Interview with Jane Reinhart, Author of "Peeking Through Wooden Blinds"

Jane Reinhart's debut release, "Peeking Through Wooden Blinds," is part of the Heat Wave Anthology, Book Two of the Summer Beach Reads from Renaissance Romance Publishing. I got the chance to interview Jane and learn a little bit about her and the story itself.



1) Tell us a little bit about how the idea for this story got started.
Often I have heard the questions: "Why do people continue to stay in abusive relationships? Why don't they just leave?" Endless talk shows feature victimized guests who are advised by counselors to escape their emotional prison, the news reports violent results of those that didn't, and most of us know someone who is in a dysfunctional relationship. Yet they stay. Are they gluttons for punishment? I think not. I decided to combine a love story with the complexity of this issue with the hope of providing insight and courage to those struggling to free themselves from unbearable situations.
2) What do you feel is the biggest lesson your main characters learn from their experiences in this story?
Paige - She learned from her impulsive decisions that one small act of ignorance can be life-changing.  Through reflection of her mistakes, she discovered that life was worth living and ultimately developed the ability to regain her self worth. Joey - He learned that failing to express one's feelings and emotions is tempting fate. He also realized it's never too late to right a wrong.Nick - Well, he probably never learned. Failing to cherish the important things in life, his quest for freedom came with a high price.
3) How important was the setting to the plot of the story?
When my story began in 1960, I wanted to create the image of a quaint village where the locals led a simple life and the teenagers hung out by the scenic Hudson River of New York's Hudson Valley. The river provided a romantic overtone as well as an ominous one in one particular scene. The village was in close proximity to larger surrounding cities, which became important as time progressed and the main character found it necessary to embark on a mobile covert mission.
4) What is the significance of the title? What prompted you to choose it?
The title reflects the crescendo of the plot when the main character was in the throngs of a nightly torment. I wanted the title to be foreboding like the cover, thereby creating an interest in its possible meaning.
5) What element of the romantic relationship between your main characters did you enjoy bringing to life most?
The moment when Paige and Joey, two virgin lovers, experienced their first lovemaking session. The scene was set with innocence and humor.
6) Which secondary character was the most fun to write?
Paige's father, Curtis. Although stern, he was a lovable character and I enjoyed writing a humorous scene about him. I was laughing while I wrote.
7) What was your biggest challenge in writing and publishing this story?
Writing was the easy part, except when I suffered writer's block and had to drive around the neighborhood to clear my head and jumpstart my thoughts. Since this is my first published book, I found the editing phase to be challenging, but I was fortunate to have wonderful, mentoring editors.
8) What is your next planned project? What can you tell us about it?
I am writing a romantic paranormal, Beyond the Last Door. The plot takes the main character, Emily, on a journey where she struggles between good and evil. From a early age, the angelic child possessed a "gift" - she could see and speak with deceased spirits. As Emily grew, she discovered her ability to foretell the future. Enter Satan, who vied for her precious soul and used her weakness to make his case when Emily began to lose faith in mankind. She was privy to many visions in a strange, recurring dream until she learned their ultimate meaning. Emily married a wonderful man, but he denied the existence of heaven or hell. Could she make a believer out of him?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for my interview.Jane Reinhart

Summary of "Peeking Through Wooden Blinds"

Paige Henderson and Joey Novak are planning their wedding. But a devastating and mysterious phone call leads Paige onto a path of self-destruction and into the arms of the wrong man. Her ensuing marriage to Nick Bruska becomes a nightmare and she struggles to regain self-worth. Joey has never forgotten Paige. Will he ever see her again? Only then could they discover the terrible mistake that changed the course of their lives.  Thanks to Jane for stopping by and sharing her thoughts about "Peeking Through Wooden Blinds." If you'd like to learn more about Jane and her books, please see the following links.
Jane Reinhart, author and poet, resides in Westchester County, New York, with her husband and three dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and cooking. FacebookGoodreadsTwitter