Author Q&A with Jean Burgess

Author Q&A with Jean Burgess

I am a writer of both fiction and nonfiction, playwright, and former actor, director, and theater educator. I’m a freelance edit and content writer. I hold a MA in Theatre from Northwestern University and PhD from New York University.

 

Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)

I write both fiction and nonfiction. My nonfiction, Collaborative Stage Directing:A Guide to Creating and Managing a Positive Theatre Environment, was published by Routledge/ Taylor & Francis in 2019. I am currently shopping out my historical woman’s fiction.

Where’s your favourite place to write?

My office/library

 

How do you approach starting a new book?

For historical fiction, I begin by diving into research and creating a vision board. Pictures of the dress, hairstyles, furnishings, brands, automobiles, etc of the time period work wonders as far as stimulating me.

 

What’s your favourite genre to read?

I love historical fiction but will also dabble in mystery and suspense. For nonfiction, I enjoy biographies and autobiographies as well as historical books.

 

Have you always wanted to write?

Not really. I didn’t have much faith in my writing until I wrote my doctorate in 2000-2002.

 

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

On the rare occasion that I get writer’s block, I step away from the computer. A short walk will often provide the “reset” I need to start fresh. What happens more often than writer’s block to me is that I’ll get stuck on on how I want to express an idea/a moment/a plot point. In that case, I use a short meditation, setting the intention for clarity before I begin. This may sound strange but I can’t tell you how often this has worked for me.

 

Tell us about a scene that you loved but had to edit out of your book

My current historical women’s fiction takes place in 1978. Early drafts included an epilogue that jumped 15 years, showing the reader how the protagonist had progressed. After continuing to revising and strengthen the entire book, my editor recommended cutting the epilogue. At first I was shocked! But after reviewing and making a few tweaks, I realized that the epilogue was no longer needed.

 

Do you like reading the same books you write?

Yes but my reading interests are very broad.

 

Do write under a pen name? If so, tell us about how you chose it

No pen name for me.

 

How do you choose your book’s title(s)?

Book titles are tough. They have to hook potential readers enough to get them to read the blurb. I choose my titles by be thoughtful about every single word.

 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their first book?

Get it down (draft #1), expect more drafts, find a couple Beta readers, Revise, revise again. Understand that this is a process that is not to be rushed.

 

Do you do research for your books? If so, what kind of research?

Yes because my novels are historical women’s fiction so research is required. That research may take the form of online, archive, historical society visits, site visits, and interviews. My nonfiction, Collaborative Stage Directing, is a text that required a survey questionnaire to gather data as well as secondary research on communication and leadership skills that I applied to directing.

 

How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

I schedule blocks of writing time.

 

How do you approach ‘world building’?

I have a template that I have created by combining elements from several templates found online. I pulled the elements that made the most sense for my genre.

 

How do you handle criticism?

I prefer to think of it as constructive feedback, since the word “criticism” has such a negative vibe. I’m open to hearing constructive feedback from other authors, editors, and publishers. My method in dealing with feedback is to reflect on it for a few days and then return to the manuscript to decide if a change is needed.

 

Describe your perfect character to me

I love a character who is quirky, slightly flawed, maybe rudderless, but trying to get it together and find a path.

 

Tell me about your current work

Set against a backdrop of the 1970s music scene, THAT SUMMER SHE FOUND HER VOICE tells the story of 23-year-old Margie Stevens as she pulls herself out of a heartbreak-induced depression and begins a journey of discovery. Clarifying her views on emerging feminism, social injustice, and spirituality -all while touring across the country with King Video’s Swing Band – Margie finally finds the courage to face her fears and use her authentic voice.

 

Tell me about your main character

Margie is in a vulnerable place when readers meet her. She is bright and talented but hasn’t developed her inner strength or belief in herself. At 23, she is still influenced by her parents’ values and opinions.

 

Would you want your book made into a film?

Similar to Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do film, a film version of this book would give audiences a retro backstage peek at the touring world with the addition of the coming of age story of a young woman. They are so many great visual elements in this book that would lend themselves to film.

 

How many books do you own?

Hundreds. I recently donated a huge collection of theater books to a community theater because I had to start cutting back!

 

Jean’s website