In this late week of February, around the Miami Valley winter is giving way to spring. We thought it was significant to share the Plot Sisters' visitors these past few months on our blog. It has been a privilege of sharing conversations with two local authors; Jan Irvin and Fred Marion. We've divided this blog post into two parts. Here's Part I: Jan Irvin, January 19th, 2017.
Jan Irvin (publishes under J.E. Irvin)
Although a few of our Plot Sisters had known Jan before her speaking engagement with our writing group in January, she opened with getting to know each of us a little better. She asked us to give a short introduction about our own individual works in progress. This led into her speaking about her books, The Dark End of the Rainbow and The Rules of the Game, that were both published by Whiz Bank LLC, a small publisher out of Florida. Contests can provide opportunities many writers over look. Initially, her first chapter was entered into a contest to which she won, and that event opened the door to her first published book.
As a retired public school teacher and adjunct professor from Wright State University Jan found that her own writing has been a life-long activity. She had submitting numerous short fiction pieces and endured many rejections before she began to get accepted on a regular basis at literary magazines. She shared with us craft specific advice along with encouraging tales of tenacity. Among the many craft techniques she sprinkled in the importance of finding the arc of the main character, character motivation, and the impact of pacing. Jan outlined four themes that are "must-haves" for her writing: 1) Mystery, 2) Surprise, 3)Suspense, and 4) Romance. One of the many admirable qualities Jan possesses is gratitude. Her humble spirit and excitement that she can share her published work with others is apparent and contagious. Thanks, Jan!
*If you'd like to learn more about Jan or her books go to: https://janetirvin.wordpress.com/ or follow her on facebook : facebook.com/darkendoftherainbow.
~Cindy
