Paula Marie: Janet, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with me and answer a few questions so we can get to know you a little better!
Janet: It’s an honor to be here! I’m loving your blog!
Paula Marie: Oh, thank you, that means so much to me!
I feel lucky to say I have read every one of your books! From those books, it is obvious you have a love for the South, can you tell us more about where you are from?
Janet: I do love the South. Maybe because I’ve always lived here. I was born in
Greenwood, Mississippi, in the flat, fertile Delta region of the state where there is a great deal of farming. At five-years-old, our family moved to Jackson, Mississippi, which Is the capital city. Though compared with other state capitals, it’s fairly small. But most of us think that’s just fine.
Our state is diverse in its landscape, but most is wooded and green, bordered by the Mississippi River in the west and the Gulf of Mexico in the south. The northeastern part of the state is heavily forested rolling hills. In that area, the quaint college town of Oxford is where I chose to set the first three novels. It’s such an adorable place with large oaks draping sidewalk and streets.
All regions of our state are hot much of the year. We have some cold winter weather here and there, but I remember some years wearing shorts on Christmas. You just never know!
I just had to attach a few pics for you!
Paula Marie: When did you first fell the writer’s pull?
Janet: I started writing in 2012 after my parents passed away. The story idea for Leaving Oxford had been churning for about six or seven years before that but I never sat down to write it. I wanted to write a story that removed some of the stigma that goes along with anxiety. I wanted it to be an encouragement because I’d also suffered from panic attacks. And once that story came out, more bubbled up. I hope to keep writing as long as God provides me material.
Paula Marie: Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process? Are you a plotter, out-liner, or more spontaneous when writing your novels?
Janet: I was a definite panster at first, but I’ve become more of a loose out-liner. It helps keep the story on track. I pray I allow the Lord to lead. I always say any of the good stuff is God, the messed up part is me!
Paula Marie: Your characters in the Southern Hearts series continue to show up in the subsequent novels, do you find that easier to incorporate them, or more of challenge to have to “revisit” them and bring their lives up to date with the current story line?
Janet: It seemed pretty easy at the time because I wrote them back to back. I did have to chart the characters, places, and timelines, though. I’ve thought about (and have been asked to write) another story for Bryan, Emma, and Grant. I think it will be much harder after being away from them for so long. I’ll be pulling those charts back out if I do!
Paula Marie: I love to know what authors do with their free time when not writing or spending time with family, what are your other passions?
Janet: Good question! I enjoy ladies Bible studies, going on walks with my neighbor/friends/family, and listening to music. Travel is something I love whenever possible, and I like to take lots of pictures. I walk around looking for beauty in creation every day. It helps me be thankful!
Paula Marie: I have loved your football characters and scenarios, due to my being a diehard football fan….is that a sport you enjoy as well?
Janet: My husband and son both played football in high school, and they watch SEC football, so I’ve learned a lot about the sport. I enjoy watching Mississippi State and Ole Miss with them. The research for Leaving Oxford and Tackling the Fields made the sport and mentality of the players even more interesting. Wow, those guys love it, breathe it, and miss it when they can’t play anymore.
Paula Marie: What is the one thing you would like for readers to take away with them after reading a novel of yours?
Kanet: God loves you more than you can ask or imagine, and there is no sin so bad that you can’t be forgiven if you turn your life over to Him.
Paula Marie: What were your favorite books to read as a young child, ones that you made sure your children read when they were the same age?
Janet: Oh, I loved books like Charlotte’s Web and Little House on the Prairie. I never read The Chronicles of Narnia as a child, but I read them all aloud to my kids. I adore them!
Paula Marie: How can readers keep up with your news and upcoming releases?
Paula Marie: Finally – Coffee or tea? Cream? Sugar?
Janet: Two cups of black coffee every morning, although in Ireland I enjoyed hot tea with cream!
Janet has sweetly offered to have a free ~*Giveaway*~ to one of our blog members!! Simply comment on this post to be entered to receive the ebook of Magnolia Storms! My review for this novel can be found here:
http://fictionfulloffaith.com/magnolia-storms-by-janet-ferguson-review-of-grace-award-winner/
Giveaway is open for seven days from today and winner will be notified via email!
Yay! I’m so excited to be here having coffee with you right now!! I hope your readers enjoy! How do you take your coffee? 🙂
Vanilla Latte girl 🙂
mmm, that sounds good too!
Aww, thank you so much for being here! I drink my coffee with mocha and honey…blame Valerie Comer!! Hahaha!
Oh, that sounds wonderful!!
Love getting to know authors and how they come up with their story ideas! I don’t drink coffee!
No coffee?? At all?? Lol, I would cease to function, hahaha!
Nope. None at all! Caffeine gives me the jitters! 😂
I understand! I went through no caffeine for several years, but took it back up, ha! Thanks for coming by!
Thank you for the giveaway! Would love to win this book 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Mindy! It always a pleasure to see you!! Good luck!
Hey, thanks! Good luck in the drawing!
Hahaha, I get the jitters thinking about another coffee!!
Hi! I would love to win these great books! I DO like to read the real way to read a book!
📚📙📕📘📗📖📓📚📒📗📔
Thanks for stopping by, Paula! You need to check out the post on Author Take Over for a chance to win 3 paperbacks!
Hi Paula! I do love to hold a book!
This was my first read of Janet’s and I enjoyed it so much. I found myself relating to Maggie’s character quite well. Even if you dont win a free copy, you should read it anyway!
I love all.of her books!!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I appreciate your constant support!
Sending Hugs!
Not a coffee drinker, I prefer cold drinks like lemonade or ice water, have to stay away from caffine. I’m always feeling hot. Once in a while I’ll drink hot tea. Your book sounds intriging. Thanks for this opportunity.
Thanks, Nancy! I love some lemonade! Ice water is probably what I should drink, though.
Blessings,
I completely understand, Nancy! I drink my coffee in the morning…several cups, we’ll say, and the it’s ice water for the rest of the day!!
Thank you for the interview and a chance to win! I’m wearing my coffee shirt: Coffee is a hug in the mug!
That’s too cute, Natalya!!
Oh, I’d like a coffee shirt. Mine are just shirts with coffee spilled on them!
I rally enjoyed reading your interview. I’m from Texas, and will always be a “southerner”.
That is so ingrained, isn’t it?? I am a Jersey girl born and bred, but have lived in Florida more than half my life!
I’m a tea girl. Looking forward to your next book.
Thank you so much, Sharon! I promise I’m working on it!
LOL, does sweet tea count?
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon!!
Love sweet tea with lemon!
It was wonderful to read a review with Janet Ferguson! I feel like I know her so much better and can really identify with her love of the south!
I just love learning about my favorite authors this way too, Donna! That is why I want to share with all.of you too!
Thank you for dropping in with us!
Hi Donna! It’s great to meet you here! Where are you from?
Blessings,
Janet
Great interview!
Any woman loves football is a woman after my own heart! Of course, I’m from GA so we are die-hard UGA fans! Go Dawgs!!
Hi Edwina! I’m a Ole Miss fan, but I have lots of family and friend in Atlanta, so I do pull for Georgia!
Blessings,
Janet
I am a Dawg fan too!! I can’t wait for this season to start!!
The book Magnolia Storms sound great. I like your writing. Since I struggle going out winning a book would be great.
Hi Linda! Thank you so much for the kind words! Sorry about your struggles. Hugs! Good luck in the drawing!
We have a winner! Terry Brubaker has won the ebook from Janet Ferguson! Terry – be on the lookout for an email from Janet soon!
Thank you all so much for participating and to Janet for making this giveaway possible!
Please make sure you check in with all our other posts, as there is always something being given away here at Fiction Full of Faith!