Hello, and thanks for joining me for Sunday Speed Dates. This week I am pleased to have Janet Simcic joining me!
Janet Simcic is a novelist and an established freelance magazine writer
residing in Orange, California. Before writing her first novel and current 
travel book, she specialized in self-help and spiritual guidance with articles on overcoming breast cancer, dealing with dying parents, and other life-changing issues. She has also published stories about the search for her roots including the poignant discovery of her grandfather’s journey from Italy to America. Janet is active in her church, community activities, is recordning secretary for the California Writers’ Club, directs a critique group, and loves spending time with her 15 grandchildren.
Welcome Janet! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A little bit is hard to do. But I now consider myself a writer, I was an English teacher, and I am active in many writing organizations. I speak fluent…depending on whether I am here or in Italy…Italian, Love being with my grandchildren, and my husband and I love to travel.
Can you tell us a little about your latest project?
My latest book just came out two weeks ago on amazon and Kindle. The Man at the Spanish Steps is the sequel to my first novel, The Man at the Caffé Farnese. Now I am working on a historical novel based on the story of my grandfather, who immigrated to the United States in 1913. It is a love story, but due to needing a ton of research for accuracy of time and place, it will take me longer to write. But it is the story I MUST tell.
Oh my, that sounds like quite the project.
Are you and only child or do you have siblings?
I am an only child. I loved being an only child because I was able to do everything with my parents. Now, in my older years, I think I would like to have a sibling or two. However, I am very close to my cousins. Our fathers were identical twins, so we were always together and they are my siblings in every way.
Cousins really are the best — combination sibling and best friend!
What was your favorite job before writing?
Teaching gifted junior high school students English and History.
Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?
Since I was an only child and the first of any grandchildren, I was read to often. My maternal grandmother was very into the arts and theater, reading came easy to me, and I read voraciously from 4 years of age until today. I read one novel a week.
That is a lot of books! Impressive.
Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work?
I love Maeve Binchy. I love the way she weaves multiple characters together and makes them all shine. My favorites are Tara Road and Evening Class. I also love to read Kristen Hannah. My “sit down and curl up in a chair” kind of books are: Daniel Silva, Brad Thor, John Grisham, and Lee Child…for the thrill of mystery and espionage.
What impact have they had on your writing?
The male writers I read for escape. Binchy and Hannah – I love their characters. And although I will never reach their level, I do get great ideas for bringing characters to life with quirks and traits.
Sometimes I feel the best way to learn craft is to read other authors we admire and see how they do it. The wording, rhythm and little details we notice are what help us improve each time.
Do you write more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two?
I am a chaotic writer. I sit down with an idea and write the novel until I
am finished. I do that for my enjoyment. Then I bring it to my critique group, and finally to a line editor to hopefully make it sing.
I’m sure many can relate to that… I know I can!
Are there vocabulary words or concepts in your book that may be new to readers?
I use a lot of Italian phrases in my book because they are all set in taly. But I do it in such a way that the Italian meaning is obvious.
That’s awesome. It’s almost like a mini Italian lesson :)
Your book just made it huge – like 50 Shades huge – and is going to be made into a movie. Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
George Clooney would have to play the male lead of Dante for looks…but Colin Furth for the romance. But I don’t know about my protagonist, Julie. She is not an immediate match to anything Hollywood. Find me a gorgeous brunette with gray eyes…about 50 and then find me an agent who wants to make a movie of my book…and I’ll be happy.
Ah, George Clooney… <swoon>… But you bring up a very good point about Hollywood. I wish they would listen more to what their audience wants.
What was the hardest and easiest thing about writing your latest book?
My last book was easy because it was a sequel – but I had to make and build up a lot of conflict with the characters to freshen them and give more back story to them. I also had to add minor characters from the first book and make them major.
Writing a sequel definitely has its challenges. I think it should be easier, but most of the time it is just as challenging in its own way.
What real-life inspirations did you draw from for the worldbuilding within your book?
I am a breast cancer survivor. That is when I switched from journalistic writer to novel writing. I wanted to write about women who “overcome” a major obstacle in their lives…and to write about more mature women. No young chicks for me.
Lol! I know many readers who will thank you for both those points. Having a heroine who is mature is definitely a growing trend that is having a positive effect on readers.
If your house was burning down, what three objects would you try and save? All pets and people are out and safe.
I would take my precious photos, the Bibles of my parents and grandparents, and my file with important information.
What is the weirdest compliment you’ve ever received?
This is funny. When I was younger, people used to say I looked like Elizabeth Taylor. When I was in Cannes, France during the film festival, a police officer ran up to me and asked if I was Elizabeth Taylor. She had already died. But he said, “Look like her when she alive and young.” It was crazy and sweet at the same time.
I can see the resemblance! Really, if you’re going to look like someone, Elizabeth Taylor is not a bad way to go.
What was the first live concert you ever attended?
The Boston Pops Orchestra on the 4th of July on the Charles River in Boston when I was 5 years old. My love of music and classical music has never waned.
Can I just say how jealous I am? I have always wanted to see the Boston pops on the 4th. I watch it every year and say to myself next year…
What advice would you give to your younger self?
START NOW! Don’t let life get in your way but write often and journal daily and write your first novel when you are young.
Great advice!
Can you give us a sneak peek into your next book?
My grandfather’s story and how he fell in love with my grandmother…when such things were shameful…is both romantic and mysterious. The first line of the book is: “I remember the day the Italians came to Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. My life changed forever.” This is in my grandmother’s voice.
Oh, wow. That sounds like quite a tale. I love the first line!
Where can we find out more about you and what you write?
I am on the internet. My website has my blog is connected to it and my facebook account. I only blog about writing, Italy, travel, but nothing personal. I have found I can only handle two social media venues at this time. I live in Orange, California and am active in Orange Country Writers Organization, California Writer’s Club, have my own critique group, and do book clubs, a lot of speaking engagements dealing with writing, breast cancer, Italy travel, and whatever anyone wants to hear from me. My biggest thrill is being invited to speak to the writing classes at Corban University next week. To share with young students, and hopefully encourage them and instruct them, will be a joy.
You are a busy lady! It makes me happy when I see authors encouraging the next generation of readers and writers. It gives me hope for the future. :)
I can’t wait to see you around online. Thanks again for stopping by!