FROM JOCELYN KELLEY

answer to comment # 20 (raffaella)

Thanks for telling me that you enjoyed my books. That is always the best thing a writer can hear -- that someone else enjoyed the work.

What an interesting question! No, I have never considered writing the story of the couple who lived in our house. Probably because they were real people, and I wouldn't want to make a mistake about their lives. But a story based on them...that is definitely something to think about! Thanks for the idea!

answer to comment # 22 (Mandala82)

I like writing different types of books, so I don't get bored. If I get bored, then I know my readers will be, too. By moving from one genre to another, it helps me keep my writing skills sharp. For example, right now I am working on a Regency romantic mystery -- the 7th book in my Priscilla Flanders series that I started with Kensington and wrote for them until they closed their Regency line. Now I have now moved the series to ImaJinn for their new Regency line. Also I am working on a young readers' fantasy idea with an editor. Also I have just finished a proposal for a historical. As you can see, I tend to go where my imagination leads -- and where my readers request. I had not planned on doing more of the Regency mysteries, but my readers kept asking, so I asked my editor and she gave me the go-ahead.

The inspirational market has always been there -- but it has evolved in recent years when the books went beyond historicals set in the US prairies (and Canadian prairies as well). The market is still small -- compared with secular historicals and contemporaries -- but it definitely is growing. I think readers are discovering that these books are about family values and issues that they may be facing and not just filled with Bible verses. As more writers have come into the market, there is such a nice variety of books that appeal to readers who like adventure or humor, for example. I think it's great there are so many different types of books, so readers can find what they enjoy the most.

answer to comment # 24 (Cristina)

Thanks! I hope you enjoy the books.

Jo/Jocelyn