Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After retiring from teaching at age fifty-five, it was time to move forward with my dream of writing. I took two online courses from The Institute of Children’s Literature and a Children’s Writing Course through Indiana University Northwest. Now I thought I was ready and would soon see my stories in print. Not immediately, but after many rejection letters, A DOG AND HIS BOY, was published through a small Christian publisher, Lighthouse Christian Publishers. I self-published my five other children’s books using Create Space; HOW TO BE A LADY, HOW TO BE A “SUPER MAN”, NIGHTTIME PROWLER, EVAN’S PRAYERS, THE BOSSY BEAST, and one middle grade novel, THE SECRETS OF CUB CREEK, A STEP ACROSS TIME. They are all available on Amazon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I had joined an online critique group and through that group, my young adult novel, THE HIDDEN TRUTH, became a reality. My husband and I had been discussing the benefits and detriments of using GMO products and whether or not God is in control of the changes humans have made. I began to research the topic and incorporated the information I found into my novel where the protagonist’s dreams help her to see the truth. She and her friends dive into the study with some unwelcome results. I submitted it to Soul Mate Publishers and was ecstatic when I received my contract to publish it as an e-book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unfortunate to say, I am a very hit and miss writer. If it’s summer, I would rather be outside in my flower garden or out at the pool. During the winter, I try to get back to writing, but I have many other interests as well. Our family comes first, so if there are events to attend, my writing goes by the wayside.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to read historical fiction. My favorite book is JANE EYRE and I loved WUTHERING HEIGHTS and GONE WITH THE WIND when I was a teen.
What are you working on now?
I have a middle grade novel about a girl who finds out her iPad is capable of changing the date and time to her advantage. It needs editing and polishing and then I will begin submitting it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far Twitter and Facebook
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay true to yourself and don’t get discourage.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write about what you know is what everyone says, but I think we wouldn’t have the variety of books we have if everyone followed that advice. So I would say, research, research, research, if you want to write about something beyond your situation.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading the OUTLANDER series and just finished, THE AVIATOR’S WIFE. I also read all of Anita Shreve’s books. Her writing was amazing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now it is taking quite a bit of my time to promote THE HIDDEN TRUTH. I Have an idea for another young adult book set in the future. My teen granddaughters have been encouraging me to try this genre.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Jane Eyre, and a Journal and pencil, so I could write.
Author Websites and Profiles
Janeen Swart Website
Janeen Swart Amazon Profile
Janeen Swart’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
