Interview  Jan Netolicky

by

Kev Richardson

1) What are your writing goals? Your plan for meeting them?

I am currently working on an adult novel, Three Crosses for Jonny, which I hope to finish and market this year.  I’ll always write, whether for publication or self-fulfillment.

2) What do you want readers to take away from your book?

I don’t really think I have any control over that.  Writers and readers have intimate, unique relationships as intricate and complex as those shared by characters in a novel.  What matters to one reader may be inconsequential to another.  I wouldn’t want to limit the possible reactions to a work by setting parameters.

3) Do you write only when the mood strikes or are you disciplined to a schedule?

I write daily, but the time frame is never absolute.  Often, I have to walk away just to refresh my perspective.

4) How much do real life experiences influence your tales?

Great question.  When I was in college, I thought good writing meant writing to impress.  Now I know that it means writing to express.  My best expression comes when I capitalize on events or people with significance in my own life.

5) When self-editing your work, are you writer or reader?

Both.  I taught AP Language and Composition and I am ruthless at dissecting a piece of writing (ask any of my former students!).  I bring that same attention to my own manuscripts.  Even so, I can be too close to the subject.  That’s when I rely on a trusted group of people to help me refine or refocus.

6) How methodically do you plot your tale structure?

For me, the characters drive the plot.  I may have a preconceived notion about what I think should happen, but once I’ve drawn a character, that person seems to have more to say about the outcome than I do. 

7) Do you pluck some characters from real life? How much of you is in those created?

I am an avid people-watcher.  Someone’s appearance or actions may ignite my curiosity and then I start providing back-story.  The Skipworth Summer is a bit unique, however, because it is inspired by the life of a real person, Luther Skipworth.  I had mementos and personal memories of his life on which to draw.  The fifteen year-old narrator in the story is entirely fictional.  It was fun trying to meld the two.

8) When writing, do you listen to music or prefer silence?

Either.  My surroundings don’t seem to matter much.  When I’m writing, I’m just listening to what’s inside my head.

9) How do you resolve plot problems that arise? 

As I mentioned before, the characters I create have a lot to say about plot resolution.  If I’m trying to fit a character into a neat plot line and it doesn’t seem to be working, I trust the character to let me know.

10) Do you find a character can start pointing your way to what should follow?

I think my previous answer covers this question.