Interview with Janice Mineer

About the Author

Janice Mineer was born in the state of Washington. She graduated from Brigham Young University and later taught English, allowing her to spend quality time with something she loves-the written word. A hopeless romantic, Janice has played harp for weddings, even for one that took place on the edge of a cliff over a river. Because of her first husband’s long illness, Janice and her family spent extended time away from home to be near the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. When her husband passed away, Janice dedicated herself to work with the Ronald McDonald House to provide a home away from home for families who need medical care for their children. Janice is the author of a children’s book, Gingerbread from the Heart. Secret Heart of the Bitterroot is her first novel.
Janice lives in the Bitterroot valley of Montana with her husband, Randy. Between them they have five children and 11 beautiful grandchildren.

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The Interview

1. Who or what inspired you to become an author?
I have always been fascinated by words: glorious, colorful, poignant words. I love their sounds and the many shades of meaning they convey. I love to read but what better way to immerse yourself and feel the power of words than to write?
 
2. What does your writing process look like?
Chaotic, I’m afraid. It’s kind of like throwing paint on a canvass, but once I see what I have I can go back and sort through everything better. That being said, I love the map of a good outline once I get rolling on a story.
 
 
3. Who are some of your favorite authors?  Do these authors inspire your own writing?
I love the women’s issues and the rich stories in Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Little Women left an indelible impression on my heart.
 
4. What inspired the idea for Heartbeat of the Bitterroot?
I have seen many people come from a horrible family and turn around and make a healthy family filled with love. How do they do that? I wanted to illustrate that with a story, a love story and a tale of courage and hope.

5. What do you want readers to take away from reading Heartbeat of the Bitterroot?
I want them to know they can be an agent for change—in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. I also want them to feel the importance of family and that family is essential—it is the center of a good, rich life. It is worth fighting for.

6. When you are not writing what hobbies do you enjoy?
I play the harp for weddings (I love weddings!) and I also play for Hospice. I wait with baited breath for the warm days of summer when I can paddle my yellow kayak around Montana lakes.