Jane Choate Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. I grew up in Washington, DC during the time of the racial rioting. It was a different era, but, in some ways, nothing has changed. I went to Brigham Young University, graduated summa cum laude with a major in sociology and a minor in psychology. Shortly after graduation, I married. My husband and I are the proud parents of 5 children and 6 grandchildren with another due in January. Our cat Harley is the queen of our house and of all she surveys.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A. I realized that I wanted to be a writer when I started telling stories to my friends during elementary and junior high. They asked for stories about themselves, which grew more outlandish with every telling.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A. My writing credits include 33 books with four publishers and over 500 short stories and articles for such periodicals as RWR (Romance Writers Report), Writer, Writer’s Market, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and others. Joining a chapter of Romance Writers of America was the most significant thing to happen to my writing career and my biggest break.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release KEEPING WATCH?

A: KEEPING WATCH is a Love Inspired Suspense by Harlequin. It is a story about two wounded people, Deputy District Attorney Danielle Barclay and ex Delta warrior Jake Rabb, trying to heal the wounds of their past while searching for a stalker.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for KEEPING WATCH?

A: My inspiration came from my admiration of our country’s military men and women. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness both humbles and awes me.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: I hope readers will remember that everyone is wounded in some way and that the healing power of the Savior and love can be theirs.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: I love a scene from the first chapter where Dani confronts Jake, believing him to be her stalker. Of course, he’s not; he’s a bodyguard hired by her father to protect her. Though he towers over her, she gets in his face and demands to know what he’s doing following her.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A. I have characters speaking to me demanding to be heard.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: Being a published author and staying a published author is hard work. Anyone who tells you differently is either lying or delusional.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: Join a writing chapter. Find a mentor. Read. Write even when you don’t feel like it. Read some more. Write some more. Above all, don’t give up.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A. Currently I’m working on a sequel to KEEPING WATCH.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A. I love spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren, and friends. I’m considered the Garage Sale Queen in our community.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. Look for my blog, The Gratitude Project, at www.janemcbride.blogspot.com and my military blog at www.janemchoate.blogspot.com.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A. If you want to write, you will find a way. If you don’t want to write, you will find excuses.