Dawn Barker's Blog

Interview with Jenn J McLeod – author of ‘House for all Seasons’

House for all Seasons Jenn J McLeod Today, it’s a pleasure to interview author Jenn J McLeod, whose novel House for all Seasons (Simon&Schuuster Australia) has just been published. Jenn’s book was released at almost exactly the same time as my own, and so we’ve been sharing our experiences along the way.

Can you tell me a little bit about your new novel, House for all Seasons?

House for all Seasons is a story about coming home and of country roots that run deep.

In order to claim an unexpected inheritance – the century-old Dandelion House on the outskirts of Calingarry Crossing – four estranged school friends return to their hometown after twenty years and stay a season each to fulfil the wishes of their benefactor, Gypsy.

Poppy, a tough, ambitions journo still craving her father’s approval;
Sara, a breast cancer survivor afraid to fall in love;
Amber, a spoilt socialite addicted to painkillers and cosmetic procedures;
Caitlin, a third generation doctor frustrated by a controlling family and her flat-lining life.

House for all Seasons is a story of unravelling friendships and of ties that will forever bind four women to each other and to the century-old Dandelion house.

Having a book published is not easy! Can you tell me how you moved from writing a manuscript to securing a publisher?

Lucky for me my publisher did not let my poor grammer, grammor, grammar & typos get in the way of a good story! Seriously, I believe getting in front of a publisher is a matter of ‘right place, right time, right product’ and while luck also plays a hand, I believe ‘luck’ is the results of preparedness + opportunity. I believe a writer can control both these to some degree and I agree with J K Rowling who says [about getting published], “It’s hard work and luck, and that the first often leads to the second.”

Apart from ‘luck’, I set a deadline—my 50th. I established my brand and I threw myself into the social media scene to build my brand but mostly I watched, read, learned. I dumped the two manuscripts I’d submitted dozens of times and started a new book. I stopped listening to people who insisted I follow certain genres ‘rules’. Instead I wrote the story I wanted to tell, and I wrote it my way. (Yes, that meant taking risks.) I worked hard to learn the craft and the publishing business, and yes, I got ‘lucky’. I secured an agent (the best in the business, if you were to ask me) and no one was more shocked than me when ‘the call’ actually came through. In fact, after picking myself up from the floor I asked… “Why my books?” (I sold two) The answer from my publisher was… “Authenticity.”

What is your writing process, and how do you balance writing with ‘real life’?

Writing is my life. I’m never not writing, even if it’s only in my head as I mop floors and change beds in the little B&B I now operate on my property in country NSW (north). I used to do the Sydney city commute before my tree-change many years ago. I knew publication was a long shot, but I also knew that if I was to make a go of it I had to treat writing like a real job. I am extremely fortunate to have a very supportive partner who allows me to focus on the many aspects of the writing business (which, now I am published, means lots more Facebook and Twitter and blogging!!)

What have you enjoyed most about the publication process?

I’m not sure ‘enjoyed’ is the word I’d use for this rollercoaster experience (up one minute, the next plummeting back to earth under the weight of overwhelming self-doubt).

What I ‘embraced’ was the editing process. I loved how it pushed me to expand and grow the story and characters well beyond what I ever thought I could. I even surprised myself when it came to dealing with structural changes and editorial suggestions; I wasn’t at all precious. I think because my aim was to provide readers with the very best experience, so anything that would contribute to that was fine by me.

And what’s been the most difficult part?

As a self-confessed control freak I have a problem letting go. I am also impatient (not a good match for a business filled with long waits and scary silences—especially the agent submission phase). Waiting drives me nuts, so it seems only fair I drive my publisher nuts—right? Poor woman! I’m convinced publishers are the busiest people on the planet and I’m so lucky that mine is always available, understanding and right! (She also designs an amazing book cover, don’t you think?)

Who are some of your favourite authors?

These days I’m drawn to authors for their specific styles: Lisa Heidke’s witty dialogue; Posie Graeme-Evans’ stunning scene setting, Sara Foster’s wicked weaving of plots and characters; Monica McInerney’s eclectic cast and clever characterisation; the mischievous Marian Keyes for the giggle factor, and Jodi Picoult’s tackling of real-life issues.

Authors who influence my writing are generally the ones whose books sustain my interest to the end – but mostly the ones whose books don’t (because they are the books that will often teach me more!)

Right now I’m reading The Fine Colour of Rust, by P.A. O’Reilly and laughing out loud at her unique and delightful storytelling. I would love to meet her one day.

What does the future hold for you as a writer?

I’m hoping there are a few more books to come. Book two (The Simmering Season – March 2014) is the second Calingarry Crossing novel. I’ve planned four small town stories for my Seasons Collection and if … I mean when I’ve sold the next two books I will launch part two of ‘the dream’, which is selling up to write in a Winnebago while travelling to small towns for inspiration, producing a book a year, with a few e-book novellas thrown into the mix.

My immediate future is all about House for all Seasons, so I hope people buy it, read it, enjoy it, review it, and recommend it.

Thank you for having me here, Dawn, and congratulations on Fractured. It’s next on my reading list.