Jenny Worstall is a fellow indie author whom I've long admired; her stories provide a fascinating peek into the lives of others, many of whom could be neighbours of mine - although of course, Jenny's characters are all fictional! I'm delighted that Jenny has taken the time to drop by this site. I'm sure everyone will enjoy discovering more about Jenny's world! So, make yourself comfy, while Jenny tells all!
What is the title of your book, and Where did the idea come from for the book?
Make a Joyful Noise: The idea came from my involvement in the world of classical music, particularly choral singing and teaching. I thought I would take a performance of one of my favourite choral works, “Belshazzar’s Feast”, make it the backdrop for a pair of love stories and then inject it with comedy. Make a Joyful Noise is a line from the libretto of Belshazzar’s Feast (from the bible) and it is true to say that just as all does not smoothly for King Belshazzar in Walton’s music, so the characters in the novel suffer from hopeless yearnings, romantic misunderstandings and the unfortunate consequences of their own misguided actions.
What genre does your book fall under?
The novel falls into both a musical and choral genre but is also unashamedly a romcom. I suppose it could be put in a genre of its own – musical romcom or humorous musical romance.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I am not sure about a film but if it was to be a radio play then I can suggest a voice that would be perfect for Tristan - Bill Nighy. His voice is just the right combination of honey strewn gravel with a hint of depravity. I wonder if he is free?
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Make a Joyful Noise is the sparkling and sharply observed tale of a choir preparing for a Christmas performance of Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast in which we follow the adventures of a host of characters who are mercilessly sent up by the author: Tristan the lecherous anti-hero, Lucy the staggeringly trusting young music teacher, Claire the shameless and scheming temptress, Miss Greymitt the elderly, slightly confused and arthritic choir accompanist and a host of singers with nothing but resonance between their ears.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self published:
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The first draft took so long that I am ashamed to say. I started it when my children were very young; the main thinking and planning went on in my head, then when I could find the time, I scribbled it all down.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I love reading Barbara Pym, Katie Fforde and Jilly Cooper, and these writers have certainly influenced me to write about affairs of the heart in a light and humorous way. The musical influence in my writing comes (surprise, surprise) from the actual music and when writing Make a Joyful Noise I had the score of Belshazzar with me constantly for inspiration. I draw heavily on my experiences as a musician and teacher and although the characters are (of course) imaginary, they seem to strike a chord with readers everywhere. Many people have told me that they know a man like Tristan or a femme fatale like Claire.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I hope that the way I have observed the interplay between the characters intrigues the reader. I tend to find it amusing when people take themselves too seriously and find the classical music world, with its potential to breed mighty egos, a rich source of inspiration.
Thank you so much Julia for interviewing me!
Thank you, Jenny - a pleasure as always anytime to "chat" to you!
Jenny's collections of short stories and "Make A Joyful Noise" are available to download from Amazon, or in paperback form. You can contact Jenny at the following social media sites:
FIND JENNY ON THESE SOCIAL SITES:
Jenny Worstall website
Jenny Worstall UK Author Page
Jenny Worstall USA Author Page
Or tweet to Jenny on twitter
Click on any of the links below for FREE samples of Jenny's stories!
What is the title of your book, and Where did the idea come from for the book?
Make a Joyful Noise: The idea came from my involvement in the world of classical music, particularly choral singing and teaching. I thought I would take a performance of one of my favourite choral works, “Belshazzar’s Feast”, make it the backdrop for a pair of love stories and then inject it with comedy. Make a Joyful Noise is a line from the libretto of Belshazzar’s Feast (from the bible) and it is true to say that just as all does not smoothly for King Belshazzar in Walton’s music, so the characters in the novel suffer from hopeless yearnings, romantic misunderstandings and the unfortunate consequences of their own misguided actions.
What genre does your book fall under?
The novel falls into both a musical and choral genre but is also unashamedly a romcom. I suppose it could be put in a genre of its own – musical romcom or humorous musical romance.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I am not sure about a film but if it was to be a radio play then I can suggest a voice that would be perfect for Tristan - Bill Nighy. His voice is just the right combination of honey strewn gravel with a hint of depravity. I wonder if he is free?
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Make a Joyful Noise is the sparkling and sharply observed tale of a choir preparing for a Christmas performance of Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast in which we follow the adventures of a host of characters who are mercilessly sent up by the author: Tristan the lecherous anti-hero, Lucy the staggeringly trusting young music teacher, Claire the shameless and scheming temptress, Miss Greymitt the elderly, slightly confused and arthritic choir accompanist and a host of singers with nothing but resonance between their ears.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self published:
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The first draft took so long that I am ashamed to say. I started it when my children were very young; the main thinking and planning went on in my head, then when I could find the time, I scribbled it all down.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I love reading Barbara Pym, Katie Fforde and Jilly Cooper, and these writers have certainly influenced me to write about affairs of the heart in a light and humorous way. The musical influence in my writing comes (surprise, surprise) from the actual music and when writing Make a Joyful Noise I had the score of Belshazzar with me constantly for inspiration. I draw heavily on my experiences as a musician and teacher and although the characters are (of course) imaginary, they seem to strike a chord with readers everywhere. Many people have told me that they know a man like Tristan or a femme fatale like Claire.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I hope that the way I have observed the interplay between the characters intrigues the reader. I tend to find it amusing when people take themselves too seriously and find the classical music world, with its potential to breed mighty egos, a rich source of inspiration.
Thank you so much Julia for interviewing me!
Thank you, Jenny - a pleasure as always anytime to "chat" to you!
Jenny's collections of short stories and "Make A Joyful Noise" are available to download from Amazon, or in paperback form. You can contact Jenny at the following social media sites:
FIND JENNY ON THESE SOCIAL SITES:
Jenny Worstall website
Jenny Worstall UK Author Page
Jenny Worstall USA Author Page
Or tweet to Jenny on twitter
Click on any of the links below for FREE samples of Jenny's stories!
| | | | |
RSS Feed