Here are Janeen's answers to some of the questions her fans ask the most.
If you would like to ask Janeen a question of your own, click the button below to post a message in her guestbook, or view the guestbook by clicking on the button in the menu at the top of the page.
where do you get your ideas?
In almost all instances, ideas for stories and poems have come from something I've experienced, either as an adult or as a child. After that, I play with ideas on paper, till something starts to gel. Also, publishers suggest themes or ideas to me to write about. Say for example, if the theme is about 'creepy crawlies' I might write a funny poem about a worm or a story about the day a boy's pet worm escaped at a birthday sleepover.
how long does it take you to write a book?
For many years I mainly wrote picture books, short stories, poems, plays and articles, but more and more my work includes lengthier pieces, such as the recently shortlisted, non-fiction book ‘Hoosh! Camels in Australia’ which was researched and written over a 12 month solid period. One novel called ‘Cross-Currents’ which is due out in 2007, took even longer and involved many, many rewrites. Another novel has taken years. That doesn’t mean, however, that I’ve only been writing that during that period – I often write several things at the same time
what's the process for you?
It usually starts with lots of doodling and brainstorming on paper. It's as if my brain seems to want to see ideas before it gets ready to work on them. I even do little drawings. But mostly I just relax and let my pen write any idea that comes. After that, I start brainstorming about ideas that seem to connect themselves together or I might remember an incident that happened that I could use as well. I like cooking soup, and writing is a bit like that to start with - putting all sorts of things (ideas) into the pot. But sometimes, like cooking, you put too much of one thing and not enough of another! Then you have to sort out how best to change it. I like to have a sense of where the story is likely to go and where it may end. I usually rewrite the beginning dozens of times and sometimes I have to wait, until the exact, suitable ending comes to me. I find writing very hard at times, other times it's like skating with the wind in your hair.
do you like writing fiction or non-fiction best?
Fiction, because when the writing is going well, it gives me a happiness, or a joy that's unbelievable. It's the emotion of creativity, I suppose. I like non-fiction writing for different reasons. I like finding out about things that interest me (or even if they don't to begin with, often I get hooked as I find out more and more) and the writing for non-fiction has to be very clear and informative. I think that it helps me simplify my fiction writing, and that's useful.
Writing poetry is great fun. But it's not easy. However, I love playing with words. I have to say them out loud, over and over. After I've worked a piece to death, I leave it as long as I can - and then when I return to it, I find I can make it even better! It's a great reward.do you enjoy being a writer?
Being a writer makes me glad, because I can create, and I can do it at home. But there are sad and tough times too. Things often don't work out as well as you'd hoped, or work is sent back to you. But I like to keep learning and practicing to get better and better - and to be excited about it. There's no other job I'd rather do.
how can I get you to speak at my school or event?
For SA bookings, you should contact:
Carole Carroll
Literary Booking Agent
2 Second Ave
Glenelg East SA 5045
Ph: 8376 4662
Fax: 8376 1162
c.carroll [at] internode.on.netWeb: www.users.bigpond.com/c.carroll
and for interstate bookings contact:
Bronwen Bennett of Show and Tell Promotions
bronwen [at] showtell.com.au
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