It was a pleasure to interview Jo Jefferson as she told us about how her love of horses paved the way to her future as an author. She also shares with us her top tips for aspiring writers.
Q - How old were you when you first wrote something substantial?
A - When I was 11 years old, I was mad on ponies and entered a national children's short story competition to win a pony. It was sponsored by "Pony Magazine". I wrote a story about a witch. (I still have it somewhere.) Sadly, I was runner up and didn't win the pony and was devastated!!
Q - Did you ever have aspirations to become a writer?
A - I never really had any aspirations to become a writer, although I had a lot of articles and poems published in horsey magazines. However, I’ve always loved the written word and was good at English language and literature at school.
Q - What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
A - Be positive, adventurous and above all be brave!
Q - What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
A - Be brave, believe in yourself and don't listen to the doubters.
Q - What did you find easiest and hardest about writing?
A - Easiest - the flow of the dialogue of the different characters. Hardest- the discipline of finding the time to put pen to paper.
Q - Was it faster to write your book or to have it published?
A - My book stayed half-finished on the back burner for quite a few years so publishing was much faster.
Q - What was your favourite part of your book to write?
A - Difficult to say - I actually loved writing it throughout, although bringing everything together at the ending was very satisfying.
Q - Do you have any plans to publish more work?
A - Yes, I do have some more plans in the pipeline but the next book will be very different.
Q - If you could review Olympia Publishers in just a few words, what would they be?
A - Olympia publishers are honest - they do what they say they will and are efficient and helpful.
