Page 14 - link magazine

14 swindonlink.com • February 2012
West coast writing success for Swindon-born author

Jenny Hilborne, from Greenmeadow, is making a name for herself in crime writing circles in the USA. On a flying visit to Swindon to see family
over Christmas she talked to Juliet Platt about her growing recognition and the effort needed to hone the craft of writing.
Jenny’s first two murder myster- and Hreod Burna. Her editor involved. There is no
ies - Murder and Madness, and first inkling of talent substitute for having a tra-
No Alibi - are set in San Francisco came young she says: ditional agent or publisher
and reached the Amazon’s top 100 “I wrote my first story to spot a writer’s talents and
thrillers best-seller list. at age seven, and was to take them on.”
Based in San Diego, Jenny has surprised that my teacher “I met the publisher of
lived in California for the past 14 passed it to others to read. my first two books at a
years, having travelled there on I remember how good it writers’ conference, but my
holiday with her sister, Jo. She felt to have people read books don’t reach the big
now works full-time for a bank in what I’d written. But it bookshops because she’s
Delmar City, but a writing career is wasn’t until 2006 that I a small independent. I’m
becoming a reality. wondered if writing was now looking for an agent
Jenny grew up in Greenmeadow, part of my future” who can help me work with
and attended school at Pinehurst Jenny had started a bigger publishers for wider
degree in English Litera- distribution.”
ture in San Diego and her Jenny’s top tips for aspiring
professor encouraged her authors in Swindon are:
to try to get into print. • Network – use social media to
“Everyone told me to describe shows. I’m fascinated by the evil connect with readers and other
myself as a writer as soon as I it takes for someone to murder writers;
The Blackthorn School could,” said Jenny. “If you write, another person. I think I have a • Don’t give up – writing is hard work
of Photography you’re a writer long before your dark side. and can be lonely. Be prepared for
“My ideas come from everywhere
Digital image-making first book is published, otherwise – TV, newspapers and general rejection but don’t let it put you off;
how’s it going to get written?
and black and white printing “My dream is to be a full-time conversations. Quite a lot of my • Believe in yourself;
based at our specialist Swindon life inspires my writing • Get out to workshops, confer-
teaching centre near Cricklade writer, and I hope to be moving in too, and I will always have a Brit- ences and writing events;
that direction soon. I’m currently
Evening, day and weekend working on my next two books, the ish character somewhere in my • Find trusted ‘beta readers’ to test
courses for beginners and latest one being set closer to home in story. I use a lot of experiences I’ve your ideas;
advanced photographers Britain, so it’s likely I’ll be spending had myself, like homesickness, to • If you’re stuck, try writing the end-
www.photography-courses.com more time in Swindon. develop characters’ traits.” ing first and working back from there.
Tel: 01454 416937 “I love murder mysteries and Murder and Madness, was pub- Also write bios of your characters.
or 07920 116492 have always liked watching crime lished in digital format in 2010 just By the time you’re done you’ll have
at the time the Kindle was taking a whole book.
off in the States; her second book No Murder and Madness and No Alibi
Alibi came out in 2011. “I certainly are available from Amazon.com and
The Swindon felt my first book came out just as for download on Kindle.
the e-book revolution was starting,”
Restaurant College said Jenny. “Last year I was invited Find Jenny at http://JFHilborne.com
http://jfhilborne.wordpress.com
to be a judge in the International
Thriller Awards which was a really
You will receive fascinating experience. I’m pleased Love your library
high quality food to say that I found the best stories It’s National Love Libraries day on
came from authors with small, in-
and service, for a dependent publishers. I had a few Saturday 4 February and librar-
ies in Swindon will be displaying
fraction of the usual books to judge from the big publish- books recommended by local
cost of a meal. ing company Random House but readers.
At West Swindon children have
they were nowhere near as good.”
“I love to read as much as write, the chance to decorate hearts and
All food is freshly and I enjoy helping readers find there will be a prize for the best
cooked, using local good books, as well as helping entry. The library will be open
authors reach more readers.
produce where Jenny said writers have always 9.30am to 4pm.
www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk
possible. been successful because of their
fans; the internet now has opened Swindon’s libraries stock
Lunch Opening Times: up huge opportunity for newcom- e-books on virtual shelves
Monday - Wednesday ers. “Nowadays it’s so important Responding to the upsurge in easy
Seating at 12pm to build a fan-base via social net- to use electronic book readers
Thursday working online, but it’s vital to Swindon Council’s libraries will
Seating at 1pm be professional about everything offer e-books and downloadable
Dinner Opening Times: Bring this advert because agents and publishers audiobooks via American firm
Thursday are always on the lookout for new Overdrive from February.
Log on to
Seating at 6.30pm with you for a talent. If you act unprofessionally The free service will give li-
(during term time) FREE* Glass in your online relationships then brary members the opportunity
To make a booking Telephone: of wine/soft drink you’ve got no chance.” to browse titles online and then
Swindon
On the subject of self-publishing
(01793) 498244 or visit with your meal versus traditional publishing Jenny download the ones they like to
College
their computer, e-book reader or
www.swindon-college.ac.uk is quite clear. “Whether you call it other compatible device.
vanity publishing or self-publishing At the end of the loan the item
* (1 voucher per person) Offer Ends 31st March 2012 it amounts to the same thing – if you automatically disappears so
For further information contact Student Services on 0800 731 2250 or
email: [email protected] Visit: www.swindon-college.ac.uk have paid someone to publish your library members will not be liable
First Floor, Lyra Building,North Star Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 1DY book there has been no objective for any fines.
Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1DY

1-20 February 12.indd 14 20/01/2012 13:33