Jane Shand

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

Well, obviously, I love writing! But I also read as much as I can - though sometimes writing and reading conflict as there is only so much time in the day. I used to do watercolour painting, but haven't had time for a few years now.

When and why did you start writing books?

I have always written stories since I was little. The first novel sized story I completed was in my early twenties and took me 6 years! I had no idea about where to send it or about proper editing, so needless to say it never got anywhere! But that was the first time I actually considered writing for something other than pure pleasure.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I found a magazine about writing and suddenly I got enthusiastic about my writing again. I took a short story course and a novel writing course, and the novel I used in that course became my first published novel - The Shard.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

That's like asking which is your favourite child! As I write a book, that main character is my favourite, and that book is my favourite. I hope that my books are getting better as I grow as an author.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

I try to improve my writing in each book, but there are different challenges. The Light Wielders had 4 POV characters and ensuring they each had enough chapters and differing voices was hard. Then with my Crystal Mages Trilogy it was the first time I had planned to write in a series, so that was its own challenge. Now I am working on a 5 book series, which is different again.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I have read so many great books, but the book that inspired my love of reading fantasy and probably influenced my early attempts at writing fantasy was Lord of The Rings. So I will pick Tolkien.

What book are you reading right now?

I am reading Beasts Made of Night by Toni Onyebuchi. A YA fantasy with a distinct setting influenced by Nigeria. I am loving it.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I will have the inkling of an idea that I am never entirely sure where it came from. Often it then mixes with other little bits of ideas and I start asking questions and wondering. I also will be musing on a setting and a main character at the same time and they all come together. Once I had my 2 continents and some history, other series ideas have become easier to create and link.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My main hobby of reading. I would love to get back to painting or drawing too.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes. I am currently writing book 2 of a 5 book series - The Fallen Mages. Book 1 is sitting for two weeks and then I will start my self-edits. Once that is done and I have the funds, I will send it for a professional edit and order a cover. This series is set on the same continent as my Crystal Mages Trilogy and the main character and setting are mentioned in the trilogy.