Interview with Janice Hanna Thompson

~Tell us a little about yourself. [Or give your “author bio”]

Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published nearly seventy books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice formerly served as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).  She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year, with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online writing courses have been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about Janice at www.janiceathompson.com or www.freelancewritingcourses.com.

~How do you handle disasters/BIG problems? Do you have a funny or interesting story showcasing how you handle them?

I try to laugh my way through every situation. It doesn’t always happen, but I try. When I went through a particularly difficult season several years ago (multiple deaths in the family, all in a row) I found myself turning to Robin Jones Gunn’s light-hearted books. There’s something about comedy (or light-hearted stories) that really lifts my spirits.

Is there something about you that readers might be surprised to learn?

I bake wedding cakes on the side. It’s true! I’m not the best decorator in the world, but I can bake a mean cake. Here’s a picture of one I did for my best friend, Kathleen Y’Barbo.

~What is one book that you recently read and would recommend to your readers?

I loved One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Her beautiful literary style blew me away, but the content of the book is really what sealed the deal. The book is a personal expose on living life with an attitude of gratitude, no matter what you’re going through.

~What is your favorite time of day to write?

I write all day long, but my best time of day is in the late hours of the night. I’m a night owl, so this just seems to work best for me.

~If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, how would you rate the romance in your books?

Hmm. I’ve been told my writing is a bit like Lisa Wingate’s. I think it could also be compared to Kristin Billerbeck and/or Robin Jones Gunn. I write light-hearted romance that’s definitely G rated!

~What are you working on now or going to write next?

I’m writing Love Finds You in Daisy Oklahoma, while marketing Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee, (which just released).

Which book are you offering as a free giveaway at this time?

I’m excited to give away a copy of Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee.

~Book’s back cover blurb please-

Steve Garrison is the newly elected mayor of the tiny town of Camelot, Tennessee. When his childhood friend Amy Hart comes up with a plan to revive the town’s economy, he jumps onboard. The townspeople will perform the musical “Camelot” in the city’s park, drawing in nightly crowds. While excitement is high, talent is lacking. Amy casts several of the parts but is stumped when it comes to the role of King Arthur. In desperation, she turns to Steve. Will he pull the sword from the stone and save the day? Steve reluctantly agrees—on one condition. In exchange for his willingness to wear tights, Amy must play the role of Guinevere. And when a handsome newcomer cast as Lancelot takes an interest in Amy, the stage is set for a little tension—and perhaps love.

~What research did you have to do for this book?

I went to college in East Tennessee, so I was pretty familiar with the Knoxville area. The story is close to my heart, because I performed in the musical “Camelot” while in college (less than two hours away from the area where this story takes place).

~Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie? 

I would choose Reese Witherspoon for Amy and Hugh Jackman for Steve.

~Is there anything you would like to add, or tell your readers?

I love writing romantic comedies and I love musical theater, so combining both of these elements in Love Finds You in Camelot Tennessee was such a blast. The story was especially dear to me since I attended college in Tennessee.

~How can readers get in contact with you?

Follow Janice at:

Website: www.janicehannathompson.com

Writing Courses Website: www.freelancewritingcourses.com

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson

Reader’s Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Hanna-Thompsons-Readers-Page/303537684650

Blog: http://janiceathompson.com/blog/?cat=1

One more question: I see that you teach online writing courses. Can you tell my readers a little more about that, in case any of them want to become writers? 

Thanks for asking. I love to share about my writing courses. Your readers can check out my "Becoming a Successful Freelancer Writer" course here: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/becoming-a-successful-freelance-writer. My courses were created with one goal in mind – To help freelance writers hone their craft and learn how to make money with their writing. These unique courses will help you succeed as a freelance writer. In addition to writing professionals, our teachers also include marketing, public relations, and business professionals who are ready to help you learn how to organize your writing business, promote yourself, build your brand, and sell more books. New courses are being added to our website every month. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive library of courses, resources, and other learning materials that will help freelance writers succeed.