Helping me wrap up the week is mystery author
Jenny Jackson. We’re chatting about her new novel, The Silence of Knowing.
Bio:
Jenny Jackson was born in the north of Kent, UK a few months after the
end of World War II. Happily married for over 50 years now and with two
children and two grandchildren, Jenny currently resides in East Sussex.
Having worked in a comprehensive school for over 20 years, Jenny is now
a volunteer for a local charity that works with adults with learning
difficulties.
She belongs to local writing group, Shorelink, and enjoys walking in the
countryside with friends.
Jenny claims an addiction to strong tea, but hates coffee, and is
annoyed as the way the passage of time is definitely speeding up.
Please tell us a little bit about your debut novel
release.
In a small Kentish village in 1952, eleven-year-old
twins are thrilled when an American teacher arrives at their village school,
suspecting him of being their absent father. Josie, who has been born mute,
communicates through her writing and details the adventure that leads her and
her brother and their two best friends into an adult world of dark secrets
which land them in a life-threatening situation.
What inspired you to write this story?
Memories of my own upbringing in Kent and the
specific memory of a school friend who lived with her mother and grandparents.
I was told that her father wasn’t dead but that he had had to go and live in
another country. Not a lie, as her father had actually been an American G.I.
You can read an excerpt here.
You can read an excerpt here.
What exciting story are you working on next?
A
longer novel in the same genre, this time with a male protagonist.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Writing has always been a now and then hobby
but once I joined my writing group, Shorelink Writers, I found my work was
being taken seriously and it is thanks to my fellow members’ encouragement that
I wrote the book.
Do you write full-time?
Although retired, I am a part-time writer as
I seem to be busier than ever. I write mainly when I am alone in the house with
no distractions.
Please tell us about an interesting quirk.
I can only work when the place is completely
silent. Initially, I write with a propelling pencil in a notebook.
When you were young, what did you want to be when you
grew up?
An author! It’s only taken me 60 years...
Links:
Thanks
for being here today, Jenny.
It's a great read, Jenny, and I am so thrilled that Shorelink Writers played a part in it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jenny. I couldn't put the book down - eagerly awaiting your next.
ReplyDelete