Jane Buckley of Jane Buckley Writes

Wednesday 22 March 2023

“Oh...My...Goodness, I’m a Real, Grown-up Author!”

I would have laughed if you’d asked me to consider this statement four or five years ago. It’s too unbelievable because that is what I do now; I write great big, fat, grown-up novels! Even better, readers buy and love them! They’re robust novels but unbiased, based on actual events from all sides of the divide during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

In my previous life, I lived in London and France. I first worked as a secretary for a worldwide management consultancy. I was an Office Manager at Salomon Brothers. I worked as a National Sales Manager at American Express for a lifetime, progressing through the ranks. Eventually, I was head-hunted by the Bank of Ireland to lead a team of fifteen National Sales Managers. I take pride in being the first woman to do this role.

I’ve always been a bookworm; reading was my escape and salvation growing up. Later in life, commuting in and out of London three hours a day, every day and well before the days of iPhones, kindles, or iPad (even saying that makes me feel ancient!) was so dull, I’d buy book after book after book to pass the time.

However, I missed working, so I invested in a new start-up. I owned and ran a high-quality, contemporary furniture and accessory shop in Marble Arch, the heart of London. Over time, I knew it wasn’t for me, so I walked away. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and soon we were living back home in Ireland. (Believe me, quitting while you’re ahead makes sense and is powerful!)

Some describe me as a completer, finisher. When, out of the blue, I decided to write a novel in early 2017, my husband supported me from the very first. However, he did have a little giggle! Nevertheless, I was determined, and during COVID, I picked the manuscript up again. Two years later, I’ve completed three of the four books in the Stones Corner series, Turmoil, Darkness and Light. Even today, I’m working on ‘Hope,’ the last due for release later this year. (Phew!)

My advice? Always look to the future by making minor or meaningful changes. Don’t get bored or be afraid to take that career risk. Transition is healthy; change keeps you motivated, but importantly, ensure you find a calling or a role you love and enjoy. Success will soon follow.

After fifty-seven years, I’ve found mine, and nowadays, writing is one of the greatest joys in my life and being a granny! When I receive a reader’s 5* review, there’s no better feeling. (It doesn’t even come close to a nice glass of cold wine!) If I can do it, you can - no matter your age or stage in life.

So, if you like complex, hard-hitting novels with cliff-hanging endings but ones that possess those thrilling ingredients of a great book, including naughty love scenes (not easy to write!), go to my website now. For an even special touch, why not add a message to make a book a gift? I’ll write and sign it myself.

www.janebuckleywrites.com

Wednesday 22 March 2023