Jane Barr
Jane Barr is a multifaceted professional with a rich tapestry of experiences spanning writing, librarianship, culinary arts and mentorship. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Jane has made significant contributions as a writer and a librarian, fostering a love of literature and learning in her community.
Beyond professional endeavours she embraces her role as a grandmother, cherishing her time spent with family and friends. She is an avid champagne lover and a fragrance enthusiast. Jane revels in the joys of life and loves her home and her trees.
What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
I can’t think of any authors that I have disliked and grown into. Maybe when I was thirteen and my mother weaned me off Arthur Ransome and introduced me to Leon Uris and James Michener, I probably found Uris heavy going, but now really love his work.
Do you try more to be original, or to deliver to readers what they want?
Yes I always find the words that I write come to me from somewhere. I don’t mould my work to my reader, rather the story kind of evolves.
What is it about your chosen genre that you love?
I write historical fiction and fiction. I love it that the story kind of takes over my mind and takes me to other worlds.
What was the first book that made you cry?
I cried when I read Ring of Brightwater and The Snow Goose.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would listen to my inner voice more and argue with my parents about always having to go outside and play. I was very happy in my room inventing stories and reading.
Have you Googled yourself? Did you find out anything interesting?
When I Google myself I find the information there pretty much accurate.
Are there any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? Can you tell us one? Or give us any hints?
There is a significant secret in my latest book that can only be discovered through a talisman.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym? Why?
No because I kind of like my name.
How did publishing your first book change your writing process?
My writing process changed after publishing my first book because I realised there is very much seasons to writing that must be adhered to. For instance, the thinking and planning stage, the lovely writing stage, the editing… one, two, three four and more, then the professional edit, the line and copy edit. And so I have learnt not to be impatient but to sit and think and wallow in the process.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have six and then some.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters of the opposite sex?
I think I am okay with writing from a male perspective. When I was a chef, I pretty much lived in an all-male environment.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes. I feel that taking criticism gracefully comes with the career.