J. L. Harland interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

J. L. Harland is the name we use when we write together, and we think it’s a fine combination of both our names: Janet Laugharne and Jacqueline Harrett. We started off as writing buddies and then decided we’d try and write together. It worked and we’ve had so much fun.

When did your love of books begin?

We have both been readers from an early age. Neither of us can remember a world without books and story. Jan’s father was the author, Cledwyn Hughes, and Jacqui was brought up on a diet of oral stories.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

As readers, the desire to write was probably always there with both of us. When we started writing together it was an experiment. Once we knew it worked for us, the wish to be published was there from the beginning.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

As former academics we were very used to the process of rejection so, in many ways, we had already served our time. Being an author of fiction is the same, but also different from an author of non-fiction. Its evaluation is much more subjective, of course, and we faced many disappointments and challenges on the journey to publication with What Lies Between Them.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Read, read and read more. Write often – every day if possible. Develop your own style. Join a supportive community of readers and writers.

Tell us about your book/books:

What Lies Between Them is the story of Elin Fiorelli’s struggle to come to terms with the trauma in her past while dealing with the problems of the present. She’s a Welsh/Italian academic from a working-class background. Her former lover is now her boss; her job is in jeopardy; her mother is terminally ill and she is struggling to deal with the secret she has held deep inside her for fifteen years. What Lies Between Them is an uplifting story, described by one reader as feminist literature with themes of family; work/life balance; wellbeing and technology; mother/daughter relationships; secrets and deception.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

The kindness and generosity of people from all stages in their careers. It’s wonderful to exchange enthusiasm for reading and writing with others who are like-minded.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

We hope you enjoy meeting and interacting with our characters as much as we have enjoyed writing their stories.

Where can people connect with you?

At https://jlharland.co.uk . Join our mailing list. You can connect with us on social media at @jlharlandauthor on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

 

A big thank you to Fraser at Feedmyreads for the opportunity to meet other readers and be a part of the community.