JEAN SAUNDERS

AUTHOR AND LECTURER

WELCOME TO MY WEBSITE!

I have been writing for many years, first as a short story writer for womens' magazines and later as a novelist. My first love was always short story writing, and I think my interest in writing came from a wonderful English teacher at my Grammar School, who told me when I was twelve years old that I was going to be a writer. This was heady stuff for a twelve-year old to hear, but of course, I was too busy getting through school with modest school certificate achievements, notably best in English, then growing up, getting married to my husband Geoff, who was my childhood sweetheart, and having our three children, to think too much about any latent ambition.

The longing to be a writer was always lurking beneath the surface though, and it eventually came to fruition. I was lucky enough to sell the second story I wrote, and I was immediately hooked.There came a period of rejections after that, which most writers go through, but nothing was going to deter me from a craft which I had discovered I loved. I also discovered that a writer needs determination and staying power as well as talent!

It was only after having published around 600 short stories (which didn't happen overnight!) that I attended my first writers' conference in London and met other people who were writing novels. And I thought 'If they can do it, why not me?' With a solid background of short story writing behind me by then, and the skill to construct a story and create believable characters, it was the next inevitable step.

I am now considered a prolific and versatile writer. Personally I think it's because I have a butterfly mind, always wanting to try different kinds of writing! But to date I have published over 100 novels of various types, including contemporary and historical romance, crime, teen-age fiction, family and wartime sagas, and erotica.

MY PEN-NAMES

As well as writing under my own name, my pen-names are ROWENA SUMMERS, RACHEL MOORE, JEAN INNES, SALLY BLAKE and JODI NICOL, although I have dropped the latter three names now. My books are published in the UK and USA and in many foreign languages. Most of them are in hardback, paperback, large print, audio cassettes and CD. Some will also be appearing as Japanese Manga (comic-book publishing) and as e-books.

Some of the earlier books are now out of print, but they can all be found in libraries and on Amazon. You might even find them occasionally in bargain book shops. I hope I've given you a taste of who I am, and that you will continue to look at my pages. Briefly, here are my most prominent pen-names.

As JEAN SAUNDERS I have written many books of different types, including romance and crime. My World War One saga entitled THE BANNISTER GIRLS was short-listed for the RNA award in 1991.

As ROWENA SUMMERS I am most well-known for writing womens' sagas, and these books are published widely on both sides of the Atlantic. Most of them are set in Cornwall and other UK West Country locations where I live.

As RACHEL MOORE I write wartime sagas set in Cornwall, and these have always been my personal favourites to write. I was actually born in London - in Notting Hill long before it became fashionable! But I have lived in the West Country almost all my life. Although I am not Cornish, many people think that I am because of my empathy with the region in my books, and I consider this a great compliment.

As JODI NICOL I wrote my one erotic novel, SILKEN CHAINS. It was published in the UK, Norway and USA. (It was far too exhausing to write another!)

As well as having a husband and large family, I also lecture on various aspects of writing at conferences, womens' groups and on cruise ships. For many years I have been an active member and enthusiast of Swanwick, the Writers' Summer School, which takes place in Derbyshire, England, every August. I have been a committee member several times, and also Vice-Chairman. For two years I was Chairman of the Romantic Novelists' Association. As a member of the Romance Writers of America I have given talks at conferences in various venues of the USA. I have been a member of the Crime Writers' Association and am a member and past committee member of the West Country Writers' Association.

A few JEAN SAUNDERS REVIEWS

ILLUSIONS: (Crime) Peter Lovesey
Like all the best illusionists, Jean Saunders springs a series of stunning surprises in this action-filled story. Nothing is what it seems - except the sure handling of a skilful author.

UNFORGETTABLE: Susan Sallis
The characters in Jean Saunders' novel reach out from the page and grab the reader immediately. This is definitely a feel-good book.

A few RACHEL MOORE REVIEWS

DAYS TO REMEMBER: Iris Gower
I really loved it... I was thoroughly charmed by this tender story, full of the scents and sounds of Cornwall. Breda danced from the pages. A wholly delightful book.

A CORNISH MAID: St. Ives Times and Echo
The period atmosphere of an isolated Cornish village in the 1940s is vividly evoked. With her stunning characterisation, sympathetic warmth and lively pace, Rachel Moore proves herself a natural storyteller.

THE SOLDIER'S WIFE: Anita Burgh
Written with compassion and humour: delightful.

A few ROWENA SUMMERS REVIEWS

BLACKTHORN COTTAGE: Booklist
Summers' gift for telling a story and making readers empathize with her characters is always a sure thing.

MONDAY'S CHILD: Booklist
Brings a slice of the past to luminous life.

LONG SHADOWS: Booklist
Summers is able to take the most ordinary subjects, a year in the life of a housewife, and create a deeply interesting, entertaining, and moving novel.

CHASING RAINBOWS: Booklist
The always compelling Summers presents a slice-of-life tale about two young people who dare to wish for a happy ending.