Today I welcome Jane Isaac to the blog to answer some questions about the cover of her upcoming novel Before It’s Too Late.
Jane lives in rural Northamptonshire, UK with her husband and daughter where she can often be seen trudging over the fields with her dog, Bollo.
She ambled through life, fell upon a career in the civil service, made great friends, met her husband and holidayed frequently – all endless fun. But there was something missing. To fill the void she took up numerous courses including French, art, law, pottery, personnel management and even sign language.
The turning point came fifteen years ago when with her husband they took a year out to travel the world and a friend gave her a journal to keep as a present. This journal was to become her most treasured travel companion, apart from her husband of course! When reading the diary, years later, she could smell spices in Kuala Lumpur, hear the street music of Bangkok, feel the thick heat that pervades the wonderfully clean Singapore, see the red earth of Australia.
Realising the power of words, her love affair with writing began. she enrolled on a creative writing course and started writing articles for newspapers and magazines. She then discovered fiction and, in 2007, embarked on her first novel, An Unfamiliar Murder, which was picked up by an American publisher. And she’s never looked back.
I love the cover Jane. It’s very atmospheric. Moody. Were you able to have any input in the design and if not, are you happy with the results?
Hi Rebecca, Thanks, I really like it! I was asked at the beginning if I had any particular ideas, and of course I did! My preference was for a cover that conveyed a combination of the mood of the novel and the picturesque Warwickshire countryside where it is set. The artist seemed to really understand the ideas put forward and captured the notion so well that the end result was almost a scene from the book.
The cover has drawn me in with the heavy sky and bleak setting, I’m intrigued. What are you allowed to say about the book right now?
I’m glad it’s intrigued you. The novel opens as Chinese student, Min Li, is knocked out and abducted whilst walking the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon alone late at night after an argument with her boyfriend. Min later wakes up in a dark pit, trapped in total isolation. While Min is fighting her own demons, Detective Inspector Will Jackman heads the police investigation tasked with finding her and discovers a web of secrets and lies that force him to break down political and cultural barriers in pursuit of his aim.
It’s about how people aren’t always what they seem, and how sometimes inadvertent actions can come back to haunt you.
Before It’s Too Late? That’s foreboding. I’m rubbish with titles. At what point did the title come to you?
Not until the very end! I find titles incredibly difficult to come up with too. The novel had several working titles but none of them really fit and it wasn’t until I had completely finished it that the panic set in. I had a huge brainstorming session with my husband and this one cropped up. With Jackman set in a race against time, and the kidnapper lurking in the background trying to change the course of the investigation, it seemed to convey the sense of urgency.
When is the publication date?
1st June 2015.
And without giving anything away, if you could be one of the characters, who would you be and why?
It would have to be DS Davies, who assists Jackman with the police investigation. She’s sharp and engaging, but also bubbly and always manages to find the humour in any situation.
Thanks for talking to me Jane, it’s been great having you and I know Before It’s Too Late will be a great hit with readers!
Thank you for having me. I enjoyed answering your questions.
MarinaSofia says
Ha, good to know I’m not the only one struggling with titles. I like the anecdote about how this one came to be named. I’m thinking of calling mine ‘Something’ for the time being… Fascinating also by what a roundabout route Jane came to writing: sometimes you just can’t escape your calling, right?
Jane Isaac says
Hi Marina, I’m glad I’m not the only one who struggles with titles. I think calling it ‘something’ in the meantime is a good idea. At least it’ll free your mind up to concentrate on the book and you’ll probably come up with a great title, when you not focusing on it. Might try that myself next time. Jane
Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh) says
It’s a really wicked cover. Titles are difficult for me as well.
Keeping a travel diary is a great idea. I still have mine from the time I lived in London and there are some great memories there.
Jane Isaac says
Hi Alex, Thanks. I’m glad you like the cover. I still sit, from time to time, and read back my travel diaries. You are right – it does bring back such wonderful memories. Jane
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Thanks for hosting Jane.
Jane – This really is a compelling cover! I can certainly see how it ties in with what you’ve mentioned about the book itself. I wish you much success!
Jane Isaac says
Thanks for your kind words, Margot.
Dylan Hearn says
Love the cover! It really draws you in.
I, too, am rubbish at titles as I find most of the good ones are already taken. It was one of the biggest mistakes I made with my first book, publishing it to only find I have the same title as novels by Danielle Steel, Jane Green and a host of other writers (although at least mine now appears on the first page of an Amazon search).
All the very best for the book launch. 🙂
Jane Isaac says
Hi Dylan, Thanks for your kind words. I really like it.
Titles are such tricky customers. It can be so difficult to find the right one that suits the book and its time. I wish you all the very best with your own books. Jane
Christine says
Jane Isaac’s new book!!!! *cheers*
Jane Isaac says
Thanks Christine. Looking forward to sharing it with you 🙂
Kay says
I love the cover! For me, the heavy clouds and abandoned warehouse look of things is intriguing. I’d wonder who is in there and who’s driving that van and is someone tied up and struggling. I have a creepy mind at times. LOL
Jane Isaac says
You and me both, Kay! I think one of the reasons I like this cover so much is because it really sums up the suspense of the story. Thanks for your kind comment. Jane
emaginette says
Lovely interview, Rebecca. Jane, I’m looking forward to reading your book. I love this kind of story. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Jacqui Murray says
Great cover. I like the bold font against the depressing background. It tells me a lot about the story (I presume it does, anyway!)
Carol Balawyder says
It’s a very attractive cover. And the title is great! All the best of success with your novel, Jane.
Thank you, Rebecca, for this wonderful series on book covers. 🙂
kendraolson says
Great cover and title! I look forward to reading it.