This week I am happy to introduce P j Haynie. She and I only became acquainted a short time ago when I joined a community of writer's marketing writers on Facebook. I'm always expressing how much I believe in the power of community, and I thought what better way to do so than to give exposure to someone who shares that belief. With passions in both music and writing, Haynie uses both together as she creates short stories with an accompanying soundtrack. How cool! I would like to welcome P j to the Whiskey Summer family.
Artist Bio
P j Haynie has been writing poetry, short stories, and music compositions for 20 years. Combining her passions of writing compelling, gritty novels, and writing and performing music is a lifelong dream that has begun with the publication of “Losing You," her first breakout short story in the Romance genre. P j lives with her husband, two children, and two dogs in Denver, CO.
Interview
Tell me a little about how/when you were drawn to your art.
I began writing songs at
age 10 during a road trip with my family. My brother got bored so I made up a
song to sing to him! Around 15 or 16 I really dove into songwriting and poetry.
I brainstormed a lot of really great stories and novels at the time too, but
didn't feel I'd be good enough to write any of them down. After a few years
studying Music Composition in college, I changed my major to Advertising (for
practical reasons), then started a family and set aside my creative endeavors
for many years. A couple of years ago, I started writing music again which
brought me to writing some of the novels I've been dreaming about for years.
It's been a lot of fun!
What are some of the things that inspire your art?
I think I'm mostly
inspired by pain, oddly. I'm a big believer in the idea that intense joy can
only be experienced after intense pain. I love digging really deep into the
darkness where things feel hopeless and evil and then watching my characters
either dig their way out, or embrace it. I'm a big fan of writers who can make
"bad" characters lovable and bring their audience to embrace them
even though their qualities are not endearing. I endeavor to do that in my
writing.
As a writer, I make it a priority to reflect on my craft to ensure that I am growing.Tell me one way in which you have seen yourself grow in your craft.
I've just matured. As a
teenager I was incredibly insecure and immature (like everyone) and didn't have
the life experience to build believable stories. I've been through a lot since
then and I feel equipped to tackle some really difficult problems.
Do you create other kinds of art as well as the craft you are featuring today?
I am also a songwriter,
as I mentioned before. My goal is to write novels that have an accompanying
sound track. My first short story, Losing You, has an Indie Pop track I wrote
and recorded for it. I love the idea of expressing the primary emotion of my stories
through music. I also paint abstract art on occasion.
What are your goals for your art?
I'd love to become a
best-selling novelist and usher in a new genre of novels with music. I also
hope to start a band and do more recording. If the two passions don't work
together, I hope one of them will take off.
A Glimpse at Jane's Craft
From her story Muddy Heels
Website Links:
Twiter: @freakinjane
Wattpad: User/pjhaynie
