Author Interview: Janet Gover

To continue our run of Choc Lit authors, this week we are interviewing Janet Gover, author of Flight To Coorah Creek which releases March 7th. Sit back and get comfortable while you learn a little more about this Australian author, now living in London.

Hi Janet and Welcome to Beauty and Lace, thanks for taking the time to talk to us.

Thanks for having me.

What made you want to pursue a writing career?

My parents were big readers – particularly my Dad. They encouraged me to read from a very early age. I thought how wonderful must it be to be able to create these stories – stories that can touch another person’s heart or mind.

I was a journalist for many years – and really enjoyed that. I loved meeting people and telling their stories. But when I was promoted from being an on-the-road journalist to a stuck-in-the-office executive, I decided it was time to try my hand at writing fiction.

And I discovered that was the best job in the world!

How did you become a Choc Lit author?

A friend of mine – Juliet Archer – was the first author published by Choc Lit – as a new independent publisher. Then a couple more of my friends joined them. I began to read the Choc Lit titles and found I really enjoyed every one. And the covers are just gorgeous! I have always believed in supporting independent businesses (my Dad was a small businessman). I’d rather shop at a locally owned store than buy from a big chain. My contract with my previous publisher was up, so I decided to see if maybe Choc Lit was the right home for me. It was and I am so happy to be with them.

Your latest release is Flight to Coorah Creek, can you tell us a little about the book?

Coorah Creek is a small, fictional town in the far outback of Western Queensland. It’s the sort of place you can go if you want to hide from something. Jessica Pearson is a pilot – who was betrayed by her lover and caught up in a high-profile court case and media circus. She is hoping a new job flying an air ambulance will help her escape the past and a terrible burden of guilt she carries.

Dr Adam Gilmore is also hiding in Coorah Creek – from his own dark past. But the more time he spends with Jessica, the more the walls he has built around his heart start to crumble.

The book is their story, but it’s also the story of other people in the town – the battered wife trying to make a new start with her two kids; the elderly nun who tries to mother everyone, the overly-talkative woman who runs the pub… people who are the heart and soul of the small community.

I read on your website that this is the beginning of a series, have you got a set number of books in mind?

I am just completing the second book in the series … and the hero and heroine of the third are already talking to me.

After that, I don’t know. I do love this town and if the readers love it, I’ll keep coming back. There are a lot of people there with interesting stories to tell.

Where does your inspiration come from?

The town of Coorah Creek had grown from my own experiences growing up and living in the Queensland bush. I have spent a lot of time in small Australian towns – and I want to show people just what unique places these towns are.

I have travelled a lot – and places always inspire me. I wonder what the people are like who choose to live in such a place. And what of those who are not there by choice? How would coming to such a place affect a person from an entirely different background? Before I know it – there is a story forming in my head.

Can you tell us a little about your writing process, do you plot or allow your characters to tell their story?

I don’t plot. I wish I did, but I just can’t. When I start a book, I always have the first scene in mind which will be from the point of view of either the hero or the heroine –whichever is speaking to me in the loudest voice.

I also have the final scene in my head – which usually has both hero and heroine in it… together at last. As for the big bit in the middle – it terrifies me every time. I have no idea what’s going to happen. But by the time I finished writing the first scene – the next bit is in my head. And as I go the story just unfolds – it’s a bit like watching a movie in my head.

But I still live in fear that one day – the movie will freeze…

Have you got a favourite time or place to write?

I am lucky enough to have an office in my home. It’s incredibly cluttered – but it’s my favourite place to write. Some years ago, when I sold my first piece of fiction (a short story) my lovely husband bought me an ‘authors’ desk. I still have it and just sitting here helps me to write.

 Is there anything you simply must have while you’re working?

Tea. Many, many cups of tea.

Can you tell us a little about what you’re working on next?

The second Coorah Creek book is almost done – about three chapters to go. And I just know I’m going to cry when I write the last scene.

I was going to write something totally different after that – but there’s this woman in my head. She grew up in New York – but she’s coming to Coorah Creek to trace her heritage. There’s trouble at the mine too … a terrible accident…

OK – I’ll stop now or you’ll have to fit half a book on your blog.

What does being a woman mean to you?

When I was a young journalist, there were not many women in the media – so being a woman meant I had to be better and work harder to be considered as good as the men I worked with. Sadly, this is still the case in far too many places.

I have a day job, which involves a lot of travel to places where women are not accepted as equal. In these places, I work predominately with the men, some of whom may not have ever had a woman as an equal in the workplace before. I like to think that as I earn their respect, I am playing a small part in breaking down some barriers. That’s important to me.

Thanks for your time Janet and good luck with the Coorah Creek series.

For more about Janet and her previous novels you can find her at her Website, Facebook and on Twitter.