Fallen Angel Reviews would like to welcome Jana Oliver. Ms. Oliver is the author of a number of time travel books as well as a fantasy series. Welcome and thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.

How has being published changed your life, if at all?

Don’t tell anyone, but I’m having the time of my life. I get paid to sit in front of a computer and dream up stories. How cool is that? Actually, it is work, but not as onerous as writing advertising copy about snow globes. Please don’t get me started on those things.

I am also very cognizant that this is a job. I have readers expecting the next book… and the next. Slacking off isn’t an option. Of course, I can always take my work to the local coffee shop, indulge in scones and apply fingers to keyboard. There are worse things in life.

When did you decide to take "pen in hand" and write with the intent to publish?

1998 was the turning point. It’s like some giant switch flipped in my head and the edict “Must Write!” came through loud and clear. Once I started, I was hooked.

What would you like to accomplish with your writing career?

I want a long and fruitful career like Anne McCaffrey, Anne Perry or Agatha Christie. Humm… I wonder if your name has to start with “A” to pull that off. (Note to self–another name change?)

What is a typical day like for you?

Pretty normal by most standards. I wander around the house, do laundry, muss with the furry tyrants (cats). Whilst I’m doing those mundane things, my brain is spinning scenes. My characters are rarely away from me for any length of time. I usually sit down about 3 or 4 in the afternoon and write until I go to bed, leaving a bit of time to feed the spouse and hear about his day. I can also write in the morning if the mood strikes me. I’m pretty flexible. Right now it seems the evening hours are the most productive. No wee bairns in the household makes that schedule workable.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favorite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

My favorite character always seems to be the one I’m currently working with. In this case, it would be Jacynda (Cynda) Lassiter. She’s 30, got more attitude that is healthy and fears little except losing her independence. She is a complex character. I keep finding new “gotchas” in her personality. Cynda’s a real kick to write. I love her because she is very impulsive (not always a good thing) and has a wicked sense of humor.

What is the best advice that anyone ever gave you?

Your time on this planet is short. Do what you love. Don’t leave room for regrets.

What are some of your hobbies besides writing?

I like to sample expensive single malt scotches, fine chocolate, listen to good Irish music and study human behavior.

Can you tell us a bit about your current and coming works?

My current writing obsession centers on the Time Rover lady mentioned above. Jacynda Lassiter, a time traveler from 2057 is sent to 1888 London to retrieve a missing “tourist” during the Ripper murders. Jacynda’s life spirals out of the control from that point on. Her lover is murdered, another tourist goes missing and she discovers a mysterious group of shape-shifters who can emulate any form they choose. The first book in the Time Rovers series (SOJOURN) debuted in May 2006. The next is due out in late 2007 so I’ve been busily slaving over that.

You have, at present, two series out, The Dragonfire Fantasy Series, and The Time Rovers Series. Do you find that series versus stand alone books are your forte?

I prefer the framework of a series. In my mind, if I’ve gone to all the effort to figure out the characters and create the world, I have a lot of tales to tell. The characters grow, meet new challenges and (hopefully) grow even more. Of course, writing a series means you have to remember all those picky details about characters’ personal traits, settings, etc. If not, your bard’s hair color will change from book to book (that’s happened). Series work requires a different approach as you need to keep the characters on track while they journey from story to story. Not at all easy, but highly rewarding from the author’s standpoint. Hopefully, it’s the same for the readers.

Do you have anything in the works at this time?

I’m currently writing the next two books in The Time Rovers Series for Dragon Moon Press. VIRTUAL EVIL (Book 2) will be out in Oct. 2007 and MADMAN’S DANCE in 2008. I would love to pen a couple of short stories set in the Time Rovers’ universe. I’d like to write the story of how Dr. Alastair Montrose (one of the heroes) becomes a Transitive (shape-shifter). It’s a real tragic tale, one that colors his life from that moment on. I’d also love to write Jacynda’s first mission as a new Time Rover. Knowing her personality I can just imagine that would be a lot of fun. And just to exercise those naughty genes, I’m also pondering a bit of erotica.

Is there anything you'd like to add?

A thanks to my readers. It’s one thing to sit in front of the glowing monitor and type out my stories. It’s the readers who take my characters into their hearts and make them your own. That’s truly magic.

Thanks so much for sitting here and chatting with us. If you are interested in finding out more about this diverse author, you can find out more on her website.

Interviewed by: Serena