Q&A with Jan Foster- Author Interview
I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with some of the most influential voices in contemporary literature. Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Jan Foster, a prolific author whose remarkable body of work now spans 13 titles. Her latest novel, Sewing Resistance, showcases her signature ability to weave compelling narratives with deeply resonant themes, proving once again why she remains a favourite among readers and critics alike.
In this insightful Q&A, Jan opens up about her creative journey, the inspiration behind Sewing Resistance, and how her storytelling has evolved over the years. We delve into the challenges and triumphs of writing such a prolific number of books, the themes that continue to drive her work, and what readers can expect from her newest release. This conversation offers an intimate glimpse into the mind of a seasoned author whose work continues to captivate and inspire.
About The Author
Tell us more about you.
I’m hitting my mid-life crisis by celebrating all things purple – from purple hair to Prince in the background! Having just turned half a century old last year, yet still feeling only a quarter-century, I have also decided any future clothes purchases have a 1 in 3 chance of being purple as well
What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?
- An infinite supply of coffee (and sugar)
- A stocked up Kindle
- My dogs for company.
Who is your biggest role model?
Bookswise – Deborah Harkness, Scriptwriting-wise – John Truby, and on a personal level, I guess other indie authors who are absolutely killing it, like Heather G Harris.
What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?
Favourite books of all time is too hard, but my comfort reads are Jean M Auel and the Clan of the Cave Bear series, and I will read absolutely anything by John Grisham, Scott Mariani, Ben Aaranovich and Bernard Cornwall.
Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?
Physical paperbacks, but I have run out of space. My Kindle App is, therefore, a godsend, and I can often be found reading while travelling or waiting for an appointment or something.
Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?
I write as much as I can, but have a: a) a busy household with 2 children and 2 dogs and also 2 other businesses. I am a small business consultant and a landlord.
What social media platform do you like and use the most?
Facebook is my go to but I keep trying Insta and TikTok. Links to my socials:
Your Writing Process
How do you go about starting a new novel?
I’m what they call a plantster, so I part plot ahead (kind of necessary with some genres, especially as I’m a stickler for history so have to get it right and in the correct sequence of events!), but how my characters respond to said events is more of a creative ‘go with the flow’.
Where do you like to write?
I used to say at my desk, with absolute silence, but necessity dictates I have to be better at writing on the go. It started when I spent many hours a week taking my son to Sheffield for diving, so trains and while he was busy I learned to write in sprints of 30-40 minutes. Now I’m ok with the humdrum of background café noise but anything else (like music or the TV or people talking close to me) drives me mad and I can’t do it.
What do you like most about writing?
I love to shape words, sentences and move people with them. I’m the kind of person who goes to a castle and gets lost wondering what it was like to live there, so I write so people can also escape into that situation, as I personally find it calming to be absorbed into another ‘world’. I guess that’s why the only contemporary things I read myself are things so far from my real life (thrillers, courtroom dramas, or fantasy) – I love the escape and want to give that to my readers.
What do you find stops you from writing more?
Given my fairly stringent requirements to write – the time and conditions for it! I am very fortunate to have an understanding hubby who sometimes sends me off, somewhere quiet where I won’t be bothered by other people, just to write. I also enjoy writing retreats for the same reason – no-one else would get the odd behaviour of authors as we’re sometimes sociable but most of the time quite happy to just exclude ourselves and write.
What genres do you like to write and why?
I write mostly magical realism (historical fantasy) but also I’m starting to write a series of historical suspense books for both adults and children. I actually kind of love writing middle grade fiction – the brevity of it appeals as a challenge and children need near constant action to keep them interested. With my Naturae series, I love to weave the history of something into the action, which can often prove thought provoking for the reader as by exploring the ‘what if’s’ of the fantasy side, we can see the relevance of what happened in the past, today.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?
You can’t edit a blank page. Nothing will finish your book quicker than actually sitting down (AIS – Arse in seat, I call it) and getting the words down. Don’t waste your time striving to make the first draft perfect; just get the story on the page.
Showcase Your Book!
How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?
I think I’m at 13 published now and the latest one I write is my favourite, until the next.
How long did Sewing Resistance take you to write?
That one was an anomaly because it took me a year. I usually write Tudor age for the Naturae series and aside from the finer details of events, I know it well enough to be able to write a Naturae series book in about 6 months. WW2 took a LOT of researching and I found that process itself very difficult and I had to step away from it several times because I found it too emotional and I wanted to write something exciting, suspenseful yet also uplifiting and talking about courage and hope.
Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?
I love it when a reader says how my books made them feel – they do seem to have stickiness (as in, once you’ve read one, you remember it!). I also love the freedom and flexibility of writing – it’s a proper escape from my humdrum life without having to leave my chair!
Get Your Copy

Sewing Resistance by Jan Foster
Sewing Resistance by Jan Foster is a powerful, thought-provoking novel that blends history, courage, and richly drawn characters. It’s a compelling read that stays with you long after the last page.