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Answers posted July 31, 1998

Q: Dear Jayne, As a long time fan, since 1982 who has read all your books about 10 times each (with the exception of the your Bentley titles) I've always found the hobbies of your heroines very interesting. Could you possibly give us a sneak preview of what your heroine in FLASH might be interested in other than hero or the business they're vying for? Any crumbs will be most appreciated! Thanks a bunch! (Rebecca)

A: Hi, Rebecca: You want to know about the business background in Flash? Okay, I'll tell you: The heroine runs an "event" business -- one of those operations which stages flashy (get it? Flash?) events for companies, politicians, and business, etc. who are looking for publicity. There's also some blackmail and a little murder involved. But mostly there's lots of romance. Hope you enjoy it! -- Jayne

Q: Dear Jayne, I've been reading your books since your first Candlelight came out, and always look forward to each and every one. With all the writing you do - do you ever get a chance to do any reading? If so, what do you enjoy? (Vicki)

A: Hi, Vicki -- yes, I do a lot of reading. My favorite genres are romantic-suspense and "soft" horror. The first things I look for in a book are interesting characters and a "heroic" theme. Good storytelling is everything. I read my friends (naturally) Elizabeth Lowell, Stella Cameron, Suzanne Simmons -- I also read a wide variety of other folks -- too many to list here. -- Jayne

Q: Do you ever think you will do a historical set in the US or even the South Seas? (Barb)

A: Hi, Barb: Who knows? Stay tuned -- and thanks for asking. -- Jayne

Q: Hi, Jayne. I really like your books. I like the heroines - they aren't sissies, which I find a lot of heroines in romance novels are. I especially like your regencies. This is my question: are we ever going to see a story focusing on Charity Truitt's younger brother? He seems to me to be a really good possibility! I mean, he tore down to Crazy Otis Landing to check out Elias. Not all brothers would do that. I'm also going to beg you to write more "flower" books! They're great! They get back to your earlier work with Verity and Jonas. I personally think that that style of novels is your best work. Thanks for writing those books! (Mari-Anne)

A: Hi, Mari-Anne: Glad you like the paranormal stuff -- so do I! No plans to do a sequel to Deep Waters but I definitely intend to work with more of the paranormal themes in the future. -- Jayne

Q: Mrs. Krentz, You said it took you several years to get published. I was wondering if you worked on the same manuscript, revamping it during those years, or tackled certain projects. Are there any unpublished projects from those early days? I know you like to concentrate on the book at hand, so I suspect you have several 'false' starts in route to getting that first publication. Your Biggest Fan in Louisiana (Becky)

A: Dear Rebecca: You're right -- lots of false starts. When a proposal (which usually consists of three chapters and an outline) failed to sell, I tossed it into the garbage and tried something else. It took me six years to get published. But, as I keep reminding everyone, most of my friends got something into print much more quickly, so don't go by my example. -- Jayne

Q: Actually this question is for Frank . . . Jayne, I've got one for you later, just so you don't feel left out or anything . . .

Frank, in the early 80s or so, I recall Bertrice Small's husband submitting an article or two to a couple of industry journals. In his treatises, he detailed advice to husbands of writers. He also listed a number of hobbies that he participated in that he had never had an opportunity to indulge in before Bertrice's phenomenal success.

So, what's it like being married to an icon in the romantic fiction industry? Do you have any exotic hobbies that show up in your wife's works? We know that Jayne enjoys gourmet cuisine, fine wine & country music from the inside covers of her books, do you share these hobbies?

Okay, so it's really three questions. You can pick ONE if you don't really want to write a dissertation! Thanks, (Danyelle)

A: Hi, Danyelle: On behalf of Frank, (who is reading the evening paper) let me tell you that we share several hobbies -- among them, travel (mostly to Hawaii, which we love) good food and good wine. Frank is not so hot on country music, But we are both enjoying our first ever season tickets to the opera. -- Jayne

Q: Hi Jayne, I have a question that is really two-fold. (Just so you'll be warned now.) Several of your characters are involved with plants - Oliver Rain had an incredible greenhouse in which he grew ferns. Likewise, Eleanor Castleton in Golden Chance had an entire greenhouse dedicated to carnivorous plants. Many of your characters have house plants (or jungles) in their homes or apartments. Is this a reflection of your own interests in plants? And, secondly, what is your favorite plant or family of plants? Thanks, (Danyelle)

A: Danyelle: In our condo we have several window seat "gardens" in which plants grow like crazy. I don't think of myself as a green-thumb type but I get a real kick out of watching stuff grow. My newest hobby is my herb garden which my Mom initiated. I also have some orchids, some cacti and some other plants. I don't have any favorites -- if it grows in my window gardens, I love it! --Jayne

Q: Dear Jayne, First I want to say how much I have loved your books over the years, it took me a couple of years however before I realized that two of my favorite authors, Stephanie James and Jayne Castle were the same author. I finally realized the similarities in style and checked the back of the title page and saw the same name. I really enjoy your futuristic novels, but have noticed something interesting in each you leave a small cliffhanger, for example in Crystal Flame when will the dark stones be found? or in Sheild's Lady will the home planet of the hero find them? It leads me to hope that there will be future books. However my question is as follows: I read on this site that you will not be writing any more "flower" books, but will be writing more "curtain books." Would you explain the difference? Also all of your flower books the heroines were the passive prisms, how about a talented female with a male prism. Thank you for years on enjoyment (Teri Anne)

A: Dear Teri Anne: Glad you like the futuristics. The problem with "sequels" is that every time I start a book in which I lay the groundwork for a follow-up, I run into trouble. Either the editor doesn't like the idea, or I change publishers, etc., etc. The "Flower" books were the only complete series I wrote other than the early Guinevere Jones books. But I have hopes of eventually doing more "Curtain" books (different planet, different rules). Thanks for your interest -- Jayne

Q: Jayne.. I've noticed you seem to incorporate some of your interests/hobbies in your different novels (vegetarian/gourmet cooking/ wines/ etc). Do you have any favorite hobbies that you haven't used yet?? (Charmaine)

A: Dear Charmaine: I'm constantly getting interested in new things (the perils of being a librarian, I suppose). In any event, while some hobbies remain constant (vegetarianism, wine, art, etc.) there will always be new stuff to learn -- and it will probably find its way into my books. My Mom is a role model for me. She is always studying new stuff -- right now she's taking classes to learn how to use computers -- Jayne.

Answers posted July 24, 1998

Q: I just finished Golden Chance, and thoroughly enjoyed it. As the truth about Hillary began to unfold I found myself wondering if you had known what the outcome was going to be as you wrote the book. In general, do you always know what will happen to each of the characters as you start to write the book? Thanks for so many great reads! [ps--I loved Phila!] (sue)

A: Dear Sue: Glad you liked Golden Chance. No, I don't always (or even usually) know what my characters are going to do in the course of the book. I start out with an idea and a fairly detailed outline but things have a way of evolving in a story. One of the exciting things about writing is that edgy sense of "waiting to see what happens next". It's not unlike the excitement of reading -- except that, as the writer, I'm the one who has to make the next thing happen! -- Jayne

Q: Of course I utterly adore your books (hence being on this web page) but I have more of a request than a question. Can you PLEASE convince your publishers to make your books more readily available in Australia??? We love your books down under - I must admit I'm looking forward to eating in Pike Place market when I come over to America next year! (Juliet)

A: Dear Juliet: I'm so glad you're enjoying the books. I'm all for making them more readily available in Australia, too! By all means, get to the market when you come to America. You'll love it! -- Jayne

Q: When I started reading as a pastime I began with historical romances. I started my book collection when the very first Amanda Quick book came out and add to it as a new one comes out. I then discovered you were also Jayne Castle (have Amaryllis, Zinnia, and Orchid-- love them all),I have started my Jayne Ann Krentz collection but there are so many to choose from it is slow going! I am looking for all of your early books. Do you know of a good place to go or write to that will carry these books? Any help will be greatly appreciated. By the way, I can't wait for the next book. Good Luck and Thanks again, (Melanie)

A: Dear Melanie: Thanks for your great note. In answer to your question about how to get copies of my early books, check elsewhere on this site. Cissy has provided some useful information. -- Jayne

Q: I have been an avid reader of your books (under any pseudonym) since I first began to read romances a few years ago. In fact you are the only author on my "buy hardbacks" list! What I've been curious about, is if the heroes of your books are ever based on men you know and how Frank feels about your "other men"? Is there ever any jealousy between the two when you're working on a book? By the way, if the heroes are based on real men, I'd love a phone number! (Piper)

A: Dear Piper: Sorry, my heroes are pure fantasy (that's why its called fiction!). No, Frank isn't jealous. But maybe that's because he doesn't read the books. In any event, I'd never trade him in for a fantasy man. He's much better on account of he's real! -- Jayne

Q: Not so much a question, but a comment.

I've been reading romance novels for over 20 years. As a voracious and fast reader, I soon found that my desire for books was outweighed by the cost of purchasing them. I have been lucky that I have had access to very good libraries. From the first book of yours that I picked up (and it's been so long ago I can't remember the title) I have always known that your books were worth spending the dough and buying. Yes, there have been some clunkers along the way, but overall seeing your name on the cover prompted a knee jerk reaction of "pick up, skim thru, buy" 9 times out of ten.

I like the dangerous side of your early heroes in particular. The humour which you have never lost in any of your writing. In fact, there is a question I have for you. You say you've been married for 27 years [me,too:>)] how has your husband dealt with your success? Has he ever offered you any ideas for stories? Thanks again for many hours of enjoyable reading. (Deena)

A: Dear Deena: Frank has been wonderfully supportive of my writing. Don't know what I'd do without him. I tap his engineering and math expertise when I'm doing research for a story that involves those kinds of backgrounds (which is fairly often). Glad you're enjoying the books -- Jayne

Q: Dear Jayne. I would like to ask if there is a sequel to your book Joy, or any other books about the set of jewelry mention in Joy?

A: Thanks for your interest in Joy. I never wrote any sequels to it. -- Jayne

Q: I love your books!!!! I get so excited when I see a new title at the bookstore and I know I just have to have it. My question is will you be doing any book signings? If so, will there be any booksignings in Phoenix, Arizona? Thank you. (Carrie)

A: Dear Carrie: Thanks for taking the time to let me know you're enjoying the books. I'll let you know via this site if my publisher schedules any signings in Arizona. -- Jayne

Q: Hello!!! I've been reading your books for about three years and love them all. I still have quite a few of them to find - not just the out of print ones either!!! Australia's romance scene is far behind America's!!! I just have a quick question that has been on my mind for ages - is the Medieval recreation group in Too Wild To Wed? the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA)? I used to be part of the Australian chapter and the group you describe definitely echoes the crowd I was involved in! (Juliet)

A: Dear Juliet: I invented the medieval recreation group I used in that book. Glad it sounded realistic! -- Jayne

Q: Jayne, I love your futuristic books! When is your next Jayne Castle book coming out? Is it another "Flower" heroine? (Carole)

A: Dear Carole: I don't know when the next Jayne Castle books will be published. It may be a while but I'll keep you posted... --Jayne

Q: Ms. Krentz, I am an avid reader of the romance novel. I recently graduated from high school and will major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. I began a time-travel/romance novel sometime in eighth grade, and have not been working on it as much as I'd like to. I have wanted to become a writer for some time now. Does the fact that I'm in no hurry to finish my "novel" mean that I'm not destined to write? (I have been writing short stories, poems, and excerpts for novels I would like to write though.) Have you ever needed to tell yourself to crack down and get busy, or do you just start writing and never quit until the book is complete? I would love to hear any advice you could give me on this subject. Thank you for listening. (Ashley)

A: Dear Ashley. Writing is a compulsion, I think. And it sounds like you're compelled to write -- but you've got a lot of exciting things going on in your life right now so you probably aren't compelled to finish that novel you started back in eighth grade. Don't worry about it. Once you hit college you'll have plenty of time to find out if writing is what you want to do for the rest of your life. Have fun! -- Jayne

Q: While I was browsing through my favorite used bookstore one-day I happened to catch my eye on a book of yours called Sweet Starfire. Needless to say I snatched it up. This book has many similarities to your new Jayne Castle series (I've read all three and waiting with bated breath for the next). I was wondering if you could tell my if you have anymore previously published books with the Sweet Starfire sci-fi theme? Many on-line synopsis of your previous books do not provide the backcover descriptions. Also, being out-of-print, it is hard enough to find copies to look for to read there backcover descriptions.

I would also like to say that even though I am young, I have read your books for years and have collected all Quick and Castle and am working on the Krentz. I re-read your books all the time and can't wait to get my hands on the new releases. I hope to continue to read your books for a very long time. (Nicole)

A: Dear Nicole: Before I started using Jayne Castle for my futuristics, I did three others -- two under my Krentz name (Sweet Starfire and Crystal Flame), the third under the pen name Amanda Glass (Shield's Lady) which has since been re-released under my Krentz name. They are all available from Warner Books. Thanks for asking -- Jayne

Q: You are without a doubt the best! You are also one of the few authors that I can re-read many times over. My question is- Are you planning anymore books in the Sheild's Lady vein? Thanks for you time. (Ree)

A: Dear Ree: I hope to find time to do some more futuristics. I really enjoy them. But it may be a while. I'll keep you posted -- Jayne

Q: From the earliest of your works that I have read (Gentle Pirate), you could always tell a good story but at some point in your career you really seemed to hone your craft. So that by the time you were writing books like Family Man and Sweet Fortune, you had learned to develop both your plots (letting them unfold more naturally) and major characters more fully and more intrinsically work in your minor characters. My question is do you feel this was just a natural progression or at some point did you start consciously working on certain aspects of your writing? I have a real fondness for your earlier work, indeed I have read some of your earlier pieces have a dozen times, but I can see a definite evolution.

P.S. Also curious in Sharp Edges why Cyrus's proposal was done off stage? (Anna)

A: Dear Anna: As an author I am always experimenting, trying new things, working out new ideas. Many of them are quite subtle -- not every reader notices them (although I do). Some are more obvious. One of the joys of writing is that when I sit down to start a new book, I'm never really sure where it will go or what will happen. Just the nature of the beast, I guess. Thanks for the note. -- Jayne

Answers posted July 17, 1998

Q: Are there any more of the "flower" sci-fi novels to be printed? I heard at my local bookstore that this series would contain seven, is this true? When will the new "Curtain" series start or is it considered part of the seven?

A: Sandra: I'm glad you're enjoying my books. Regarding the "flower" series, the answer is that the total number of books in that particular series is three: Amaryllis, Zinnia and Orchid. I do, however, plan to write other short series books featuring other planets and paranormal societies founded after the "Curtain" closed. So watch for future Jayne Castle books.

Q: Hi Jayne! I just wanted to say I really enjoy your books. I've been reading them since I was 13 (I'm 18) and each one gets better and better. In fact it was one of your books that started me on the romance genre. Reading your books has always been great fun and whenever I get away I re-read them to get my mind off things (especially after finals!). How do you come up with your stories? I've read every single book of yours that I could get my hands on and each time I'm amazed at the stories and the characters.

I know that many people have asked when you will be doing some public appearances and I know that you are doing something in Bellevue in October. I was wondering if you have anything planned in Seattle? A book signing? A couple of years ago you were in the Waldenbooks at Northgate doing a book signing. Unfortunately I was not able to go and I have regretted it. (Kiah)

A: Hi, Kiah: (Love your name, by the way! I'm always on the lookout for interesting names.) Thanks for the note. Yes, I will be speaking in Bellevue in the Fall. Check elsewhere on this site for details. I'm so glad you're enjoying my books. Best of everything in your educational pursuits. Let me know what classes your pursue in college.

Q: Dear Jayne--With the exception of one or two books, I have read all your books under all the names you write. I admire you for being so talented and writing about strong, intelligent women. Have you always lived in the west coast area and how much does geography inspire what you write about? I live in Missouri and have never been out there, but from your books I "see" it is beautiful. I am close to your age (I think) and I hope you never "burn out"! Thanks. (sally)

A: Dear Sally: Geography. Ok, not one of my best subjects, I admit. But for the record, I was born and raised on the West Coast. After graduating from college, however, I worked for a time in St. Thomas (the U.S. Virgin Islands) and in North Carolina where I worked in academic libraries. I loved all those places and I draw on all of those locations for my stories. I do have a strong feeling for the West Coast, however, especially the Pacific Northwest. I like the Pacific Rim focus (not to mention the food, which is great), the eccentricities and the entrepreneurial nature of the environment here. But the truth is, I've loved everywhere I've lived and I have some especially fond memories of Southern cooking and easy conversation.

Q: LOVE your books! I've got my sister reading them and she loves them too. For some reason, I'm curious about your bird? Is is supposed to be Fred or Ferd? Also, Is there a mailing list I can join for when you do book signings or discussions in different cities? Keep up the work. I think you are quite a talented author. (Matilda)

A: I regret to say that Ferd (not Fred) has gone on to that great Parakeet heaven in the sky. We learned a lot from him -- about birds, about the interaction between animals and humans, and about respecting the intelligence of other kinds of creatures on this planet. I think that's one of the great things about pets: They teach us so much about ourselves and they remind us of our links to other forms of life.

Q: Hi, it's me again, hope you're not getting sick of these questions. I was wondering if you had your choice which of your many books would you like to see turned into a movie? (Barb)

A: Hi, Barb: Nope, I don't get sick of questions. But regarding films, I have to say that I've never really thought much about turning my books into films. I'm not a movie buff. For me, film and books are two entirely different kinds of art forms and I have difficulty melding the two in my mind.

Q: When I was 17 I picked up a book called Gentle Pirate from that day forward I became an avid fan of yours! Ouch, we're talking age here lol. Ok, ok I have been a fan from the beginning. Lol, that sounds better! Along time ago I read Shield`s Lady and knew it was a keeper too. But I kept thinking their has to be a part two. I would really love it if some day you could do one on the daughter.

If you reissued the Guinevere Jones series We would appreciate it they are so hard to find. I can't wait for your next book be it by Jayne Castle, Amanda Quick or Jayne Ann Krentz or hmmm "Amanda Glass."A reader forever. (Becky)

A: Dear Becky: Thanks for the note and the interest in my books. I'm delighted to know that you're enjoying my novels. Rest assured, Cissy and I will keep you informed on this site as to re-issues.

Q: Jayne: I have read many of your books and just love them. I haven't read one that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed from your Amanda Quicks to your Jayne Castles. My question is how do you switch back and forth from historical to paranormal with such apparent ease? You do it so flawlessly! Thanks for so many hours of enjoyable reading! (Kathy)

A: Dear Kathy: The truth is, it's incredibly refreshing to switch back and forth between time periods. It always invigorates me to bounce from one era to another. Each time period has different elements that liberate and constrain me as a writer. I can do different things in each setting; tell different kinds of stories. I'm so glad you're enjoying the books!

Answers posted July 10, 1998

Q: Jayne, A friend introduced me to your books about eight years ago. I wish I had known about you earlier. I especially enjoy the Amanda Quick series. "Desire" is one of my favorites. Will you be setting any more books during that same time period? (Nina)

A: Dear Nina: Better late than never, I always say! Glad you're enjoying my books. Please thank your friend for me. Regarding the medieval time period in "Desire", I'm not sure yet when I'll do another book set in that period. But I'll keep you posted.

Q: Certain occupations are repeated in your novels, and I presume they reflect your interests. But do they also reflect your work history? Have you ever worked as a librarian or information specialist, or in a bookstore, or with flowers? Would you tell us what your occupation was before you became a full time author? (Mercedes)

A: Dear Mercedes: Your guess is right, I did work as a librarian (academic and corporate libraries mostly) for several years until I quit to write full time. I've also been a waitress, cafeteria line server, secretary, etc. etc. But we won't go into that.

Q: Can you tell us about your courtship with your husband? (Mercedes)

A: Dear Mercedes: Fast. Very fast. We were married about three months after we met. That was twenty-seven years ago.

Q: Ms. Krentz, first, I'd like to thank you for the courtesy you've extended in actively participating at this Website. I realize that deadlines and other obligations must keep your spare time to a minimum. I had mailed you a letter via snail mail a couple years back & was so thrilled when you wrote back & actually took the time to comment on the book-list you sent; now, this media forum has really added to that interactivity.

Second, (my actual question), I'm curious about the technology you use in actually generating your work. Do you use PC based equipment, Macintosh, or dedicated word-processing? Clearly, you have Web access, so that probably rules out the word-processor. I remember reading somewhere in the late 80s that many authors were purchasing very pricey computer equipment . . . things that make you go "hmm." (Danyelle)

A: Hi, Danyelle: Yes, I'm using PC based equipment: A Dell Latitude LM 133 MHz Pentium laptop computer with a 12.1" LCD display and Word For Windows 95. I like the screen on this machine.

Q: I really enjoy reading all your books no matter which name you use. I just happened upon this site by accident while surfing AOL. My question to you is from the time you first submitted your work to a publishing house how long did it take to get it published? Basically, I guess what I'm asking is from beginning to end what period of time elapsed? Thanks for taking the time to respond. (Rose)

A: Dear Rose: Unlike my courtship (see above), getting published took time. Lots of time. Six years, in fact. On a more optimistic note, most of my friends got published much quicker so don't use me for an example of how things might be for you!

Q: Dear Ms. Krentz, I'm never disappointed in your books as Amanda Quick!! I interested to know why you changed your title theme. I tried to second guess your next title name. I thought for sure your book after affair would be a'mour. Please keep writing!!! It's a good thing I can reread the old ones over and over, it seems like forever waiting for the newest one to be released. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment you past thought to me. (Susan)

A: Dear Susan: I changed my pattern because I finally decided that a lot of people (including myself) were getting confused with the single-word titles. I'm so glad you're enjoying the books!

Q: I am so excited to have the opportunity to write to you on-line -- I've been a fan of yours ever since I can remember starting to read romance novels. I was wondering if you were considering continuing on with the Gift of Fire/Gift of Gold books? It was unusual to see a sequel from you in the first place - and I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. (I hope you're not getting tired of all the "are you thinking of writing another story about..." -- it's just that your characters end up being fascinating enough that, as a reader, there's definitely an interest in following them through their lives) (Subrata)

A: Dear Subrata: No plans to do a sequel to the "Gift" books but I am pursuing some ideas for more continuing characters under my Jayne Castle name. Watch this site for details!

Q: I was reviewing Cissy's list of your book timeline and with a list of 118 books spanning over 20, you've written an average of 5.9 or almost 6 books per year. You even had some years where you wrote 13 books! Phew! My question to you is do you have a preference of the type of book you write (series vs. novel)? Here's why I ask.

I've liked both types of book pretty equally because of the wonderful characters through all your books. This is universal trait in your stories and one your readers count on. The one thing I don't get enough of is quantity (I feel SO selfish saying this). I watch and wait for your books and they are "over" so soon - small incredibly wonderful islands of reading pleasure in a huge ocean of "between books". Ssssoooooo...if you can write the older type series books faster (I'm assuming here that they're easier?), we could have tons more books from you each year!!!!

How's THAT for analysis, huh? (Anything to get more, more, more JAK books!!) By the way, I really like all of your "iterations". No matter what name you write under, it's a good read (and reread and reread...is that redundant? Maybe so). Please keep them coming! (No pressure, right?) Cheers, (Carole)

A: Dear Carole: I'm doing two books a year now (with an occasional Jayne Castle on the side) and I think that's going to be the pattern for a while. Thanks for letting me know that you're enjoying them.