Author interview - Jan Edwards

Today's interview is with writer and Reiki Master Jan Edwards.

Do you have any pets? Do they influence your writing?

I have cats and chickens.  Our feline overlords dictate all that we do in every aspect of our lives... Chickens – not so much.

Apple or PC?

This argument smacks of the teen mags in the Blur v Oasis tradition. But if pushed... I probably don’t need an Apple enough to justify the additional cost.

Do you use Scrivener or Word?

One of my jobs was desktop publishing for a University and I used styles and templates in PC and Mac. From what I have seen when I have been given demos of Scrivener it seems to be a tad surplus. But always open to persuasion if someone can tell me what the real benefits are.

Would you rather see your stories on the big screen or the little screen?

In theory a good narrative should work equally well on either. I get bored very quickly with SFX movies that neglect character and plot for a few more explosions and some natty graphics; no matter what the screen size.

Are you hooked on any of the shows on the sci-fi channel? If so, which one(s)?

Don’t have sci-fi channel... next question.

Do you own copies of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings DVDs? The extended version? Do you ever watch them?

I watched the DVD’s once when I bought them. They’ve gathered dust since then. Ten hours +? That is a lot of TV. I could read the books in that time – including the bits that Jackson missed out.

Have you seen the first two parts of The Hobbit? Are you planning to see the final instalment?

I am happy to wait for the DVD.

Are you a Luddite? Or do you prefer to be on the bleeding edge of technology?

Neither. I am not averse to technology but it has to be something I want/need and not bought because its the thing to be seen with. My first mobile phone in the 1980s was basically a handset attached to a car battery. I needed it for the 24hr call-out service as a master locksmith (If you watch Lethal Weapon Mel G was sitting on the bonnet of his car using one almost identical.) I came to loathe that machine. It weighed a ton and made me far too accessible at odd hours. Plus, a year later mobile phones really did fit in your pocket without the need for trainer wheels. It made me very aware how fast technology moves. I use whatever technology is useful to me at any given time.

What kind of foods do you eat? Are you a health-food-nut or is it strictly junk?

I eat good food. I do like nuts. Particularly pecan nuts, toasted, with fresh...

Do you cook? What is your best/favourite/most popular recipe?

I love to cook if there is a reason to do it but deciding what to have for supper gets old. Favourite recipe? Welsh cakes because they are the comfort food of memory. I am told I’m a mean hand at veggie chilli and my falafels are pretty good. My bread, however, would make good door stops. Not to be recommended.  There are country wine recipes in my non-genre book Sussex Tales and a family recipe for Christmas cake that is pretty damned good if I say so myself! 

Have you ever heard of or had a green smoothie? If you’ve ever had one, what did you think about ?

Food should never be khaki in colour. It’s not a good look. And as for the pineapple and kale smoothie I did try? Bleugh!!

Do you have a garden? Have you ever grown your own food?

I have a garden. It has a 60% gradient in places, which makes for a challenge. I grow a lot of things. Mainly salad and soft fruits.

Have you ever been to Starbucks?

Yes, but only if there is nowhere else open.

Coffee or Tea or Water? Espresso, Drip, Instant, or French Press? Bag or Loose-leaf? Bottled, Filtered, Tap or Rainwater?

My other half tries to get tap water past me now and then but he has yet to manage it. 9/10 I can smell the chemicals before it reaches my lips, and the taste of hot tap water is just foul! Filter coffee for preference. And leaf tea always! Teabags are an abomination!

Do you wear socks?

Never in matching pairs. Dipping into the draw and pulling out any two at random sets my mood for the day!

What are you wearing right now?

Clothes. I’m not a ‘label’ junkie.

Do you do your own laundry?

If I can’t persuade the other half to do it for me.

Does life fascinate you?

Endlessly.

What would your animal totem be?

Cat, obviously.

Do you do Yoga? Meditation? or Deep Breathing? Does it help you cope?

I am a Reiki Master and Meditational Healer – so I should probably give a say yes to that one...

On a scale of 1-10, how eccentric are you?

Not in the slightest. Feet firmly on the ground. The rest of the world, however, it monumentally screwed up.

What’s your astrological sign?

Twinkly

Do you consider yourself a slave to the muse?

No way. That little monster is to be beaten into submission and dragged to the computer whenever required.

About Jan Edwards

Born in Sussex, now living in Staffs Moorlands with 3 cats and husband Peter Coleborn.
Writer of fantasy fiction, freelance editor, reiki master.
Founder member of Renegade Writers

Website: janedwardsblog.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @jancoled
Alchemy Press 

Current titles:
Co-editor: The Alchemy Press Book of Urban Mythic (vols 1 & 2)
                    Wicked Women with Fox Spirit
Novel: Sussex Tales (non-genre) with Penkhull Press

To come: Leinster Gardens and Other Subtleties - Coming out in March with The Alchemy Press. 14 supernatural stories – one of which is previously unpublished!