Author Jane Alvey Harris finds great joy in the written word. When she isn’t writing herself, she narrates audiobooks and teaches private creative and academic writing classes. From anthologies to a series like the My Myth Trilogy, Jane doesn’t limit herself. She is a talented artist in several ways including music and art, aside from writing. Even earning a degree in Humanities with specializations in Art History, Italian Language and Studio Art, it’s clear where her passions lie. The My Myth series is an award-winning young adult, psychological fantasy-thriller that follows seventeen year old Emily and her journey through a fantasy world. In this interview, we seek to learn more about this series as well as our author, Jane Alvey Harris!
Favorite quote from your book?
“A host of wood-gray Daddy long-legs creep from the clustered ceiling shadows in the corner of the room, inching closer with their tiny mouths and elegant all-seeing eyes. They know I’m going crazy. They’re coming to feast on the decomposing remains of my sanity.” – Emily, Chapter 21, RIVEN
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
An artist. Then, when I was in high school I secretly wanted to be a museologist, but I was raised Mormon, so having a job outside the home was frowned upon. Officially I wanted to be a wife and mother.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I started when I was 39 and finished when I was 43.
How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have specific reasons for writing each book?
I began because I had a story growing inside me that needed to come out. I didn’t know it would be a book. It started as a love story to my kids when I was going through a difficult time in my life. From there it became a way for me to process past trauma and eventually became my platform and passion.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know how interesting it is, but active daydreaming is a huge part of my process. I fully visualize major scenes before writing them down… complete with sound track. Something that is interesting is that some of the scenes in RIVEN come from hypnosis and EMDR sessions as I was processing my own past trauma with a therapist.
Do you like to create books for adults, youth and/or children? Why?
I love crossovers, because I can write on several different layers. On the surface, RIVEN is an adventure/romance/fantasy. On another level, it’s a psychological thriller and gritty, hot-point issue-driven look at the impact of abuse on survivors. And even deeper, you can find an exploration of archetypal psychology, feminism, and quantum mechanics.
First and foremost, my writing has a message of self-acceptance and empowerment, but my goal was to make it fun and thought provoking at the same time. Being aware of all the levels is challenging and rewarding.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
RIVEN is my debut and the first book of the MY MYTH trilogy. I’m a third of the way through the sequel, SECRET KEEPER, and a quarter of the way through the third book, PRIMED, and I have to say I’m obsessed with how they are developing!!
How long does it take you to write a book?
The first took me four years, lol! But now that I know what I’m doing I’m shooting for 8 months per novel.
How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)?
I am not as disciplined as some writers and don’t work for a set time or have a set number of words I have to write a day. I lose myself in the writing and the dreaming, time slips away. The mundane parts to me are the business side. Things seem to eat up at least half my time. I’ve loved the learning process of creating cover design, interior formatting, layout, publishing and marketing, but it seems these thing take up half my time. I would rather focus on writing and speaking about my platform.
What does your family think of your writing?
With their permission, my kids are characters in the MY MYTH series. They’re pretty stoked about it. They are all quite talented writers, and I value their insight and feedback. They are invested in the story and it’s a win for me because I threaten to whack them in the next book if they don’t keep their rooms clean.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
So. Many. THINGS!
I’m a tv and movie junkie. I especially love British crime dramas and horror movies (not the slasher kind, though). I also enjoy traveling, eating, and hanging out with my kids. I’m a collector of experiences, so I rarely say no to new adventures.
What do you think makes a good story?
Honestly? I’m open to any genre and style written well and told authentically. Like, I’m on board. I have a willing suspension of disbelief, I like to be entertained, and I adore being transported.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating/writing your books?
How many moving parts there are to keep track of. Everything has to be on point behind the scenes in order to come across well. Authentic voice, strong characters, plot, setting, theme… it isn’t just being able to string together a beautiful sentence. I mean, I KNEW that. Authors are my celebrities. The whole process is nothing short of MAGIC (with a lot of hard work).
What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
Neil Gaiman, THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE
Philip Pullman, HIS DARK MATERIALS series
Louise Rennison… anything she’s written. Her irreverent humor always brings a smile to my face.
J.K. Rowling… anything
Madeleine L’Engle
Susan Cooper, THE DARK IS RISING series
Wallace Stegner… anything, but especially ALL THE LITTLE LIVE THINGS
J.R.R. Tolkien, THE LORD OF THE RINGS series
The Nancy Drew books
and of course, all of Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones books
Tell us about your most recent book.
Right now I’m working on SECRET KEEPER, the sequel to RIVEN. It is about the next step after acceptance in the process towards healing from trauma. With some kick-ass new characters and world building as Emily fully visits the First Realm. Here’s a blurb:
With Ava’s help, Emily has accepted her past and made peace with her demons. She’s won the first battle, but the war still rages. Dad’s home from prison and Mom’s out of rehab. Emily finds the strength to speak her secret, but everyone has their own agenda and wants to use her as a pawn in an epic family power struggle. Confused and afraid, Emily spends more and more time in her fantasy world, where she devotes herself to healing wounded Fae with her unique ability to Connect. But is her power a blessing or a curse? Before long, she’s addicted to Attraction. Torn between her growing feelings for both Kaillen and Gabe, Emily becomes convinced she is unworthy of trust and intimacy because of what happened to her as a child. What if the only way to save the people she loves is by removing herself from their lives?
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I’m thrilled with how much I do. I love feedback and connecting with readers. I especially love when my story prompts them to find their own voice and share their own story, and that is what happens the most. Because my writing is very connected to exploring the subconscious and imagination, I love hearing about the dreams people have while reading.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Dreams, my own experience, watching people, listening to their stories. LIFE.
Do you have any suggestions to help one become a better writer?
Start and don’t give up! If you DO give up (I do it all the time), UNgive up the next day! You don’t have to do it the same as anyone else… do what works for you. But don’t put it off. You’ll be happy next year that you started today. Join a critique group, join a writing society. READ. Interact with readers and authors.
In 2012 I attended the Newbery Award Gala for Jack Gantos. I met so many wonderful authors. I was starstruck. They were all so kind and supportive and encouraging. The publishing industry is not for the faint of heart. It is competitive. But it’s important to remember that it isn’t the authors and illustrators who are competitive.
Be prepared for rejection. To learn A LOT. Be humble and open and GO FOR IT.
Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events?
I’m very new at this. I’ve only been to one festival and one signing so far. Meeting and connecting with readers is THE BEST. I worked as a high school substitute teacher last year, and many of the students in my classes became beta readers. Hearing from them and meeting new readers around town is wonderful!
What’s more important: characters or plot?
Character, definitely. As a reader, if I’m not vested in the character, I won’t care about the plot, end of story. As a writer, if I know my characters the plot kind of writes itself.
How do books get published?
It is such a process! I self-published my first book. It isn’t just writing and rewriting and editing. There is formatting and cover design. Once you are published, you’re only halfway there! Then you start marketing and promotion, signings, speaking engagements, and book fairs.
Do you write every single day?
Nope! But I do something relating to writing or publishing every day.
Ballpoint, uniball or fountain pen?
I love them all. I think there’s something magic that happens when you find the right writing implement. As a general rule, I prefer a fine point, but a ballpoint that flows well… it just makes cursive FUN. I also like the scratchiness of a really sharp 2HB pencil.
Any writing rituals?
No. I do love listening to a fountain or running water, but I travel too much to be tied to ritual. I like being able to write from anywhere.
What’s the worst job you’ve had?
I haven’t had a bad job! I’ve been a Horse Trainer, Stall Mucker, Waitress, Childcare Provider, Special Education Teacher, Telemarketer, Dispatch Secretary, Office Specialist (Extraordinaire), and Substitute Teacher. I learned something from all of them. I do, however, still have occasional nightmares about being a waitress and forgetting an order or dropping a tray. It was stressful!
Tell us some more about your books.
The MY MYTH trilogy is all about a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, self-mercy, and empowerment. They are contemporary and deal with hard hitting issues taken from true events. With guidance, the protagonist uses the hi-def, hyper-real landscape of her mind and her imagination to first meet her discordant egos, heal the wounded connection between her mind and body, and then find a balance between victim/aggressor as she seeks to reclaim her life and identity while protecting her siblings. It is a story not just for people who have suffered abuse, but for anyone who grapples with the negativity, violence, depression, self-doubt, and anxiety inherent in modern society. It’s also a fast-paced kick-ass adventure/romance.
Are you planning to adapt any of your stories to the screen?
Omg, I would LOVE to see the MY MYTH trilogy as a series of movies!! I think they would be perfect for the screen.
How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
It is my goal to be able to support myself with my writing. It isn’t easy, and I’ve got a long way to go. Sometimes I give up. But then I un-give up the next day.
Any last thoughts for our readers?
I’m so happy to meet you! Please reach out, I’d love to connect with you.
Find the Author
Riven, Book One of the My Myth Trilogy
Which reality would you choose? Seventeen year-old Emily’s dad is in prison for securities fraud and her mom’s strung-out on pain meds, leaving Emily to parent herself and her younger brothers and sister. She’s got things mostly under control until a couple weeks before Dad’s release, when voices start whispering in her head, and Gabe, the hot lifeguard at the pool, notices the strange brands engraved on her arm…the ones she’s trying desperately to hide. Emily doesn’t know how the symbols got there or what they mean. They appeared overnight and now they’re infected and bleeding. She’s pretty sure she’s losing her mind.
Stress, insomnia, and her wounded egos drive Emily to self-medicate, which has to be why the nightmares from her childhood have resurfaced, why they’re commandeering her conscious even when she’s awake. It has to be why the fairytale creatures she created as a little girl insist they need her help. Triggered by the return of her childhood abuser and unable to cope with reality, Emily slips completely inside her elaborate fantasy world. She’s powerful in the First Realm, maybe even more powerful than her attacker. It would be so easy to stay there, to lose herself in enchantment…to lose herself in love. But something sinister lurks in the forest shadows. Emily soon discovers her demons have followed her inside her fairytale. They’re hunting her. With the help of the Fae, she frantically searches for the weapons she needs to defeat her greatest fears and escape back to reality before the man who tortured her can prey on her younger brothers and sister, too. Time is running out…
