Mystery Novel Sensation Jacqueline Winspear Discusses Writing and Upcoming WordFest

Ojai author Jacqueline Winspear is the creative genius behind the New York Times best selling Maisie Dobbs mystery series. The crime novels center on Dobbs, a psychologist and private investigator who uses her past medical background along with her insight and ethical sensibilities to solve puzzling capers and unearth secrets. Set in the 1920s and 1930s, Winspear uses historical facts and events to anchor Dobbs and her adventures in Europe during World War I. This interview was conducted via e-mail, because Winspear is travelling promoting her next Maisie Dobbs book, A Lesson In Secrets. Her new book is available to the public on March 22, but early copies will be available on Saturday, March 19 at WordFest's Book Fair and Pre-Release Book Party where Jacqueline Winspear will read and discuss her latest work.

Q: Why are you excited for the 1^st Annual Ojai WordFest?

A: I'm just thrilled to bits about the inaugural Ojai WordFest & Book Fair. With its vibrant arts scene and commitment to all things creative, Ojai is the perfect place for a literary event of this kind - it's an exciting addition to the many festivals drawing people to our very special Ojai Valley.

Q: Where did the idea of Maisie Dobbs come from?

A: Maisie Dobbs came to me while I was daydreaming – literally. I was stuck in traffic, waiting for the light to change, and into my mind’s eye walked Maisie Dobbs. In fact, by the time the light changed, the whole series of scenes that became the first chapter in the novel had opened before my eyes as if I were watching a movie, and by the time I arrived at work, I had the complete story in my head. I’ve often referred to that experience as a moment of “artistic grace,” though I have to say, I don’t think those moments happen in a vacuum. I have been interested in the era I write about since I was a child -- the years of the Great War and the inter-war period — and I have a particular interest in the experiences of the women of that era, for they were the first generation of women in modern times to go to war.

Q: What role do historical events play in the Maisie Dobbs novels?

A: They play a very important part, because time and place are as much characters in my novels as the people. We are all impacted by the events of our times – we talk about them with friends, we have opinions, we are moved by the experiences of others – so the events of the time underpin the experiences of my characters; they put their decisions and actions into context.

Q: In your opinion, has the digital revolution negatively or positively affected writing?

A: If you’re a writer, you’ll write, whether you have to use a quill or an iPad. The digital revolution hasn’t impacted “writing” either way, as far as I can see. But when it comes to the business of writing and whether a writer can find a readership – that’s a different matter. There are so many more outlets for writing now – online magazines, blogs, e-books – that it’s easy to be “published.” Unfortunately, it’s also all too easy to be published without editorial input.

Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest part about writing a mystery novel?

A: I also write articles, essays and short stories, and have written segments for radio. I don’t feel any distinction (between writing a mystery novel or, say, an essay or short story) when it comes to the writing process. I think one of the aspects of writing that is underestimated, is stamina – writing takes a lot of energy, whether physical, intellectual, emotional or spiritual. Therefore, because I am on book-a-year contracts, with a new deadline every twelve months, keeping that stamina going while being a creative and inspired person is paramount. Last year, as well as writing a new novel, I also published two short stories and contributed to two essay collections – all on deadline -- and if you’re a professional writer, you have to work to and honor deadlines, for so much depends upon you playing your part in the agreement; it’s a business, after all. So, to conclude, I don’t think there’s a “hardest part” about writing a mystery novel, but making sure you are always doing your best work, whatever you are writing, can be a challenge – and you have no choice but to develop that stamina, as well as brutal honesty with yourself when you look back at your work.

Q: What advice do you have for future writers?

A: It’s easy – sit down and write every single day. Do not try to follow or be ahead of trends – that never works. And don’t be afraid to send your work out to agents and/or publishers. So many people say they are afraid of rejection – and to be honest, there are far scarier things in life. The great thing about rejection is that you’ve eliminated a non-productive outlet for your work. Move on and write on!

I think the other important thing is to take a bit of advice from the gym and “crosstrain.” If you’re a non-fiction writer, play with poetry, ditto if you write novels – it’s a great way to enhance your sense of rhythm in your work. Try essays, and articles. Write a piece in rhyming couplets. If you are a writer of serious works, have a go at comedy, and vice-versa. Writing calls for creative muscle-building, so don’t just keep doing the same thing – open the doors to your imagination as wide as you can and tone your writing.

Ryan White is a freelance writer, editor and photographer volunteering with the Ojai WordFest.

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Write something, write anything--just write

Lately, I've been hearing the same advice over and over again: don't think, just write--write everyday.

Don't know what to write about? Write about your day, how you are feeling at that exact moment. Write something, write anything--just write.

Well, here I sit, a quarter century old. Not sure of what to make of the life and series of choices that lead me to this precise moment. I sit here not sure of my future or if my chosen path is the correct one. Do I follow my repressed gut? Or do I make the logical next progressive step towards my end goal of self-sustainability? Choices, choices... I've had to make them before, but this is the first time I'm thinking years into the future.

Luckily, through making several mistakes, I know exactly what to do in this type of situation: grab life by the balls and don't let go. What do all the self-help gurus tell you to do? Manifest your own destiny.

Q & A with Author Alice Rene: Local Literary Talent Excited For Ojai WordFest

Alice Rene is the award-winning author of Becoming Alice, A Memoir, a story about Ilse, a six-year-old Jewish girl who watches Nazi troops march down her street in Vienna, Austria. Told from the perspective of a very young child, it chronicles the family’s harrowing escape, their struggle to fit into the American culture, and the added problems of growing up within a troubled family.

Q: What influenced you to begin writing?

A: My grandson interviewed me as part of a paper he was writing on the Holocaust. The plan was for my son-in-law to drop him off at my house and then go to Soule Park to hit some golf balls. However, as he listened to the answers to the first few questions, he remained for the entire interview and never did get to the golf course. Since he found it so interesting, I thought I ought to write about it for others as well.

Q: How has the digital age affected your work?

A: The digital age has positively influenced my writing. I maintain a website, write a blog, and belong to a number of websites that are geared to the reading and writing community. It is a way for getting exposure for my book and also for learning about what is going on in the literary world. For example, the advent of ebooks is now becoming very popular. Knowing this I had Becoming Alice formatted for the Kindle. Also, my presence on the internet has made it possible for people I wrote about in my book to reconnect with me.

Q: In your opinion, why does Ojai entice literary talent?

A: It is no surprise that Ojai has such a concentration of literary talent since it is a haven for all art forms painting, ceramics, crafts, woodwork, dance, music, etc. For example, the annual Ojai Artists Tour in October is very successful as is the Ojai Music Festival in June, attended by music lovers from around the world. It is no wonder then that the community of Ojai would appeal to literary talent as well.

Q: As an author, what does Ojai WordFest and celebrating Ojai’s literary talent mean to you?

A: Having participated in book fares and book festivals in California such as the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the Sonoma County Book Festival, the Ventura County Book Festival, and others, I know from personal experience that authors, writers, publishers, editors, and others involved in the book business benefit greatly from those functions.

Q: Do you have any advice for future writers?

A: I’d advise anyone who thinks they have something to say, to do it by writing it. Someone once gave me a book entitled, If You Can Talk, You Can Write. I believe in that.

The interviewer, Ryan White, is a former college reporter and editor from Seattle, Washington now living in Ojai.

Fire-Crotch Rescue Center Mission Statement

Come my rust-haired brothers and sisters, you have no shame here. Step into the light--with sunscreen, of course--and be proud of your difference. Here at the Fire-Crotch Rescue Center, we recognize you for your exotic beauty and statistical rarity. We believe in the empowerment of the copper-topped folk through dispelling any myths associated with the fiery hair and honoring our existence throughout the history of society. After all, once you've had fire, you burn with desire.