Interview with Kaz Jordyn [kazjordyn] on Whohub

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What did you first read? How did you begin to write? Who were the first to read what you wrote?

I used to read things like the Famous Five and Secret Seven and lots of action books about girls with ponies, because I was really into horse riding. I also used to write about girls with ponies, in the vain hope that my parents would take the hint and oblige. Needless to say, birthdays and Christmases proved something of an anti-climax, as said pony never materialised, although I did once get an Action Girl and horse, which made me realise I wasn't nearly responsible enough for the real thing.

My parents and teachers were my earliest critics, though strangely enough it was my cow of a needlework teacher (when I was aged 11) that spurred me into taking my writing seriously as she continually referred to me as a daydreamer. So what, if it took me two terms to make an apron . . .

What is your favorite genre? Can you provide a link to a site where we can read some of your work or learn something about it?

My favourite genre is crime fiction, but I love quirky and offbeat tales - stories you can't readily categorise.

My web address (new! as from April 2009) is: www.kazjordyn.com
Comments welcome via the website, or you can contact me at: kazjordyn@yahoo.co.uk

My publisher's site is: www.bettinoir.com

What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write?

I like to be active for half an hour before settling down to write - walking by the sea usually does it (I'd like to say "jog" but there's a strong possibility of me being done under the Trade Descriptions Act). By the time I get to my desk, I have in mind what I want to achieve from the session. It doesn't always come down to a set number of words. Sometimes it's just getting one or two specific scenes written. I find the more I get to know my characters, the more they write themselves, if you know what I mean.

What type of reading inspires you to write?

Reading my favourite crime authors naturally, but also, things in the news, magazines etc. Inspiration is everywhere.

What do you think are the basic ingredients of a story?

A strong lead character with a cause/ mission, a pacy plot and conflict, conflict, conflict.

What voice do you find most to your liking: first person or third person?

I used the first person for my debut novel: "The Art of Cunning Lingers," and also the latest one, "A Warped Sense of Uma," which is just out now. The novel I am currently at work on is written in the third person, which I am finding a more flexible medium, as you can show the perspectives of several main characters and also feed your readers information your protagonist may not be aware of until much later in the story.

What well known writers do you admire most?

I've read just about everything by the husband and wife writing team of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, known collectively as Nicci French. Love the TV adaptations as well. I've just started on their latest, 'What To Do When Someone Dies' - I'm hooked already.

Needless to say, I'll read most crime novels if they contain lesbian lead characters, because it's what I write myself.

I'm a huge fan of US author Katherine V Forrest (and not just because she sent me a lovely email wishing me luck with my first novel) - I was genuinely thrilled when 'Curious Wine' received the accolade of Best Lesbian Novel of All Time.

Recently finished re-reading 'The Ice House' by Minette Walters - gripping plot and brilliant characterisation - it is everything I aspire to.

What is required for a character to be believable? How do you create yours?

Flaws and an element of vulnerability, emotional or physical.

Are you equally good at telling stories orally?

No I'm rubbish at it. I'm good at dirty jokes though.

Deep down inside, who do you write for?

Me. Though when other people tell me how much they enjoyed a particular short story, or novel of mine, I'm (secretly) chuffed to bits.

Is writing a form of personal therapy? Are internal conflicts a creative force?

Not that I'm aware of, personally, though if you asked my friends and family, they'd probably tell you different!

Does reader feed-back help you?

Definitely. I welcome feedback on my writing - particularly constructive criticism. Unless you're a needlework teacher . . .

Do you share rough drafts of your writings with someone whose opinion you trust?

My partner - who reads a lot more stuff than I do.

What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc.?

Write every day and set yourself short and long-term goals that challenge you.

What do you surround yourself with in your work area in order to help your concentrate?

Silence. I can't write if I'm distracted and my biggest distraction is noise. I'm not one of those authors who likes background music or the radio for company.

I do like the odd cuppa while I'm working and I've been known to partake in the occasional glass of Pinot Grigio if I'm having trouble making a scene work. I didn't say sex scene, did I?

Do you write on a computer? Do you print frequently? Do you correct on paper? What is your process?

I write straight onto a computer (laptop), but I learned pretty early on that it's impossible to edit properly unless you print your work out. I don't edit at all until the first draft is complete. Okay, I try not to.

What sites do you frequent on-line to share experiences or information?

Writers' News/ Writing Magazine's Talkback site. I'm about to set up my own blog.

What are you working on now?

A novel about a girl who plots to murder her needlework teacher . . . just kidding . . .(really must get over that!)

I'm halfway through completing a novel about a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl who goes missing amid allegations she is having a sexual relationship with her (female) form teacher.

I'm also working on what I hope will be a series of novels: a police procedural with a twist.

Finally, I'm outlining a proposal for a non-fiction book which focusses on a particular type of crime - can't say too much at the moment as the contract has yet to be signed - will keep you posted.

What do you recommend I do with all those things I wrote years ago but have never been able to bring myself to show anyone?

Everyone has stuff gathering dust in the drawer/ attic. Even bestselling authors it seems (check out the 'Bottom Drawer' slot in Mslexia magazine.) Nothing creative is ever wasted and you never know when you may be able to recycle previous plots/ scenes/ characters for use in future projects. Keep believing in the vaildity of your work and who knows where it might lead . . .

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