Ask J.A. Jance - Monday, March 18th! discussion

Kenny wrote: "Dear Ms. Jance,

Good evening. And thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to answer questions from your loyal readers. I love your J.P. Beaumont series. I've been reading that fantas..."

I'm having a tough time seeing the question here. So I'll try to remember. Does the protagonist reflect my view of the world? I'm sure there's some of me in ALL my characters, but my characters and I do not move in lock step.

There's a lot about writing that is utterly magic. I don't know what to say about "tapping into sources." Some things are inspired. In writing my books, however, I try to avoid using real cases because real cases affect real people.

And did I say thank you for coming on board with Birds of Prey. Did you go back and read the earlier books as well?

Kenny wrote: "Dear Ms. Jance,

Good evening. And thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to answer questions from your loyal readers. I love your J.P. Beaumont series. I've been reading that fantas..."

In Mysteries you usually don't know who the bad guy is until the end of the book. In thrillers, you often know the bad guy and the question is whether or not he will get away with it. See Hour of the Hunter. You know Andrew Philip Carlisle is the bad guy from the beginning, and he his after Diana Ladd. (By the way, I wasn't allowed in the Creative Writing program at the University of Arizona in 1964 because I was a girl. That explains why Andrew Philip Carlisle turns out to be a former professor of Creative writing from the University of Arizona. A word of advice: Do NOT make mystery writer's mad.

John wrote: "Those of you asking for an Ali crossover must have missed the part in one of the last two books where Ali (or someone else) was reading a book from one of the other series. I think this was Ms. Jan..."

Yes, as I replied above. Ali can't go wandering into a HarperCollins book without both of us getting into a LOT of trouble.

Carolyn wrote: "Love your books -- all four series! I'm wondering who are your favorite authors and what's on your "soon to read" shelf? Thanks so much for your captivating storylines and marvelous characters -- a..."

I'm currently reading The Bookman's Promise by John Dunning, and I expect to be reading a new Miss Julia book by Ann B. Ross sometime in April. But right now, I'm working on the next Ali book so reading other people's books has to take a back seat.

Arlene wrote: "I am a big fan of yours. My most favorite of the books is Partner in Crime. I enjoyed the two series combined. What is your favorite? Can't wait to read your latest book."
For years Hour of the Hunter has been my favorite. But I think, in September, that Second Watch will pull ahead.

Kylou wrote: "Love your books. Do you have any plans to start a new series? Also, do you have any favorite TV shows? And, what movies have you seen lately?

What is your view on the current gun debate?

Thanks!"
I really enjoyed Fringe. And I like Person of Interest and the Mentalist.

As for the current gun debate? If we take weapons away from all the law abiding folks, then only the criminals will have guns. See Chicago.

Alyce wrote: "Hi.

What genre(s) do you read when you are not writing?
I still read mostly mysteries. Lee Childs, Michael Connolly, John Dunning, Ann B. Ross, Alexander McCall Smith.

Who are some of your favorite authors? See the list posted above.

What author(s) influenced your writing style? John D. McDonald's Travis Magee showed me that it was possible to write an adult mystery series.




How do you remember what you wrote about what char..."I do my best, but if you read the answer above, about 2.1 million words in the Beaumont series alone, it's not always possible to remember everything with complete accuracy.

Judith wrote: "As a Phoenix native, I want to compliment J.A. on capturing the feel of the city and northern parts of the state. Reading Deadly Stakes was a real treasure as I envisioned Ali heading down Lincoln ..."

A lot of the time I use places I know well. That way I can keep my eye on the story and the character while reporting on the landscape in the background. For places I haven't been, Google Maps and Google Earth are HUGE helps.

Niel wrote: "Hello Ms. Jance. I'm a big fan. My question is who is Ollie Weeks based on?"

Ann wrote: "I have read and enjoyed many of the J.P. Beaumont novels and was entertaining starting the Ali Reynolds series. Would you recommend in any of your series to start from book #1 so I can understand h..."
There are always new readers who come into a series with whatever book happens to be the new book at the time. Some of them choose to start from thee and move backwards. Others prefer to jump to the beginning. There's no rule that you have to start at the beginning, but some of the background storylines--like Joanna's relationship with her mother or Ali's relationship with B. Simpson occur in the background of several books, and that may be more interesting if you're reading the books in order.

Niel wrote: "Hello Ms. Jance. I'm a big fan. My question is who is Ollie Weeks based on?"

I have no idea who Ollie Weeks is based on. I believe you'll need to ask Stephen King.

Marti wrote: "I don't have a question, but wanted to say that I especially enjoy your J P Beaumont books. I have a sister who lives in Bellevue, and though she is not a reader, I think that she did read some th..."

Beaumont is my firstborn character, so I have a real soft spot in my heart for him.

Ms. Jance I love your books. The Ali books seem like a departure from JoAnna and J.P. will you be starting any other new series going in other directions? Carin

Linda wrote: "My husband and I began reading your J.P. Beaumont series in the early 90's. One of the greatest joys we share is your stories. We wish to thank you for that. We love reading your books and getti..."

I've been concentrating so hard on the questions that I have failed to say thank you to the people who have said such kind words about my books all through this interview. So let's rectify that. Thank you!!

And thank you for being such long time readers. I don't know about writing another Walker book. I haven't been asked to do one yet, but I'm not ruling it out.

Thx Judy for taking time to visit and answer questions.

JA wrote: "Kylou wrote: "Love your books. Do you have any plans to start a new series? Also, do you have any favorite TV shows? And, what movies have you seen lately?

What is your view on the current gun ..."

I missed one. No plans for any new series at this point.

You have mentioned in your blogs about a dog training place in Redmond or Woodinville that your family has used and that you felt you could recommend. What is the name of the facility as we may be ready to adopt another dog into our family.

Cathy wrote: "I have to admit I'm expecting Ali and JoAnna to get together sometime soon. It's not all that far from Bisbee to Sedona."

I would love to see that too! :)

I see you mentioned you're currently reading The Bookman's Promise. How well are you acquainted with John Dunning because I love his stuff!

Judy wrote: "You have mentioned in your blogs about a dog training place in Redmond or Woodinville that your family has used and that you felt you could recommend. What is the name of the facility as we may be..."

It's the Academy for Canine Behavior in Woodinville. You're welcome to tell them I sent you. When my daughter adopted a dog that had been the mommy dog in a puppy mill, she was totally unsocialized, and they evaluated her to decide if Snowflake could be transformed into a family dog. She could and she is. Just yesterday, when the caterers were delivering food to our house for a party, we used one of the essential Academy-learned commands with our rescued dachshund, Bella. We told her WAIT. That means people go in and out doors or gates. Dog does not.

JA wrote: "Judy wrote: "You have mentioned in your blogs about a dog training place in Redmond or Woodinville that your family has used and that you felt you could recommend. What is the name of the facility..."

Thank you. Will blatantly tell them you sent me when we adopt our new family member.

Romantic wrote: "I see you mentioned you're currently reading The Bookman's Promise. How well are you acquainted with John Dunning because I love his stuff!"
I love his books but he isn't someone I know personally.

Romantic wrote: "Thx Judy for taking time to visit and answer questions."

You're welcome.

Thank you for books with good plots, are well written and contain characters that we want to be involved with. With your books I have to plan reading time because I don't want to put the book down.

I was once signing a woman's book when a man, her husband, came up and peered at me over her shoulder. As soon as he did, he made a face. "Oh," he said. "It's you. I guess I'll go home and order a pizza. She sure as hell isn't going to cook!"

So you're not the only one who has trouble putting them down.

But thank you for the kind words.

I guess the party's over. Thx again Judy, for stopping by. I had a lovely time. I look forward to seeing you again. Take care.

John wrote: "Those of you asking for an Ali crossover must have missed the part in one of the last two books where Ali (or someone else) was reading a book from one of the other series. I think this was Ms. Jan..."

It was a Joanna Brady mystery that Ali was reading lol

I have been following the Arizona trial of Jodi Arias on HLN TV. Do any of your books or have you entertained writing a book about such a complex female character of such brutal homicidal acts?

JA wrote: "Ann wrote: "Reading your books has made me put Bisbee on my bucket list of places to visit. I am a history major and love when you put historical aspects in your stories. I can read your books over..."

JA wrote: "Ann wrote: "Reading your books has made me put Bisbee on my bucket list of places to visit. I am a history major and love when you put historical aspects in your stories. I can read your books over..."

Thank you so much for taking time to respond to my post. I will put the museum on my list of places to visit. I just got the complete set of Oz books and look forward to reading them.