Jenny Kane: Coffee, cupcakes, chocolate and contemporary fiction / Jennifer Ash: Medieval crime with hints of Ellis Peters and Robin Hood

Tag: romance novel

A Musical Effect

When I was a teenager I would listen, hour after hour (via the wonder of my Sony Walkman- remember those?), to the music of Clannad. It will be of no surprise to anyone who regularly reads this blog, to learn that I was first introduced to their music when they composed the theme tune and musical soundtrack to the eighties television series Robin of Sherwood.

RH- Michael and Judi

Each tune was haunting, moving, uplifting, and occasionally beautifully sombre. Looking back now, I can see how their dreamy lyrics and tunes impacted on my imagination- you only have to look at my forthcoming novel, Romancing Robin Hood to see that!

Whenever I got stuck during the writing of my part contemporary and part historical romance, I did what Grace, the lead character in Romancing Robin Hood would have done- I listened to Legend– the aforementioned Clannad soundtrack.

By this time- if you hadn’t already realised- you’ll see that I really am as obsessed with that particular TV series as I claim! (Should it worry me that I can still recite the words from several of the episodes word for word?)

Dr Grace Harper is a figure that grew out of that obsession. It was great fun to take my own historical and literary interest and make it, not only Grace’s life’s work, but takeover her whole life. Before Grace realises it, she’s in her early thirties, has built a dream career on her all consuming hobby, and is poised to write two books all about it- but at what cost? No one is waiting for her when she gets home. After all, what man could ever match up to a legendary hero?

romancing robin hood

I am blessed with two children; both enjoy writing stories, and both spend just as much time listening to music as I did as a teenager. Their musical tastes however, are vastly different to my childhood lyrical preferences. As they immerse themselves in gothic rock I wonder how it will shape their imaginations…I predict many a dark fantasy story leaking from their pens in their future.

Happy Reading,

Jenny xx

 

 

A Very Fitting Title

A Very Fitting Title

With the exception of spending time my family and friends, there is nothing I like more than curling up with a large cup of coffee and a good book. These days however, I’m more likely to be seen bent over a desk (with a large coffee within grabbing distance), with a story manuscript of my own before me, than enjoying the labours of someone else.

KayJayBee-27

It was my non-stop coffee drinking lifestyle that that influenced part of the plotline of my contemporary romance novel- the title alone gives that away! Another Cup of Coffee.

I have always found it a challenge to come up with good titles for my books. It is really difficult to come up with a short snappy sentence or phrase that both entices the reader to pick up a book, and also encapsulates the plot. Occasionally, I come up with a title first- think it sounds great, and so start a story based on that original thought, only to find my plot moves on so far that the original idea, that is no longer suitable, and a new title needs to be found!

This was the case with Another Cup of Coffee. Originally it was entitled ‘Coffee Stops’- the affectionate name my Mum and I have always given our habit of having lots of coffee breaks, in as many cafes as possible, whenever we go anywhere. However, there is just too much else going on in my novel for that title to work.

It was my wonderful editor at Accent Press, Greg, who suggested Another Cup of Coffee – and it was perfect!

Another Cup of Coffee is a well chosen title for two reasons. First, all of the main characters find life best faced over a steaming cup of caffeine! Especially Kit- an erotica writer, who can only write in cafe’s with coffee to hand- rather like a certain Kay Jaybee, who I know fairly well!!

Mike and Mech- coffee

The second reason Another Cup of Coffee is such a perfect title, revolves around Jack. Always hopeless at expressing his feelings, Jack uses song lyrics to help him get his point across. This is a habit picked up on by his friends- until someone (I’m not ruining the novel by telling you who!!!) begins quoting “Another Cup of Coffee” by Mike and the Mechanics at Amy…with very good reason (and not just because she loves coffee…)

 

 

 

You can buy Another Cup of Coffee as an eBook or a paperback from –

Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Cup-Coffee-Jenny-Kane/dp/1783751126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377605533&sr=8-1&keywords=another+cup+of+coffee

Amazon US – http://www.amazon.com/Another-Cup-Coffee-Jenny-Kane/dp/1783751126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377605667&sr=8-1&keywords=another+cup+of+coffee+jenny+kane

Happy Reading,

Jenny xx

 

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