Janet Sketchley Interview

Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had?

A: Okay, now I feel old. I’ve probably been writing off and on for 22 or 23 years now, although my first novel didn’t come out until 2013. My longest career has been as an at-home mom to our three (now adult) sons. Before that, I worked in the office of our city transit service. Currently I do some occasional merchandising work as well as writing.

Q: Do you write in only one genre and if so which one and why? If not, which ones and why?

A: Fiction-wise, I’ve moved from suspense to romantic suspense and plan to stay in this genre for the near future. At some point I’d like to add speculative fiction as well, but right now I’m trying to establish myself in one genre before branching into a second. Marketing is hard enough, without complicating it. I also write weekly devotionals, book reviews and features on my blog, so it looks like I’m already straddling genres.

Q: How does your faith play into your writing?

A: First of all, my aim is to please God in what I write. That affects my choice of topics and content. I’m in the discovery phase of a new series now, and am regularly praying for His leading on how to shape it. I want to deliver a good read, but God can plant a little something in the story that can touch a reader’s heart as well. Faith also affects my characters. To date I’ve written redemption novels, but I also explore the growth of Christian characters and how their faith impacts their choices.

Q: How do you choose your settings for your books?

A: With HEAVEN’S PREY, the plot required an isolated cottage setting, and I chose a spot I knew would work. The setting for SECRETS AND LIES grew logically from connected locations in that first book, and for WITHOUT PROOF, I decided I wanted to write somewhat locally again. That may be because I didn’t want to research my original, arbitrary choice of locale, but I think it’s also because there aren’t many books set in Nova Scotia and it’s a lovely place with plenty of fiction potential.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?

A: They’re not based on real people, but a surprising number of my own characteristics or struggles seem to turn up in their lives.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release WITHOUT PROOF?

A: Two years after the plane crash that killed her fiancé, Amy Silver has fallen for his best friend, artist Michael Stratton. When a local reporter claims the small aircraft may have been sabotaged, it reopens Amy’s grief.

Anonymous warnings and threats are Amy’s only proof that the tragedy was deliberate, and she has nowhere to turn. The authorities don’t believe her, God is not an option, and Michael’s protection is starting to feel like a cage.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

A: I had the romance angle in mind and knew I wanted to write suspense. Exploring the plane crash led to discovering the rest of the plot.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: What’s meant for harm, God can use for good.

Q: Tell us what you like about the main characters of this book.

A: Amy, the heroine, has some issues she needs to get over, the main one being a false belief of her worth in God’s eyes. I think a lot of people’s lives are cramped by the lies they’ve accepted about themselves, and my hope is that Amy’s growth will inspire readers. Michael, the hero, has a strong sense of loyalty… even if he doesn’t show it well. And Aunt Bay, the other main character, is a feisty, 70-something single woman who was a treat to write.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: I’m in the early stages of discovering a new romantic suspense series, which will be set in Nova Scotia (East Coast Canada) but not in the same location as WITHOUT PROOF or HEAVEN’S PREY. So far, the cats have introduced themselves, and the main character is beginning to define herself. A possible love interest is also taking shape. I love this stage!

Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why?

A: Oh, there are so many places I’d love to explore. Viking Cruises has a 29-day exploration of the Baltic Sea and Viking homelands… definitely on my wish list and equally outside of my budget.

Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done?

A: *snerk* Those who know me well would roll their eyes and ask how to narrow it down. I have a small collection of stuffed sheep, and I’m always on the lookout for a good photo op for whichever one is nearest. My favourite shot may be the largest sheep (an armful) in the grip of a Space Marine.

Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done?

A: The absolute hardest thing has been to fully release my children, husband, self and loved ones into the hands of God, knowing that His plans aren’t mine (but they’re ultimately best) and that He may choose to allow things to happen that I wouldn’t. And to choose to love and trust Him anyway. It’s also something that occasionally needs repeating.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: My website: janetsketchley.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JanetSketchley

Twitter: twitter.com/JanetSketchley

Amazon Author Central: www.amazon.com/author/janetsketchley

Pinterest: pinterest.com/janetsketchley/

Goodreads: goodreads.com/janetsketchley

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: Thanks so much for chatting with me, Susan. I’m a subscriber to The Suspense Zone emails, and it’s a treat to be included as a writer. I’d encourage anyone interested in reading WITHOUT PROOF to enter The Suspense Zone giveaway draw, because free books are a bonus. I’d also like to invite interested readers to join my writing journey through my monthly newsletter: bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews.