposite in personalities, they form a strong bond after literally running into one another. Strengths they didn’t know they possessed are revealed when their attempts to help each other lead them into a life-threatening situation.

Cindy: That sounds really good. I can’t wait to read it. What would your readers be surprised to know about you?

Jane: That I once signed my own death warrant. When we moved to Saudi Arabia for my husband’s job, the warrant was part of the necessary paperwork we had to complete. It basically stated that we understood and agreed to the death penalty for bringing illegal drugs into the country. Though I knew I’d never do such a thing, adding my signature on that form was the most difficult things I’ve ever written!

Cindy: That sounds really scary and I am sure it was really hard to do. Any last words you would like to leave the readers with?

Jane: Keep reading! And, if you like what you read, let the author know. I can’t speak for other authors, but I love hearing from readers.

Cindy: Thank you again Jane for allowing me to read, review, blog about your book and speak with you. I truly appreciate it.

Jane: Thanks for the interesting, fun questions. I really appreciate you taking the time to read The Ride and to do an interview.