A Conversation with Jo Jackson About Her Novels

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Today I had a wonderful interview with Jo Jackson, author of Beyond the Margin, It Can’t Get Darker Than Midnight, and Too Loud A Silence. Jo’s new novel, They Speak of Night, is set to be released later this year!

Jo is a retired nurse, midwife and psychotherapist. She lives in rural Shropshire with her husband, dog and five pet rams. She has three children who are all grown up with families of their own.

I hope you will enjoy this interview with Jo!✨

What inspired you to become an author?

On retirement I joined a creative writing group. There was a story I had always wanted to write and with their encouragement and support it became my first book.

Please tell us more about the book in a few short sentences.

My new novel ‘They Speak of Night‘ begins in North London but crosses continents and cultures, to modern India as well as to the end of the Raj and the bloodbath of Partition.

My inspiration came from a simple exercise undertaken as part of a writing group session. The decision to set it in India stemmed from my love of that country.

Describe a typical writing day.

My best writing is done as the sun rises. I will often write for 2-3 hours before breakfast which leaves me plenty of time later to pursue my many other interests.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I am an artist and I love walking and exploring the beautiful countryside around me. Travelling is also a passion particularly to countries with different cultures to my own.

What was the most challenging thing about writing this book?

Writing about a culture that wasn’t my own and a time that I didn’t live through. My research was extensive.

I am sensitive to cultural approbation and of great importance to me was the opportunity to have my manuscript read and authenticated by an Indian woman living in Bangalore.

Which part of the book is your favorite?

The section set in India. Writing it brought back the colour, the smells, the food, the scenery and many happy memories of the wonderful people we have met there over the years.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

I begin with a vague idea. Then I let my characters tell their own stories. Trust them and they never let you down.

I like interesting characters whom I care about. For me a sense of place is also important. And of course good writing. My novels are character driven rather than plot driven.

How do you do research for your books?

I read both books and on the internet. Wherever possible talking to people with first hand knowledge of places, events or situations is invaluable. All of my books have drawn on personal experiences and are set in places I have visited.

Tell us more about the publishing process behind the book. Have you reached out to anyone?

I chose to self-publish my first two novels. That way the process remained in my control and I was able to choose the cover which was an important aspect for me.

The cover of my first book was painted by a renowned artist friend so is truly unique.

I have previously used blog tours as a way of marketing as well as given interviews and talks in person and on radio.

What are some tools you used to write this book from start to end?

I write directly onto my laptop and have an ipad close by for points of reference and research,

What authors inspired you into becoming an author yourself, if any?

I love the writing of Arundhati Roy, Marilynne Robinson and Gerbrand Bakker.

I aspire to perfect my craft as they have done theirs.

What are your future plans and where can our readers find you?

My aim is to go on writing as long as I am enjoying it. I will only submit a manuscript if I can be proud of it.

To contact Jo, make sure to check out her website, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Have you enjoyed this Q&A with Jo? Let me know in the comments below! ❤️