Welcome to Jan Bowles' guest blog!

Welcome Ms. Bowles to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.


You’re welcome. Thank you for inviting me.


Did you always want to become a writer?


I guess I’ve always been creative. I’ve been writing for the past 15 years now, and if I’m not writing I paint, vivid landscapes. A collection of my paintings can be seen on my website.


What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?


Writing came become very obsessive. It can quite literally take over one’s life. Fortunately, I have a very understanding husband who acknowledges that it takes time to write a book.


With regard to the above answer, writing can be also be very lonely.


How did you celebrate your first release? What was it like to see your book in a bookstore? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?


I was over the moon when my first book went on sale. It’s in ebook form at present, and comes out in print in May of this year. I guess I’m looking forward to placing it on my bookshelf.


How did your family react to fact that you write romance novels? Have your family read your book?


They absolutely love it. They read my books. In fact they critique my work robustly! This is exactly what I need if I want to perfect the story further.



Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites? Have any influenced your writing?


Yes, I do love to read. I particularly like the Dr. Kay Scarpetta novels by Patricia Cornwell. I’m very fond of the mystery/crime genre. They keep me interested all the way through.


I also like the romance novels by Diana Palmer Her rugged Texan heroes are simply delicious. Mmmm!


Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write? Do their lives sometimes take over a part of your life? Can you name an example? Do you have living role models for your characters?


Oh, good question. Let me see. Sometimes, my characters can take over. They demand my attention constantly. For instance they will often get me up out of bed in the middle of the night, in order to jot notes down. They do not want me to forget anything! When they are feeling sad, I am sad. When they are elated so am I. When I get to an emotional part of the story I will cry with them.


I do not have any living role models for my characters, though I’m sure some of the traits they have are based on real people that I’ve met over the years. I can often see some of my husband’s mannerisms in the heroes. You know, like the way he smiles, or the way he drags his hand though his hair.



Where do you get the inspirations for your books?


I find the news in general has plenty of ideas. ‘The Return’ was inspired by the story of Jill Morrell and John McCarthy. He was held hostage for five years. When I heard about their plight, I wondered how changed he would be when he finally returned to normal life. How would they cope with all the media attention?


Do you find it difficult at times to write love scenes?


Love scenes can be the most tricky to write. You’re pouring a lot of emotion into just a few pages. The point is the scene should not come across as stilted. It must be a spontaneous act. So yes, they may be the hardest scenes of all to write.


Do you have a problem with deadlines and have you ever suffered a writers block?


Touch wood, I’ve been okay. There have been the odd days when the writing slows to a stop, and you spend most of the time staring out the window. When I’m relaxed, the words just flow from me.


Do you prefer stand-alone books or series (As a reader or a writer) ?


As a reader, I like both. As a writer, at the moment I have stuck to stand-alone books. Don’t get me wrong, though, if the opportunity arose to write a series I would happily do it.



If you could change places with one character from your book, who would it be and why?


I guess it would be Marielle, from ‘The Return’. When she believes she has lost the love of her life for good, her tenacious spirit triumphs in the end. I love the way that she never gave up on her man.


What is your favorite book from the books that you have written so far? Who are your favorite hero and heroine, and why?


Oh, dear, you are asking some awkward questions. ‘The Return’ is a roller coaster ride of emotion. You’ll experience everything from love, loss, betrayal, friendship, and happiness.


As for my characters, I love them all, but if you really insist, I’ll just whisper that Jack McClaine and Eva St. John are my favourites so far. They appear in my next book, ‘Lessons in Love’, due for publication in February this year. I really do have a soft spot for Jack McClaine. He’s a native Texan, with rugged cowboy looks.


Would you like to give another genre a try?


At the moment I’m writing mystery suspense.


Which book was the hardest to write and which the easiest?


The hardest book to write was ‘Dark Secrets’. As the title suggests it have dark secrets. It is a very emotional journey into the heroines past. It is due to be released in June of this year. The easiest to write is my next published work, ‘Lessons in Love’. The dialogue and characters just flowed from me. The two main characters were made for each other. They really deserve to be together.


If you could choose one of your books for a movie, which one would it be and who would you as the cast?


I would choose ‘The Return’. The female lead would be Alex Kingston and the male lead would be Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Now that would be fantastic. When could they start rehearsing?


If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?


I’ve always been fascinated with the ancient Egyptians. I’d certainly like to meet Cleopatra, and find out just how she inspired the loves of her life. I’m sure she would have many secrets to divulge.


Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?


Usually I don’t listen to music. I find it very distracting, though I have on occasion listened to Dame Kiri Te Kenawa sing Madame Butterfly, when I lost a thread during an emotional scene. I soon picked it up again!


Big congrats to your latest release, can you please tell us something about the book?


My latest release is called ‘The Return’. Here’s the blurb:


Whilst on assignment in Iraq, English TV presenter and journalist Robert Tremayne is captured by the Islamic Jihad and held hostage.


His soul mate, Marielle, can barely come to terms with her loss but tries to move on with her life. Two years later Robert is discovered alive. Marielle is overjoyed, but her life has changed beyond all recognition, and the man she loved is now very different. His time in Iraq has left him cold emotionless and detached. There's much to tell, and each wants desperately to return to the way things once were.


With the past always there to come between them, will they be able to recapture their lost love? Will they ever be happy again?



Are you working on anything right now, and can you tell us a teaser about these projects?


I am just in the middle of editing my next release called ‘Lessons in Love’. I’m also just beginning a WIP mystery suspense novel.


If anyone would like to know more about my books or me please visit my website