5 Minutes With Aspiring Author Jean Oram

The following is an interview with women's fiction writer Jean Oram. She is Agent Query Connect's chat moderator for agents and authors, a mentor to aspiring writers, a National Novel Writing Month participant and winner, and somebody you will all want to know. Her long time involvement in the writing community, as well as her constant efforts in perfecting her craft, have garnered her much respect and admiration from her peers. Jean is actively seeking a literary agent to represent her latest novel CAVIAR AND LEMON DROPS. Her website can be found at http://jeanoram.com and is filled with everything from writing tips, book reviews, little nuggets of truth in life, and samples of her work. Do check it out. You won't be disappointed.


Hello Jean, thank you for stopping by and for agreeing to answer some questions this morning. We’re glad you’re here.


TK: So, Jean who is your favorite author?

Jean: It depends upon my mood. Different authors give me different things at different times in my life. I do have a special thing for Robert Munsch (Canadian children's author), Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Atwood, Meg Cabot, Helen Fielding and Maya Angelou. I also like Jane Austen. It took me at least 20 years to decide on a favourite colour, I think it may take me a lifetime to pick a favourite author.

TK: How long have you been writing seriously?

Jean: I try to smile and laugh while I write. Although, I am trying my hand at a more serious story right now. It's pretty much kicking my butt. Seriously though, I've been writing novels for about 3 years.

TK: And what do you feel is your biggest writing strength?

Jean: I've heard I have voice. I have a ton of ideas and am able to put them down on paper. I don't require a lot of hand holding. I am already building a platform. I am part of the online writing community and like to help other writers. I find helping others teaches me a lot about myself and my own writing. When it comes to writing, I feel that there will always be something new to learn or improve upon.

TK: How many novels/stories do you typically write in a year?

Jean: 1-3. Depends how much time I spend editing and applying the tips and tricks and techniques I have been learning.

TK: Currently, you are seeking an agent. What attributes do you seek in an agent?

Jean: Heartbeat, ability to recall my name.... Jokes aside, I'm looking for the usual. I'd like an agent who is well-connected within the publishing community when it comes to my genre, is able to assist me with editing, guide me with marketing, and represent me when it comes to cutting deals. Basically, a person who will be a good business partner for many years to come and can assist in career building.

TK: Tell us a bit about your latest project.

Jean: Right now, I am seeking representation for 'Caviar and Lemon Drops' which is a 93,000 word women's fiction piece.

Hook: All Beth wants to do is get married, have her two kids, and live happily ever after in the backwoods town of Elvis. She figures she has it in the bag—until her fiancé drives off a bridge.

TK: Do you believe in the perfect agent?

Jean: No. There is no perfect anything, unless it is a Christmas gift from Mountain Equipment Co-op. This is a business. I feel that there are several agents out there that would make strong, complementary business partners who would help me achieve my career goals. Likewise, there are a busload of agents who wouldn't fit. Finding an agent is a numbers game and I'm prepared to play.

TK: Publishers depend upon authors doing some of their own publicity or generating word of mouth. What sort of ideas do you have to create a following or create a book buzz when you get published?

Jean: Blog tours, contests, book trailers, give-a-ways, social networks and communities, pose as a Playboy centerfold with my novel covering strategic parts, etc.

TK: What is the one thing you would like an agent to know about you?

Jean: I'm polite. I take constructive criticism well. I know how to order things like chocolate and wine online. I also think that 'one thing' is actually three things.

TK: If you could say one thing to your future agent what would it be?

Jean: Thank you for taking me on and helping me make 'Caviar and Lemon Drops' the bookclub book of the year. Cheers to the bestseller list!

TK: And if you had more than five minutes what would you like to share with people?

Jean: I can change the alternator on my car, bake a cake from scratch, talk Karl Marx, use a salad fork, hang drywall, ski moguls, hack some basic HTML, and sometimes make people laugh.

Thank you Jean for stopping by, and we wish you much literary success!

For more information on Jean Oram’s writing, or to contact Jean visit her website at http://jeanoram.com