Wednesday 25 November 2015

The Z Files: Wendy Janes ~ Capricorn

Astrology ~ a bit of fun, a load of rubbish, or something to take seriously?

I invited around 70 writers/bloggers to write a piece about how typical they are of their sign, and how its traits affect their writing life ~ if at all...

Has your favourite writer been featured yet?  Links to all previous posts at the end of this one :)

Since I made my initial invitations to be featured in this series (I invited about 65-70 writers and bloggers; at the time of writing 51 have taken it up), it's been interesting to see which signs have given me an immediate 'yes please!' and which have not been so interested.


Those cautious Capricorns were one of the three least responsive, then, just when I thought I'd got all submissions in, the goats began popping their horns into my email inbox!  Perhaps they were seeing how it panned out, first... and here is one of late, hircine arrivals, proofreader, supportive social networker and now contemporary drama writer, Wendy Janes :)


Wendy's recently published her first solo novel, What Jennifer Knows ~ it's HERE on Amazon UK.  And there's a rather nice trailer for it, too:

 
Now I'll step back and let her tell you about her Capricornian traits!

"Let’s ignore those negative Capricorn traits and dive right in with the positive ones."


 "Yes, my approach to writing is ‘organized’ and ‘efficient’. I revel in the sense of order and purpose I achieve via daily, weekly and monthly to-do lists for all my writing projects. 

I aim for ‘high standards’. I plot, I plan, I write, rewrite and rewrite, edit and re-edit over and over again. Sometimes the initial getting the words on paper/screen is a little akin to pulling teeth, but once I have something down I love tinkering with it until it feels right. 

I’m definitely ‘resourceful’. The initial spark for most of my fiction comes from my own experiences or, more often, from those of my family. The genesis for my short story ‘Verity’ came from rescuing an elderly lady who had fallen in the street. ‘Verity’ also contains a number of anecdotes that have become family folklore. My husband says he’s a trifle concerned that anything he says or does will be used in my writing. Oh look, I’m even doing it in this post."
(Terry's note: 'Verity' is from a lovely anothology about mothers, definitely the best anthology I've come across since Kindles were invented, my review HERE)



"People tell me I’m funny, so I’d like to think that in addition to creating some ‘witty’ characters, I’m fairly witty on social media, and hope I spread a little smile through the ether.

I can’t finish without making reference to the Capricorn trait of being ‘simply irresistible’. As I’ve only recently published my first solo novel, I think it’s a little too soon to judge whether the reading public think What Jennifer Knows is simply irresistible, but I can dream!"



If you'd like to know more about Wendy and all she does, here's her website, Facebook author page, and her Twitter profile

Now, well known Capricorn writers ~ and indeed we are none of us worthy...

...because the first one I've chosen for Wendy is one of my absolute favourites, the High Priestess of historical fiction ~ Phillipa Gregory 


...and Booker prize winner 
(does it make me a pleb to say I've never read one of his?) ~ Julian Barnes.




Up next ~ A book blogging Scorpio!

Previous posts: (click name to view article)
Aquarius and Capricorn: Nicky Black

14 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for inviting me to join in with this series, Terry. Love your choice of well-known Capricorn writers. What esteemed company!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome! I think Julian Barnes seems like a right Capricorn, but I was surprised about PG - though I suppose the ambition bit, yes!

      Delete
  2. Loved reading your contribution to Terry's Z-files Wendy. I'm truly envious of anyone who is disciplined in their approach to writing and wish you every success with your work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So pleased you enjoyed it, Julie. Thanks for the good wishes. Much appreciated.

      Delete
  3. Hi Terry and Wendy - I'm a Capricorn ... and used to be like that - then I married - major mistake and I never quite got back on track, even decades later - I keep trying .. but I will note your Capricornian thoughts! It's a good sign ... cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hilary, lovely to hear from a fellow Capricorn. Perhaps an extra helping of Capricornian determination will get you back on track. :)

      Delete
    2. Good thought - thanks .. now to do it! I will .. we do ... cheers Hilary

      Delete
  4. Capricorn is my favourite sign as my two best friends ever are Caps. I enjoyed reading this Wendy. You sound as if you've got everything I like about the lovely goats too :) All the very best with your book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed my contribution to this super series. Thanks for your lovely words and your good wishes for the book.

      Delete
  5. Hi Wendy *waves*.

    Guess what? Yes, I'm a Capricorn Sun and Moon too.

    Love Terry's feature.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Always room for another, Shaz! x

      Delete
    2. Hi Shaz *waves back*

      A fellow Capricorn - excellent! :)

      Yes, isn't this a great series.

      Delete
  6. OMG Wendy, I could be reading about my twin here you lovely little fellow Capricorn you :-) Not sure about the being irresistible bit as I have found many people capable of resisting me but all that bit about the writing, rewriting and endlessly tweaking stuff until it sounds right is spot on!! I also do all the 'to-do' lists but it stressed me out when I fail to complete although obviously I carry them forward like any good Capricorn would ;-)

    Lovely to read so much more about you Wendy :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Georgia, lovely to connect with a fellow Capricorn, especially one who can relate to the endless tweaking and devotion to 'to-do' lists!

      Delete