J

Though Jannine discovered her ability for story-telling in high school, she didn't pursue writing until years later. On a lark, she attended a romance writer's conference in San Diego. From then on, she knew writing romances was what she wanted to do. For the next ten years, she wrote stories while tutoring English, Italian, Spanish and German at a local college. In the mid-nineties she finally became serious about getting published. Rebel Heart is her third book.

Jannine is currently a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Romance Writer's of America , RWA National, and PAN (Published Authors Network), along with many other online writing chapters.  Visit Jannine at: www.jcortipetska.com

What is the first western historical novel you remember reading?

That would have been more than 25 years ago. I wish I could remember that far back. <g> Actually, I didn’t read romance westerns until I wrote one. I started out reading romances set in the medieval period. But I was a huge fan of western TV series like Laredo and Bonanza and many others, as well as movie westerns. They were so popular back then. (I was even a cowgirl for Halloween and used to gallop around the house as if I were on a horse!) So it was natural that the first novels I wrote were set in the American West.

What part of the writing process do you enjoy most when you write – the research, creating the characters, developing the plot, providing the historical context – and why?

Emphatically, the research. It’s like putting a puzzle together; when the pieces all fit, the story is born. And it’s also like a mystery, finding facts that might give your story a twist or take it in a different direction than you thought it should go. I have over 2000 research books in my home library. But I still love the smell of a real library and used book stores. There’s something very exciting about being surrounded by all that knowledge and having a blank slate.

Creating the characters would run a close second. Names are important to me. I can’t begin to write a story without naming the hero and heroine or without having a title for the book. I like the dark, larger than life heroes. And my heroines tend to speak their mind and are somewhat unconventional.

Where do you get the idea for 'Rebel Heart'?

The idea came to me from listening to a song, “Santa Fe,” on Jon Bon Jovi’s Young Guns cd. It fit Beau’s gritty ex-gunfighter and hard-luck character and plays on his dark past. This verse, in particular, had a big impact:

If you were to choose two actors to play Courtney and Beau, who would they be and why?

For Beau, it would be Brett Cullen. He was Marshal Sam Cain on the Young Riders TV series. He had that crass feel about him, utterly irascible, but he could also be caring…in his own way, of course. He definitely could portray Beau.

For Courtney, I haven’t found the definitive actress who could play her. I had thought about Drew Barrymore. She’s such a chameleon and adapts well to each role she takes on. Yet I am not 100% sure like I am with Brett Cullen as Beau.

You write medieval romances too. Can you contrast and compare the two genres?

Writing westerns gives me a bit more freedom. There was a certain amount of etiquette in the 19th century west, more so in the social circles, but in general, the men back then were polite to women—unless, of course, the men were the bad guys. Also, the language wasn’t so stiff.

I feel a bit confined when writing in the Medieval period, The language is more formal, and syntax of the era needs to be taken into account. Medieval women were usually under a man’s rule with virtually no chance to express their feelings. Western women definitely had more rights, so it’s easier when plotting the western romance. Because the two eras are vastly different, I can’t say if I prefer one over the other. They’re both fun to write.

Over sixty percent of our survey readers who love western romances also read medieval romances. You have a medieval romance coming out soon. Tell us about it.

The Lilly and the Falcon is a reissue (originally published by Kensington) and the first book in a 4-book Italian series. That book will be out this fall. The setting is 15th century Florence. The story unfolds amidst the on-going battle between the Medici and the Albizzi families, both desiring to rule Florence, though not in an official capacity. It has more to do with which family has the most influence. My hero, Cristiano de Medici, sees a way to unite the two families and ensure that power will remain with the Medici clan--by marrying Bianca degli Albizzi. But mistrust hampers their marriage. Circumstances lead Cristiano to believe Bianca is secretly aiding the Albizzi in their quest to overtake Florence. Unintentionally, Bianca becomes caught in the middle of a politically motivated war, not knowing if she should remain loyal to the Albizzi or to her husband.

I used many actual facts that took place at that time.  The dates for Cosimo de Medici's exile and for his return were real. Also, Rinadlo degli Albizzi, the head of the Medici enemy, was also an important figure at that time.  I was lucky to find descriptions of him and Cosimo.  There was a hanging in the square, which was taken from history.  So much has been written about Medieval and Renaissance Florence. It was great having so much research to choose from.

The second book in the series, Surrender to Honor, will be out in Spring 2008. This story takes place in 15th century Palermo and explores the beginning of the Mafia. Books 2-4 in the series have either a hero or heroine who appear in The Lilly and the Falcon.  Originally, the series was intended for Kensington's Ballad line. Unfortunately, that line folded and my editor returned the unpublished manuscripts.

I was a loyal fan of Johanna Lindsey. I have every book she wrote. She was the queen of dialogue which, thanks to her, is my strong point. Her westerns were exciting, and I couldn’t get enough of them. One of my favorites was Savage Thunder, Book 2 of her western series with Colt, a half-breed. Danger and mystery lurked behind his character, and the heroine was as feisty as all get out. Ms. Lindsey and the late Kathleen Woodiwiss are the authors I read most. But as far as western romances go, I thought Ms. Lindsey’s were the best. I always fell in love with her heroes.

I don’t have a favorite western romance author in today’s market. There are too many authors writing so many wonderful stories. It’s hard to choose a favorite.

Don't miss our extra special spotlight next month featuring Linda Lael Miller!

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