One of the frequently asked questions posed to me is “How do you write these books?” I often reply that, since I don’t outline, I usually start at the beginning and write to the end. Or, depending on my mood, I’ll say, “Since I write murder mysteries, I usually start with somebody dead and spend the rest of the book trying to figure out who did it and how come.”
On that note, I started the next Joanna Brady book yesterday by writing the prologue. I began in my customary fashion with somebody dead. I may not know who he is, but I know for sure that he’s dead and how he got that way, even though none of the characters have so far figured that out. At this point I have some idea of who might have done it and why, but I’m sure those details will come into focus as we go along.
The book doesn’t have a name yet, and I have no idea when it’ll be published, so please don’t ask. The thing is, as I’m writing a book, I’m thinking about the characters and the story. I’m definitely not thinking about the people out there who will be reading it or how what I’m writing might impact some of those folks, but over time, people have been kind enough to let me know how they’ve been affected. Some of those comments have resonated and stayed with me for decades.
When Payment in Kind came out, a woman showed up at my signing table and told me that her mother had introduced her to my books. When the latest book was published, her mother was in the hospital, so the daughter decided to read it herself before delivering it to her mom. When her mother passed away, the daughter found the book on the mother’s bedside table with her bookmark only at the halfway mark. The daughter told me tearfully how sorry she was that she hadn’t let her mother read it first.
In the early 2000s, Bill and I went on a monthlong Rick Steves Europe Through the Backdoor tour of France which started and ended in Paris. At the beginning of the tour, unsurprisingly, no one had ever heard of J.A. Jance or read any of my books. During the tour we became friends with a retired couple from Florida, Jean and Truby Jones. It did’t hurt that Truby, like Bill, was an electronics engineer. In the evenings, the four of us would settle in to visit over glasses of scotch.
Back in Paris at the end of the tour, Bill and I visited a bookstore where we found a single copy of Until Proven Guilty on the shelves. We bought it and gave to Jean and Truby at dinner that last night, along with an inscription inside that said, “So long, and thanks for all the scotch.” A few weeks later I received a handwritten thank you note from Jean, saying that she had enjoyed the book and was now searching for more of my books at garage sales.
After a number of months passed, a letter arrived from Truby. He informed us that Jean had been diagnosed with lung cancer which had necessitated a surgical procedure that resulted in a twenty-one-inch-long incision down her back. Later the incision was attacked by a case of necrotizing fasciitis making it necessary for her to spend long periods of time in a hyperbaric chamber and weeks in the ICU. After explaining about Jean’s situation, Truby’s letter ended as follows: I have now finished reading all your wonderful books. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this time without them.
In my book that’s far higher praise than making the NYTimes list! By the way, Jean recovered completely. They went on several more Rick Steves tours and even came to visit us in Seattle on one occasion.
I’m afraid last week’s blog was a bit on the whiny side, with all my AI grousing. This week, however, opening my email has been a lot like unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. Warning, I’m going to include a photo here. If the photo doesn’t come through, please feel free to send me an email (jajance@me.com) asking me to forward it to you.
In one of my book report blogs, I wrote about how much my elementary school teachers disapproved of my reading Zane Grey’s work. I believe I even mentioned that, of all his books, Riders of the Purple Sage was my personal favorite. This week, one of my fans from Massachusetts was visiting Bryce Canyon Park in Utah. He was kind enough to send me a photo of the books on sale in the park’s gift shop. And there it was, front and center. One of my books was perched on the top shelf, right next to a copy of Riders of the Purple Sage. If that isn’t a dream come true, I don’t know what is!
A few days later, an email came in from someone I didn’t know. It began with the AIs favorite greeting, about hoping I was doing well. I started to delete it without bothering to continue reading, but something stopped me. Turns out it was a letter from a guy organizing a charity fundraiser at a town in central Washington and asking if I’d be interested in being an auction item. I wrote back saying that I’d be interested in participating, but that there would have to be some travel and scheduling stipulations.
His response took my breath away. He explained that when he was nine, his mother had introduced him to my Beaumont books, and JP became his personal hero. He wanted to be a detective so much that, at age 12, he’d hung out his shingle from his family’s garage, offering to solve neighborhood mysteries. Through the years, he and his mother had shared my books, following Beau’s and Joanna’s many adventures. When he was old enough to order his first alcoholic beverage, it was Beau’s favorite, a MacNaughton’s. He missed the boat on visiting the Doghouse, but he did manage to go to the Hurricane Cafe, the business that took over the same space where the Doghouse once had been. He said he sat there thinking about the many hours Beau had spent in that same room. And now, after a few delays along the way, that young man is living his dream and working as a private investigator—all because of a fictional guy named J.P. Beaumont, who set him on that path.
But here’s the real kicker. The day I sent my reply to him, indicating that, with some stipulations, I’d be interested in participating in the fundraiser, also happened to be the day of his mother’s funeral. He said that during his eulogy, he mentioned how much he and his mother had enjoyed reading my books over the years.
Those words really did give me goosebumps, and if that kind of response isn’t reason enough to do what I do, I don’t know what is!
You have always been so supportive of people going thru things in their life.
You were doing book signings at the Veterans Museum in Chehalis one time. My mom who was a big fan and read all your books was so excited because she wanted to meet you.
Unfortunately that day she was sick. She asked if I could bring her books to see if you world sign them. You not only signed them you put a special note to her in the book. Thank you!
I love your books and always start thinking about your blog on Thursday night. This one was very interesting as usual
I am SO GLAD that you do what you do. I had found your book by chance on an Amazon search for books on the Vietnam War. “Second Watch” came up and the rest is history for me. I have devoured all your books twice and about to do a third go round. Your books have created so much entertainment for my brain. Thank you so much.
I love it. It also gave me goosebumps.
As an aspiring author, your post gives me chills. You have touched so many people’s lives, including mine. What a beautiful life you’ve led, truly well spent. I raise my glass to you in salute. Here’s to many more years of productive writing!
Your blogs just keep getting better and better. Really loved this one. I wake up on Friday’s thinking “quick, get my coffee and check for Judy’s blog.” You never disappoint. Love the display of you and Zane Gray. He was also a favorite of mine in my youth.
Blessing to you and Bill.
Reading about the woman who only made it half way through the book reinforced a habit of mine my husband detests. If I’m really enjoying a book, part way through I’ll read the ending. My response has always been “what if I die before I finish? I’ll never know the ending.”
Well, are you going to be part of that auction? Is it something like a lunch or dinner with you? What a dream come true that would be!
That is an incredible story about that young man. Talk about having a dream and following through!
I’ve been in Seattle many times since my sister lives up there. I was always sad that I couldn’t have had lunch in the Doghouse.
I too am a Beaumont fan. My father and his wife were lucky enough to meet you at the library in Camp Verde, AZ. many years ago. They introduced me to your wonderful books and, as they say, the rest is history – We are all hooked. Thank you! Best wishes and safe travels!
I, too, am an avid fan and appreciate having so many of your books available as audiobooks because they have been my companions during the hour and one quarter – often more- commute I have each way between my home and work. Knowing that I can settle into the books is also a powerful incentive to get into my car and get going in the morning. I have been known to ‘reread’ books when nothing jumps out at me from the library list, or another of your books is not available, just for the pleasure of familiar companions! Thank you for giving me such supportive friends with whom to travel!
Hey, I’ve heard of Riders of the Purple Sage for years, but didn’t know what it was. Thought maybe it was a country band or something. But now I’ve just ordered the audio book, which is apparently in our local library. I wonder, though, whether it’s part of a series that needs to be read in order, to facilitate understanding of what is going on. Guess I’ll find out. There have been other authors I’ve discovered through reading your blogs, and enjoyed a lot. Like Sue Grafton.
I have loved your books for quite awhile, J.A. and I deeply appreciated you getting back to me in an email related to an entry about family. That shows real care.
You write great books that touch the soul and run the gamut of emotions for me. Never stop what you do.
What a wonderful post! I look forward to every Friday’s emails, knowing there will be one from you. I can’t wait until the next J.P.Beaumont arrives on the shelves and on Kindle!
Cheers,
Jackie Olsen
Judy, your writing process continues to really intrigue and baffle me. How you can start with someone dying and then continue on to figure out how and why they died without knowing it yourself, but also incorporating characters, places and events is an amazing feat of creativity. I don’t know how you keep it all straight in your head and not make it repetitive after all the many books you have written. You have an amazing well of imagination.
How very heartwarming and rewarding it must be to hear such wonderful stories from your readers. It certainly is an incentive to continue to do what you do!
I always wonder the same thing! Her brain is such a treasure trove of creativity and imagination. I’m lucky to keep the names of my kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews straight… I can’t imagine all of the characters and places from so many books!
A other touching-the-hearts-of-us-all blog! Thank you! When my dad, Roy Peterson, aka your greatest fan, was in his last days in 2014, unable to read, he made sure 2 books, one a Dick Francis and one of his “Beau books” was on his bedside table so he could “keep his friends close.” You brought him great joy and and comfort .?
Hi to Bill, a great raconteur, xx, Annie
I enjoy your books also. Enjoy the blogs too. You are my favorite author. JP Beaumont is my favorite series. I can never wait for the paperback version. Always preordered and had it read mostly the first day. Your last book it took me a week to read it didn’t like the start of it. Pass the book around and then give to Mt grandsons wife who collects books.
I read all of your posts, but I really liked this one. Keep up the good work.
Sometimes I catch Rick Steves on tv on one of his tours. He is so interesting. I am very impressed that you actually went on one of his tours. You are the first I know who did that.
Not only are you a terrific writer, but also one of the nicest, kindest human beings in the world. Thank you and God bless you!
Hi,
I totally love your blog each week. For several years I worked at the home office of a small life & disability insurer. Most of us were mystery readers so we shared our books with each other. Working there, I was able to read many of your novels. My personal favorites are the Walker family stories. I taught school near a reservation in Montana and many of my cousins are Sioux from South Dakota. I remember signs in stores that said “No Indians”. Am just a bit older than you so we are contemporaries.
Several years we met at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park — I was also a Girl Scout and my father would get us institution pack foods for our camping trips — he was a sales rep for Campbell Soups for over 30 years.
Thank you for all the insights into the world of writers.
A very uplifting story. Thanks for sharing.
You are touching lives in so many ways. You can be proud you are using God’s gift of talent creating and writing books that are touching peoples lives in a positive way. Keep it going and continue to receive His blessings. I have seen you at the Apache Junction library, had my picture with you and just fell in love with your gift of telling stories. I could listen to you all day long. I’m so happy one of my Tai Chi students shared me with your fabulous books. May God continue to bless you. Love ya gal. Jan???
You are touching lives in so many ways. You can be proud you are using God’s gift of talent creating and writing books that are touching peoples lives in a positive way. Keep it going and continue to receive His blessings. I have seen you at the Apache Junction library, had my picture with you and just fell in love with your gift of telling stories. I could listen to you all day long. I’m so happy one of my Tai Chi students shared me with your fabulous books. May God continue to bless you. Love ya gal. Jan???
Holy Moly!
Yes, the different connections and influences in life are just crazy-amazing!
Call me a super-fan! I am so glad to be one!
Had my sister, Jo Dillon Oldfield, not moved to Bisbee, I might never have found your books. She has had quite the life there in that special town.
Thank you!
Ms. Jance, your blogs are very interesting indeed. I started readings all your books in series about ten years ago. I am all caught. That is how long I have been reading your blogs(just about that long), I have a suggestion, you ought to to write your memoir, I think it is warranted.
Just thinking of and feeling sorry for all those who have not read you, JA, and just what they’re missing. What great “stuff.”
Best to you and Bill. <3
What a fabulous read today! Thank you for sharing both heartwarming stories. They will shine in my memory!
Kathleen
What a fabulous read today! Thank you for sharing both heartwarming stories. They will shine in my memory.
Kathleen
Its really amazing how your books touch people’s lives. I wrote you several years ago about JP visiting a friend with dementia. He walked out with the guy’s wife and asked how she could be there everyday when he didn’t know her. She told him that he might not know her but she knew him. I was getting ready to go visit my Mom who had dementia and didn’t know who I was last time I saw her and was ambivalent about going. It changed my mind and I was ready! Thanks so much. Love you!
Thank you for that.
What a wonderful read. It just proves that books truly touch people in many different ways. I’ve always been a reader and books have always been very important in my life. When I hear someone say they don’t like to read books I want to cry. I hope you continue to write and bring us joy for a long time Judy.
Amazing. I have loved your books for many years and look forward to following the character’s lives. The age progression in Beau’s books are great. Same with Ali.
You continue to write wonderful stories, never cookie cutter like so many other authors.
Thank you!
Sue
Thank you for your wonderful original books. Never a repeat and never cookie cutter.
Sue
What wonderful stories and I/we are SO very grateful that you are sharing your God-given talents with us. All the best always, Diane in Tucson, living on the Agua Caliente Wash.