Today, I have a special guest for you . . . Janice Cantore. She writes romantic suspense that uses her skills and knowledge from the inside of the police force. I have enjoyed all seven novels, and I can't wait to see what else she creates.
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| From Amazon |
Welcome, Janice. Thank you for taking the time to join me.
About Janice . . .
Janice Cantore…is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories. She has penned seven novels: the Pacific Coast Justice series, Visible Threat, Critical Pursuit, Drawing Fire, and Burning Proof the second book in the Cold Case Justice series. She also writes a blog about police work.
Where to connect with Janice . . .
Website: http://www.janicecantore.com/
Blog: http://www.janicecantore.com/blog/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2998481.Janice_Cantore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jctreke
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jcantore1/
Where to purchase Burning Proof:
Amazon
Barnes and Nobles
Christanbook
Author Interview . . . Janice Cantore
1.)
What’s
the journey been like for you, from debut author to bestseller?
It’s gone by so fast. It’s been fun, nerve-wracking,
exciting and a lot of hard work. I still feel like I have a lot to learn. My
goal is always to write better books, to keep improving. I feel so blessed to
be with Tyndale and working with the people I work with. It has been a
wonderful learning experience, not quite what I expected in some ways. Like the
time that things take, for example, I’m working on a new proposal but the third
book in my just finished series won’t be out until next fall. Burning Proof is
not out yet, but it’s already off my radar because I have to keep writing. Not
complaining, just saying that I live in a weird hurry up and wait world.
2.)
You have seven published novels
under your belt now. If you could go back in time and visit that unpublished
writer working on Accused, what
advice would you give her? And what might you do differently with these
stories?
I don’t know that I would change much. I went to
conferences (met great people along the way) and worked hard to learn the craft
(still working, always learning) and as much as I wanted everything to happen
sooner, I realize God’s timing is perfect. Maybe the only thing I would change
is, well, I sure wish I had learned how to outline!
3.)
Let’s take a little peek behind
the wizard’s curtain, ’cause I know we have some aspiring writers reading this.
From concept to submission, how long does it take you to write a novel? What’s
your process?
Well, my first book took years to write, and rewrite,
and get rejected, and rewritten again. Now, the contracts usually give me six
months or so. I just have to start writing. I usually start with a main
character, then a crime, and build from there. During the process I will kill a
forest because I print out a lot of copies to edit. I have turned in books
where I hate the ending, then Erin my editor at Tyndale, will usually say
something that makes a light go on and I change the ending to something we both
like a lot better. Endings are always the hardest for me. I will map out my
stories on poster boards, but it always changes. Right now I’m working on a
story where I’ve made up my own town so I have drawn the town on a poster
board. I have to make lists of characters and names, but everything changes so
I’m flexible. The crimes are in my head but everything has to be plausible and
suspenseful. All that to say sometimes I think that my process is a mess but it
works for me.
4.)
How has your reading
tastes/habits changed since becoming a published writer?
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| From Janice |
I don’t have as much time to read books outside my
genre. I have friends who write historical romance, some supernatural fiction,
and I would love to dive into every book they publish, but often I find that I
just don’t have the time.
5.)
Speaking of stories, some people
say that Christian fiction, with its general lack of questionable content
(profanity, sex, graphic violence, etc.) is irrelevant or unrealistic compared
to life in the 21st Century. What would you say to them? What does Christian
fiction mean to you?
I think that they are right in one respect, this world
is fallen and questionable content is everywhere so in that way Christian
fiction can be unrealistic. But it is not irrelevant and it never will be
because the message of the Gospel is never irrelevant. Fiction in general is an
escape, at least for me, and Christian fiction provides an escape with hope,
and a deeper meaning than stories with gratuitous sex and violence could ever
have.
6.)
I’m an aspiring
writer myself, and I know there are many in our audience who are as well. How
did you know God was calling to you write? What advice can you give us
hopeful-authors?
My first novel idea came about because I had an aunt
who was not a believer, but she was a voracious reader. We both liked suspense
novels and she would talk about those books, but never about her salvation. I
read a book by Randy Alcorn called Deadline and was so inspired by the message
in the book and the story itself, that it made me want to write a book with the
gospel message, without being preachy, that my aunt would read. Unfortunately,
cancer took her before my book was published, but the desire to keep on writing
stayed with me. I can’t not write and I know that there are a lot of people out
there like my aunt who will never pick up a Bible, but they will read an
exciting, suspenseful novel. Someone once asked a group I was in this question:
If you knew that only one person would ever read your book, would you keep
writing? I had to answer yes because that one person could be like my aunt and
need to read the message in my book. If you are called to write, you can’t not
write, no matter what the audience.
7.)
Now, let’s talk Burning Proof. Was it hard writing this
book? What is coming up for these characters/stories?
I usually get my ideas from the newspaper. Characters
pop into my head and I do a lot of ‘what if’ games. And every book is easy in
some ways and hard in some ways. I really like Luke and Abby and had fun
writing them. Some of the other characters in the book were harder, and making
sure every loose end is tied up can be a challenge, but I love the process.
8.)
What was the most unusual thing
you found in your research for this story?
I can’t think of anything out of the ordinary for
Burning Proof.
Thank you so much for
visiting with us today, Janice! In closing, how about a Top 10 Speed Round?
Top 10 Speed Round
1.) Name 3 of
your favorite authors of all time. . .Francine Rivers, Randy Alcorn, Raymond Chandler
2.) Name 3
books in your TBR list/pile right now. . .By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer, Earthbound by Larry
Richards, Confessions by Saint Augustine
3.) Name 1
famous book people might be surprised to learn you’ve never read. . .The Shack
4.) One novel
you could read for the rest of your life and never get bored is…Too hard to pick one!
5.) Print or
e-books? either
6.) What is
the oldest book you own? The
Bible
7.) Favorite
snack/beverage while reading or writing? Popcorn
8.) Craziest
place you’ve ever been caught reading or writing? Confession, I sometimes get plot ideas in church. (Me too, I always joke with my husband that I should ask Pastor Alfy, our pastor, if I can write in the sanctuary during the week!)
9.) You’re
having a dinner party. Which 5 fictional characters (none of your own!) would
you invite? . . .Thomas
Lynley, Phillip Marlowe, Harry Bosch, Kinsey Mulhone, Tess Monaghan
10.) Favorite
activity that has absolutely nothing to do with reading or writing or research . . .cross country skiing or kayaking
This is the same interview that I have posted on Booktalk.
Come back next Tuesday, March 8th where I will share my thoughts on Burning Proof.
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GIVEAWAY
Okay, my reader friends, don't miss your chance to win two, not one, ARCs of Janice Cantore's Cold Case Justice Series, Drawing Fire and Burning Proof (limited to U.S. residents only. Sorry!) Pay attention: You must stop by and leave a comment at Booktalk in order to be entered in this drawing! (While I appreciate your comments, and please do share your thoughts, the only comments that count are the one posted at Booktalk, not here!) The contest runs until Friday, March 4th, 2016 at midnight. Come back to Booktalk on Saturday, March 5th where Booktalk will announce the winner.
Feel free to share this post on Social Media!
Remember: You must stop by and leave a comment at Booktalk in order to be entered in this drawing!
I
was born and raised in Southern California. I always wanted to write
but never felt I had anything much to say. In college I majored in
biological science, then physical education, and when I found myself a
college grad with two degrees and no idea what todo with my life, I
applied to be a police officer. The choice was not as random as it
sounds. I have always liked helping people, especially people who are
victims of unfairness or injustice. Nothing makes my blood boil more
than people victimizing or taking advantage of the innocent. Most police
work is arriving on scene after a crime or an accident as first
responder. That first contact with a victim is an important place to be
compassionate and caring while at the same time collecting the most
information possible in order to solve the crime/arrest a suspect. And I
loved the part where we got to arrest the bad guys!!
Long Beach California is a diverse city and a great place to work. My years there and the people I worked with hold a special place in my heart. After I retired I realized that I had lots to say and lots to write about and that began my writing career. During my time with LBPD I saw good, bad, tragic, and inspiring situations. One lesson that has stayed with me is that bad can happen to anyone. Yet emerging from the bad can also make people stronger and better. We serve a good God who is able to guide us through any tragedy or loss. I hope my stories inspire you as much as they entice you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
- See more at: http://www.janicecantore.com/about/#sthash.MiejffJD.dpuf
Long Beach California is a diverse city and a great place to work. My years there and the people I worked with hold a special place in my heart. After I retired I realized that I had lots to say and lots to write about and that began my writing career. During my time with LBPD I saw good, bad, tragic, and inspiring situations. One lesson that has stayed with me is that bad can happen to anyone. Yet emerging from the bad can also make people stronger and better. We serve a good God who is able to guide us through any tragedy or loss. I hope my stories inspire you as much as they entice you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
- See more at: http://www.janicecantore.com/about/#sthash.MiejffJD.dpuf
I
was born and raised in Southern California. I always wanted to write
but never felt I had anything much to say. In college I majored in
biological science, then physical education, and when I found myself a
college grad with two degrees and no idea what todo with my life, I
applied to be a police officer. The choice was not as random as it
sounds. I have always liked helping people, especially people who are
victims of unfairness or injustice. Nothing makes my blood boil more
than people victimizing or taking advantage of the innocent. Most police
work is arriving on scene after a crime or an accident as first
responder. That first contact with a victim is an important place to be
compassionate and caring while at the same time collecting the most
information possible in order to solve the crime/arrest a suspect. And I
loved the part where we got to arrest the bad guys!!
Long Beach California is a diverse city and a great place to work. My years there and the people I worked with hold a special place in my heart. After I retired I realized that I had lots to say and lots to write about and that began my writing career. During my time with LBPD I saw good, bad, tragic, and inspiring situations. One lesson that has stayed with me is that bad can happen to anyone. Yet emerging from the bad can also make people stronger and better. We serve a good God who is able to guide us through any tragedy or loss. I hope my stories inspire you as much as they entice you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
- See more at: http://www.janicecantore.com/about/#sthash.MiejffJD.dpuf
Long Beach California is a diverse city and a great place to work. My years there and the people I worked with hold a special place in my heart. After I retired I realized that I had lots to say and lots to write about and that began my writing career. During my time with LBPD I saw good, bad, tragic, and inspiring situations. One lesson that has stayed with me is that bad can happen to anyone. Yet emerging from the bad can also make people stronger and better. We serve a good God who is able to guide us through any tragedy or loss. I hope my stories inspire you as much as they entice you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
- See more at: http://www.janicecantore.com/about/#sthash.MiejffJD.dpuf
I
was born and raised in Southern California. I always wanted to write
but never felt I had anything much to say. In college I majored in
biological science, then physical education, and when I found myself a
college grad with two degrees and no idea what todo with my life, I
applied to be a police officer. The choice was not as random as it
sounds. I have always liked helping people, especially people who are
victims of unfairness or injustice. Nothing makes my blood boil more
than people victimizing or taking advantage of the innocent. Most police
work is arriving on scene after a crime or an accident as first
responder. That first contact with a victim is an important place to be
compassionate and caring while at the same time collecting the most
information possible in order to solve the crime/arrest a suspect. And I
loved the part where we got to arrest the bad guys!!
Long Beach California is a diverse city and a great place to work. My years there and the people I worked with hold a special place in my heart. After I retired I realized that I had lots to say and lots to write about and that began my writing career. During my time with LBPD I saw good, bad, tragic, and inspiring situations. One lesson that has stayed with me is that bad can happen to anyone. Yet emerging from the bad can also make people stronger and better. We serve a good God who is able to guide us through any tragedy or loss. I hope my stories inspire you as much as they entice you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
- See more at: http://www.janicecantore.com/about/#sthash.MiejffJD.dpuf
Long Beach California is a diverse city and a great place to work. My years there and the people I worked with hold a special place in my heart. After I retired I realized that I had lots to say and lots to write about and that began my writing career. During my time with LBPD I saw good, bad, tragic, and inspiring situations. One lesson that has stayed with me is that bad can happen to anyone. Yet emerging from the bad can also make people stronger and better. We serve a good God who is able to guide us through any tragedy or loss. I hope my stories inspire you as much as they entice you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
- See more at: http://www.janicecantore.com/about/#sthash.MiejffJD.dpuf
I
was born and raised in Southern California. I always wanted to write
but never felt I had anything much to say. In college I majored in
biological science, then physical education, and when I found myself a
college grad with two degrees and no idea what todo with my life, I
applied to be a police officer. The choice was not as random as it
sounds. I have always liked helping people, especially people who are
victims of unfairness or injustice. Nothing makes my blood boil more
than people victimizing or taking advantage of the innocent. Most police
work is arriving on scene after a crime or an accident as first
responder. That first contact with a victim is an important place to be
compassionate and caring while at the same time collecting the most
information possible in order to solve the crime/arrest a suspect. And I
loved the part where we got to arrest the bad guys!!
Long Beach California is a diverse city and a great place to work. My years there and the people I worked with hold a special place in my heart. After I retired I realized that I had lots to say and lots to write about and that began my writing career. During my time with LBPD I saw good, bad, tragic, and inspiring situations. One lesson that has stayed with me is that bad can happen to anyone. Yet emerging from the bad can also make people stronger and better. We serve a good God who is able to guide us through any tragedy or loss. I hope my stories inspire you as much as they entice you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
- See more at: http://www.janicecantore.com/about/#sthash.MiejffJD.dpuf
Long Beach California is a diverse city and a great place to work. My years there and the people I worked with hold a special place in my heart. After I retired I realized that I had lots to say and lots to write about and that began my writing career. During my time with LBPD I saw good, bad, tragic, and inspiring situations. One lesson that has stayed with me is that bad can happen to anyone. Yet emerging from the bad can also make people stronger and better. We serve a good God who is able to guide us through any tragedy or loss. I hope my stories inspire you as much as they entice you to turn the page and find out what happens next.
- See more at: http://www.janicecantore.com/about/#sthash.MiejffJD.dpuf
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