Seven questions with … Jeanette O’Hagan

I’d like to introduce you to the people I’ve met on my writing journey. Going deeper into them is a great way to find out about some authors and their great stories.

This time around, I’d like to introduce you to Jeanette O’Hagan, as part of the blog tour for her new fantasy novella Blood Crystal. As part of the blog tour, Jenny is giving away a $50 Amazon gift voucher to the winner of an online scavenger hunt. Those who comment on today’s blog also have the chance to win a copy of Heart of the Mountain. Details at the bottom of this post.

Before landing here, Jenny dropped in on the web site of Nola Passmore and talked about POV and settings.

In today’s post, I asked Jenny seven questions, and this is what she shared.

If a completely free day sprung up tomorrow, what would you do? Why would you do that?

What is this thing ‘a free day’ of which you speak? Being an indie writer and a mother, there is always a huge list of things that need doing. But assuming such a mythical beast exists in some alternative reality, I think I’d find a lovely setting (mountain, forest, or maybe beach), curl up and read one of the enticing books in my to-read pile.

How did you end up being a writer?

It’s something I’ve always loved doing – hearing, reading and then writing sorties though at first my stories where in my head and I did years of world building before I wrote any down. Some years later, a vivid dream expanded into a novel, but work and family sidelined my passion for writing for a decade or more. Five years ago the time was right and I enrolled in a postgraduate studies and started writing fiction again.

What do you write and why do you write it?

I write fantasy and science fiction, poetry, and blogs and have experimented with memoir and scriptwriting. I write because the stories and ideas are bubbling away in my head wanting to get out, I love the process and clarity of writing, and I’m thrilled when other people enjoy my stories.

What makes a good writer? Why do you say that?

For me (assuming I am a good writer 😉 ) being an avid reader since primary school, reading the classics, having a love and intuitive feel for story. Also, observing and experiencing life and having a good memory for detail and learning the writing craft, current styles, story structure, characterisation, plots. And just as important, being willing to accept and learn from feedback.

I think writing is part talent, part learning and several parts time and perspiration and persistence. And it’s also about combining many elements together.

Why do I say that? My thoughts and observations from being an active part of the writing community – seeing others and my own writing develop and grow.

What is the most interesting plot twist you’ve ever come up with?

Well, that would be telling. Sorry, no spoilers.

Describe a time when your own writing has made you laugh or cry.

I do confess to shedding some tears when rereading what happens to Holima and Ozier in Shadows of the Deep (coming later this year). And this passage where Retza and Delvina encounter some above ground fauna in Blood Crystal does elicit a chuckle:

“It wasn’t as big as he first thought, but big enough. Grey fur, a pointy face with small rounded ears, small front legs and a long muscular tail. He had no name for it except dinner.” Retza in Blood Crystal

The one writer whose book I can’t put down is …. Why?

The last page-turner for me was Marissa Meyer’s Heartless – an origin story of the Queen of Hearts in Wonderland. The events occur before Alice falls down the rabbit hole – the story is fast paced, with great characters (including the Cheshire Cat) and a colourful and interesting setting. Meyer weaves in characters and facts from Lewis Carol’s classics into a heartbreaking love story with lots of suspense even though we know how it all ends.

Thanks for joining me Jenny.

(The next step on Jenny’s Blog Tour will be over on Adele Jones’ blog where Adele will interview on of the characters from Blood Crystal, sequel to Heart of the Mountain: a short novella.)

 

 

About Jenny

Jeanette O’Hagan first spun tales in the world of Nardva at the age of nine. She enjoys writing fiction, poetry, blogging and editing. Her Nardva stories span continents, time and cultures. They involve a mixture of courtly intrigue, adventure, romance and fantasy.

Jeanette has just released Blood Crystal, sequel to Heart of the Mountain with four short stories coming out this year. She is writing her Akrad’s Legacy Series—a Young Adult fantasy adventure with courtly intrigue and romantic elements. Other publications include short stories The Herbalist’s Daughter and Lakwi’s Lament and other stories and poems are published in several anthologies

Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and a Master of Arts (Writing). She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends, pondering the meaning of life and communicating God’s great love. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.

You can find Jeanette here:

• Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/JeanetteOHaganAuthorAndSpeaker
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9833645.Jeanette_O_Hagan
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanetteOHagan
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jeanette-OHagan/e/B00RBSE85C/
• Websites: http://JeanetteOHagan.com and http://Jennysthread.com

 

About Blood Crystal: YA Fantasy Adventure in the lost realm Under the Mountain – Book 2

The underground realm is under attack from mad Overseer Uzza and the Crystal Heart is failing. As things become desperate, Twins Delvina and Retza must brave a treacherous journey to seek help from Zadeki and his people.

Will they find the answers they seek before it’s too late? Is the blood of Uzza’s children the only way to restore the Crystal Heart? What are the twins prepared to do to save their realm and those they love from certain destruction?

Blood Crystal is the second novella in the Under the Mountain series. Like most of my fiction, it is set in the world of Nardva. Available from Amazon, or Kobo, Nook and other retailers.

 

 

Now, to go into the running to win the $50 Amazon voucher …

Competition Info

Opportunities to win:

Throughout the blog tour there will be many opportunities to win prizes.

Comment below

Comment below on this post (and on any of the posts in the Blood Crystal Blog Tour) – the best comment (in Jeanette’s opinion) will win a copy of Heart of the Mountain: a short novella.

Heart of the Mountain on Amazon

Scavenger Hunt

Blood Crystal Scavenger Hunt will run throughout the  Blood Crystal Blog Tour.  Each blog will have a reflection or memory related to themes within Blood Crystal – and a related question. The first person to answer all NINE questions right will win a $50 Amazon voucher. The runner up will receive copies of both Heart of the Mountain and the sequel Blood Crystal.

Follow each post on the blog tour to find the questions & list your answers in the comments on the final blog post of the tour on 28 July. There will also opportunities to win prizes at each blogspot.