Unveiling the inspirations and influences behind the Jennifer Cloud series
Janet Leigh discusses her transition from chiropractic to writing, the inspiration behind her Jennifer Cloud series, and how she balances humour, history, and romance in her time-travel adventures.
Janet Leigh has seamlessly transitioned from a career in chiropractic to becoming a celebrated author, captivating readers with her Jennifer Cloud series. Her unique blend of humour, romance, and time-travel adventures has earned her a B.R.A.G. Medallion and a dedicated fan base. Leigh’s ability to weave historical intrigue with relatable characters makes her stories both entertaining and thought-provoking. Her influences, including Nora Roberts and Janet Evanovich, are evident in her vivid settings and witty dialogue, while her passion for history and science adds depth to her narratives.
We at Reader’s House Magazine were thrilled to interview Janet Leigh to explore the creative process behind her beloved series. In this conversation, Leigh shares insights into her writing journey, the inspiration behind her time-traveling heroine, and how she balances her multifaceted life. Join us as we delve into the world of Jennifer Cloud and discover what makes Janet Leigh’s storytelling so enchanting.
Janet Leigh masterfully blends humour, history, and romance, creating captivating stories that transport readers through time with relatable characters.
Your transition from chiropractic to writing is quite unique. How has your background in health sciences and chiropractic influenced your storytelling, particularly in creating the character of Jennifer Cloud and the intricate world of time travel?
I’m passionate about science and history. When I create my stories, I rely on my experience as a chiropractor to sneak some science in when Jennifer Cloud jumps back in time to protect history.
In Dress 2 Impress, Jennifer Cloud navigates complex relationships and adventurous time-travel missions. How do you approach developing characters who are involved in such high-stakes and fantastical scenarios while ensuring they remain relatable and authentic?
Jennifer Cloud is a down-on-her-luck average gal who lives in an ordinary world. When she discovers she has inherited the gift of time travel, she is still a normal girl who has been catapulted into an extraordinary world. I try to keep my characters down to earth and stay true to themselves.
Time travel is a central theme in your Jennifer Cloud series. What inspired you to explore this concept, and how do you balance the fantastical elements with the emotional and relational aspects of the story?
I’m a huge fan of adventure stories, especially ones that include interesting historical facts. I’m also a sucker for a swoon-worthy romantic comedy. My primary goal is to combine an intriguing historical adventure with time travel like Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and a romantic component that keeps the pages turning. I balance Jennifer’s newly discovered gift with the close relationship she shares with her somewhat nutty family.
You’ve mentioned that your favourite authors include Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich, and Nicholas Sparks. How have these writers influenced your own work, and what elements from their writing do you strive to incorporate into your novels?
I thank Nora Roberts for teaching me to “keep my butt in the chair” because a blank page won’t sell and how to bring settings to life. I love how she weaves her setting into the story as if it’s an additional character. I thank Janet Evanovich for teaching me how the right amount of humour can make a story so much better. For example, in her Stephanie Plum series, she uses sexual tension and creative banter to carry a love triangle through 30+ books. Her well-developed characters and tongue-in-cheek writing inspired me to write the Jennifer Cloud series. And I thank Nicholas Sparks for adding that deep emotion that takes the story to the next level.
Balancing a career in chiropractic, family responsibilities, and writing can be challenging. How do you manage to find time for each aspect of your life, and what strategies do you use to maintain your creative flow amid a busy schedule?
Writing and working a full-time job is a challenge. When my kids lived at home, I wrote at night after they went to bed or early in the morning before work. I wrote on my phone while sitting at baseball and softball practice and dictated ideas while sitting in traffic. It took me two years to complete my first book. I think writing consistently is key, maybe not every day, but at least every other day, so you don’t lose the flow of your story. If I’m busy at work and must go several days before I can write, I always have to go back and reread chapters to get in gear. I’ve solved this problem by leaving notes at the end of a scene. For example, where I’m going in the next scene, which characters need to be present, etc. I’m not a plotter, but I jot down ideas and always have a working outline in my head.
Dress 2 Impress involves a variety of characters and plotlines, including romantic interests and mystery elements. How do you ensure that each storyline is developed effectively and keeps readers engaged throughout the novel?
I’m lucky because I come from a long line of storytellers, so developing a story is in my blood. I shoot for an intriguing beginning, fun and games in the middle, and possibly a surprise ending. If I can surprise my readers, I’ve done an excellent job. My perfect trifecta is keeping the reader engaged, entertained, and laughing out loud.
