Interview Janet Cooper

by

Kay LeGrand

What drew you to the post-American Revolutionary period?

I’ve always admired the “Founding Fathers of the Constitution” and believe we often forget about their trials and ordeals. We, in America, are blessed with a wonderful form of government that has lasted for over 200 years and is a model for many other new democracies. I hope we never forget the debt we owe these outstanding men and women.

What were your own particular “challenges” in writing this period?

The clothing. While I love to see the pictures of the costumes, learning about and making sure I didn’t forget a layer or two, was a definite CHALLENGE.

What sort of research did you do?

Being an ex-librarian, I start with my own books--lots of books. Then, I go to the library and check theirs. I use the internet for checking on certain facts, i. e. the speed of a merchant sailing across the Atlantic. My biggest problem is deciding when to stop researching and begin writing.

Have you traveled in--or do you live in--the part of the country you feature?

I lived in suburban Philadelphia for many years and enjoyed the historic area.

Who came first--your heroine or your hero?

That’s hard. I think Katherine, but Jonathan appeared so quickly that I believe they planned to have a story together. Hopefully, readers will not think I’m too crazy for saying that. I’m sure writers will understand.

Why writing as your creative outlet? Why not painting or music?

I enjoy scribbling pictures, but I love the written word. Perhaps, one picture is worth a thousand words, but I enjoy reading those thousand words. When I write a particularly good paragraph or sentence--hopefully most of them are--then sit and re-read those words, I get a thrill.

What do your family and friends think of you as author?

My husband and kids love to read my stories and enjoy saying they have a wife/mother who’s an author. My friends wonder where I can “come up with the idea/s”.

How did you come to Wings?

Through a very dear friend, who is published with Wings. She suggested I submit. I did. And I sold. My experience with Wings is great! The entire team is professional. Having sold two books to another house, I really appreciate the editing, the speed, and the overall expertise of the staff at Wings.

As a reader, what will draw you out of a story?

Flat characters and/or when each character sound just like every other character in the book. I, also, loath when characters do something against their nature; something the reader knows would never really happen, i. e. Shakespeare as a ditch digger.

What is your all-time favorite historical romance novel? Why?

Roberta Gellis’ ROSELYNDE. I love all of her books, but this whole series still brings me back and I can’t remember how many times I’ve read them. As for why--they still ring true--even after 25 years.