Meet the Blogger with Jan Cline

I've known Jan Cline since my early blogging days. Her blog is a lovely source of wisdom and encouragement. She is a kind and dedicated writer whose talents are far reaching. Jan's organized writer's conferences, is a popular speaker, and has published at least a half dozen books, including A Heart Out of Hiding, Simple Devotion, and The Emancipated Heart.

 

Welcome Jan! It's great to have you visit. Tell us, why did you start blogging? How long have you had your blog?

I started blogging several years ago as an extension of my passion for writing. Like many bloggers, I had a lot of ideas rolling around in my head, subjects I thought would be nice to connect with other people on. I also liked the idea of actually getting my writing out there for others to read and give me feedback. My current blog I have had for about five years. It has changed and morphed over those years as I change and pursue my writing career.

I think we've all changed our blog focus at some point, even in small ways. What is your blog about?

I have been told by some blogging experts that I should be blogging in accordance with what I write about in my books. But since I never have been good at doing what I’m told…I write about what is on my heart at the time. Sometimes I blog frequently and then I will go through a “dry spell” with post being less often. I think it’s important to blog about what’s important to you, and that may encompass many diverse topics.

That's good advice, and apparently is working well for you. :) What benefits have you gained through blogging?

Of course connecting with readers and receiving encouragement has been a great joy. I think blogging also sharpens my writing skills. I also have learned so much by checking out the blogs of my friends and acquaintances. There are so many great bloggers out there with fascinating topics and insights. There have been many times when I have passed along a link to a particularly good post to someone I know would enjoy it or be blessed by it.  

The blogging community is wonderful, isn't it? I doubt we'd have met without it - so I'm very grateful! What are you working on now?

As for blog posts, I have hopes of putting together a series on how history, mostly our family history, affects us, and how we can preserve our family history. I think it would be fun for my readers to know some of the things that have happened to me as I did research for a novel I’m writing based on a time in my mom’s life. I wish so much that I had gleaned more information from her while she was alive. I hope my readers might benefit from my experience. 

I released my first published novel, Emancipated Heart, in March of 2016 – a story of a family living in a Japanese American internment camp during WW2. It’s available on Amazon. A friend of mine designed the book cover and I was so pleased with how it turned out. My daughter-in-law now does book covers and she will likely do my upcoming projects. I’m currently working on a three book series starting with a 1930s women’s fiction, moving through WW2 with the story about my mom that I mentioned above.

It looks wonderful. Love the cover. I added it to my wish list. :) The series sounds interesting too. Please keep us posted. What might people be surprised to learn about you?

That I’m a great-grandmother. Very proud of that!

I'd never have guessed that. Congratulations! What advice would you share with a new blogger?

I’m sure they have heard lots advice on “write what you know”. I disagree with that philosophy. I believe in stretching your wings and exploration of topics that interest you but you might not know much about. I suppose that comes from my love of research, but sticking with only what you know doesn’t give you the opportunity to grow and share more with your readers.

That's good advice. There's much potential to learn and grow as writers. Thank you for visiting with us this week. Wishing you blessings galore, writing and otherwise!

Thank you!

More About Jan

Jan is an author, speaker, and former writer’s conference director. She speaks at women’s groups and writer’s groups and conferences in the region. She published her first novel in 2016, a historical/women’s fiction set in a Japanese American internment camp during WWII. She is currently working on another novel, the first in a series, set in the depression era during America’s Dust Bowl devastation. Jan is the mother of 3 and grandmother to 8. She loves teaching, crafting, golf, and remodeling their cabin on a lake in Idaho. 


Find Jan

Twitter
Her Books
Website
Facebook

What are you reading and writing this week? Do you have any questions for Jan? 

Happy writing,

Karen 



Photo credit: Free Images