Mira lay deep inside her den, nuzzling her newborn pups. As the weeks pass, the unusual appearance of two of her offspring grows more pronounced and with that, the pack’s behaviour changes. A strangeness hangs in the air, compounding the onlookers’ superstitions. As fear turns to aggression, Joel, the alpha male, is forced to assert his dominance and defend his family…
Edmund Rainer is on vacation with his dad in the forest, when he discovers the little body of a wolf pup. Carrying him back to the cabin, Edmund rescues the pup, fascinated with his beautiful ears. A friendship blossoms between the two, but when a devastating storm propels them on an extraordinary journey, they must use their instincts to survive the hidden dangers lurking in the forest.
Unwittingly, Edmund becomes embroiled in the treachery revolving around the young pup and his life becomes increasingly under threat as he tries to protect GoldenEars from harm.
Hello book lovers! Today is a day where I will be writing another author spotlight for a well-accomplished author whose work I have loved. As you know book lovers I love learning about authors and the inspiration behind their work, it fascinates me and adds to the depth of the book because the reader will be able to better understand it. That is how the author spotlights were created because I soon discovered that you lovely readers ALSO love learning about author’s, so I am excited to tell you a little bit more about author Jane Wood whose book GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain captivated me from beginning to end. I personally would recommend this book to all of those that love young adult and adventure books but really the book can be read by anybody as it is flawlessly written and highly enjoyable. With today’s author spotlight, a interview between me and Jane Wood will be shared, and I hope that you book lovers enjoy reading it!
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US. PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF.
Firstly, I would like to thank Aimee Ann for the Author Spotlight Interview.
My name is Jane Wood and I am a 69-year old British author, married with two grown-up sons. My eldest son, Tony, lives in Massachusetts with his wife and family.
I formerly worked in the fashion industry for many years, and strived to learn every aspect of the trade. After I married, my husband and I moved to my home city of Bristol. Here I found employment with a longstanding department store during the 1970’s, and my career progressed to senior window display designer. It was an enjoyable occupation, which allowed me to express myself in creative and imaginative ways as the seasons and fashion trends predicted. Also, the daily challenge of designing an eye-catching display kept myself and my team of innovative artists on our toes and attuned to this fast and changeable world of consumer goods.
I was born in Bristol, then later with my family moved eastwards to the county of Essex where I grew up in reputedly the oldest town in England, Colchester. I can’t remember precisely when my interest in books began. I only knew that words fascinated me. Encouraged by my parents to read out loud became a nightly pleasure. So I believe it was around the young age of seven that my penchant for literature was established. Our local library became a focal point in our lives with weekly visits so that I and my brother could read the latest adventure stories fresh from the shelves. It became an enjoyable steadfast habit that continued for many years, to my parents’ delight. My father’s employment back then in the early 1950’s was with a printing company that produced books, calendars and magazines etc. He too was an avid reader. So I was used to seeing books piled on the shelves at home, and his enthusiasm for English literature, and all the adventures they contained definitely rubbed off onto me. There is no doubt that my early introduction to books when I was at this impressionable age helped foster my love of reading.
I like to keep fit, and frequent my local gym (Covid-19 allowing). I enjoy photography and art; using the photograph I’ve taken as a guide, plus a little artistic license, I endeavour to depict a scene. I love all animals, and I’m a supporter of many charities concerned with their welfare, and the protection and preservation of wild wolves in particular. I now live on the south coast of England in the county of West Sussex with my husband, Peter, and my youngest son, James.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE YOUR BOOK?
GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain, part one, is an adventure/fantasy story for children age ten and upwards to adults. I wanted to highlight the plight of wolves and bring awareness to this endangered species.
My story begins in the spring of 1972, and focuses on a pack of grey wolves and their struggle to survive in Canada’s western forests. After centuries of persecution by man, wolf numbers have plummeted, their very existence was in serious jeopardy. The alpha female wolf, Mira, gives birth to four pups. As the weeks pass, the appearance of two of her offspring changes, as yellow tufts of hair begin to emerge on their ear tips. The disturbing sight promotes fear and aggression within the pack as old superstitions resurface, and the myths and legends, long forgotten in the minds of wolves are reborn.
Edmund Rainer, 16, is on vacation with his dad in the forest, when he discovers the little body of a wolf pup. Edmund rescues the pup and a friendship blossoms between the two. A series of events unfold propelling our two protagonists on a perilous journey where danger and treachery will test their courage and their friendship to the limit.
Pets are important to each of us, and a pet can hold a special place within the family. And when that cherished pet dies, he leaves a void, because things can never be as they once were. My inspiration for the story came together after the death of my precious little dog, Beamish. This story is dedicated to his memory. He is the indomitable spirit, the strength, and the heart behind the words.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?
I would say write about something you feel deeply or passionate about. Then plan carefully what you want the story to say. Jot down ideas, make copious notes. Come up with a beginning, a middle and of course know how your story will end. Aim for that goal. Structure is vitally important, as is continuity in the storyline. Learning writing techniques has been a real challenge for me personally. When I started writing only a few years ago, I discovered a book called, ‘Complete Creative Writing Course.’ It has proven to be an invaluable asset, and has helped me to understand: viewpoint, structure, and the one rule I will never forget: show, tell and ignore. To remember this one rule could save you pages of unnecessary work, and days of anguish.
Advertise your presence, reviews and social media can be a great help. Read books from all genres, and by different authors too. Take the opportunity to learn from other authors. Never stop writing, aim for your goal, don’t deviate and you’ll get there. Remember you are never too old to start something new.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT A BOOK?
Firstly, the story must hold my attention, and it must be a pleasurable read, well-written, and carefully edited. There’s nothing worse than trying to read through loads of mistakes and spelling errors. Secondly, I believe memorable characters are the key to success; build them and nourish them, for they will bind the story into cohesiveness and sensibility. Nurture your protagonist in particular for he/she has the potential to win over your readers. All this in combination with the plot, dialogue and succinct descriptions, even if it’s a fantasy tale, each element must hold together under scrutiny, and be riveting and fluent in its prose.
WHAT IS YOUR WRITING PROCESS LIKE?
I try to remain in a methodical frame of mind in my approach to writing. But it doesn’t always work out like that when I’m in a manic mood when I could literally sit down and write all day. On those days, I feel the compulsion to get my thoughts down, either on paper or preferably to get my fingers tapping on my laptop keyboard. Rewriting a chapter is not unheard of for me. I’ll persevere until I know I’ve got it right.
WHAT KIND OF RESEARCH DO YOU DO, AND HOW LONG DO YOU SPEND RESEARCHING BEFORE BEGINNING A BOOK?
I already knew a good deal about wolves before I began my story. Though it is always wise to check your facts first, write them down, and keep that list at hand as you write. I have several books pertaining to wolves; how they live, the importance of the hierarchy and their hunting strategies etc. So it didn’t take too long before I began to write. The internet is a practical tool too, utilise it.
DO YOU HAVE A SET SCHEDULE FOR WRITING, OR DO YOU ONLY WRITE WHEN YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
I find I write better in the mornings, and my enthusiasm usually gets me going. A strong coffee is a good starter too. Of course, there are occasions when my attention is required elsewhere as household chores dictate, otherwise I could literally sit down and write at any time. As regards being inspired to write; when I’m in the middle of a story which is all encompassing, even to the point that it invades my dreams at night, I don’t need any incentive to get going in the morning.
DO YOU READ MUCH AND IF SO WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS?
Yes, I like to read a good book when I am not busy writing. I have a number of authors I admire.
I like all of Dan Brown’s books; Inferno and Origin are particular favourites. The Eragon series, by Christopher Paolini. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. The Liar, and Thirteen, by Steve Cavanagh. All of Philip Pullman’s books are fabulous. The classics too; Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, have their place on my bookcase. Kate Morton’s, The House at Riverton, and Mark Edwards’, Here to Stay, are all great titles, plus many more besides. My two childhood favourites are: Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell and Little Women, by Louisa Alcott; each are timeless in their conception. And even though their covers have faded and the pages have yellowed with age, and perhaps smelling a little musty too, I still love them.
LASTLY, WHEN CAN WE READERS EXPECT TO READ MORE WONDERFUL BOOKS FROM YOU?
GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls, part two, is due for publication on 28th January 2021. The story continues from book one, and takes the reader on a compelling, emotionally moving, and darker journey with Edmund and GoldenEars, his wolf. Edmund learns he has to enter a world beyond his wildest imagination if he is to find his beloved wolf. He must overcome dark forces, battle jealousy and rage, and rise above the hurt if he is to save himself and the wolves, and make a better life for them all.
I have placed, GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls, in the, Teens/YA Fantasy/Mystery Categories. It is a suspenseful and poignant story. A work of fiction, however, the depiction pertaining to wolves and their conflict with man are sadly true; even to this day, wolves are hunted and killed in vast numbers.
If you have enjoyed Book one, please take a peek at GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls, part two.
Read the full synopsis on amazon.co.uk. Now available for pre-order with a price guarantee. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you have all enjoyed the journey into my past.
Jane H. Wood, author of:
‘GoldenEars: The Whispering Mountain, part one.’
‘GoldenEars: The Pale Skulls, part two.’
Its official book lovers, I am obsessed with Jane Wood! If you have liked what you have read about the author and are interested in learning more, then please do have a browse of the links below and be sure to have a read of the preview too! You will not regret it.
Goodbye for now book lovers,
Amazon U.S. – Amazon U.K. – Goodreads
Author: BookGuild – Blackwells – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Twitter – Instagram – Facebook – Foyles
