jane porter talks about love stories, “the good woman,” and her brennan sisters trilogy

Author Jane Porter has a huge fan base — and it’s no wonder. She writes love stories that feel so real and that make you think about what you would do if you were in the main character’s place. Her latest novel, The Good Woman, is the first in a trilogy about the Brennan sisters. In it, Meg — who has always been the good girl and the responsible older sister — ends up cheating on her husband and having to deal with the consequences. It’s a surprisingly rich and compelling story, and I enjoyed talking to Jane about it!

I loved The Good Woman, and am excited that it’s the first in a series because now I have more to look forward to! Why did you decide to do a trilogy?

I love writing connected stories, as it gives me a chance to really develop my characters and take them on journeys that they might not otherwise have if they were limited to a single book.  My readers have told me how much they like my series, too, as they develop a relationship with my characters, and become invested in their lives.   My editor, too, was interested in a series and as I played with an idea in my head, the Brennan Sisters trilogy was born.

There are four Brennan sisters, and only three books. Is someone not going to have her own book?

You’re right. As of now, one sister doesn’t get her own book, but because she’s appearing in her sisters’ books, I’m hoping readers will be satisfied.  However, because so much happens in book three, there is room for a book four. I do have a story idea for that book, and would love to write it, but it’s going to be up to my publisher at this point.  My gut says that if sales for the first two books are strong enough, my editor might give me the go ahead, so readers, if you want more books in this series, go buy The Good Woman and pre-order The Good Daughter! Fingers crossed, I could then write book four, which I would title The Good Sister, since it’d be Brianna’s story!

How did you decide what specific issue each sister would have to deal with?

It was rather organic. I didn’t sit around dreaming up “issues,” but as the family took shape in my head, each sister emerged in my mind as a complete person, with a backstory and personal history that also included her birth order and the role she played in the family.  Meg, being the oldest, was the quintessential good girl. Having been so very responsible her whole life, it made sense that at one point she’d rebel, and maybe break or crack, and that became the story of The Good Woman. The Good Daughter is the story of Kit, a middle child, who is coming into her own. And The Good Wife, my book slated for next September, is Sarah’s story, and it’s one of intense, romantic love, but a love that is so intense it’s almost destructive.

I think many women will relate to Meg in The Good Woman, and the fact that she becomes so attracted to her handsome boss just because she really wants to be noticed and romanced by her own husband. What was your thought process in deciding whether or not you would actually let her go through with an affair?

I knew from the beginning that she would have the affair.  It wasn’t enough for Meg to be tempted. This was a story of derailment and whether or not she could get her life back, or at the very least, her marriage back. Readers have wondered why I didn’t make Jack, her husband, more unpleasant. They say it’d be easier to understand why Meg would cheat on him. But affairs aren’t always because someone else is the bad guy. Affairs are about emotional emptiness, hollowness, need. Does being needy make you bad? No. But it can lead one to make bad decisions. And that’s what I wanted to write about. A good woman who makes a bad decision.

Which sister do you relate most to, and why?

Probably Meg and Kit combined.  As the oldest daughter, and the second oldest of four kids, I was the family caretaker.  It was my job to make sure the others were okay, and I took my job very seriously.

You’re from Visalia, you now live in San Clemente and the book is set in wine country. What role does California play in your life?

I love California.  I love to leave California to travel and learn about the world, but I can’t escape where I come from, or what has made me me. Visalia, with its Main Street and proximity to the Sequoias, and its miles of farmland and truly kind people, have shaped me.   My parents were very involved with the community when I was growing up and their friends were smart, interesting, compassionate people and I was lucky to be raised in an environment where people mattered.  I think this is why I write the books I do, and why real, relevant stories matter so much to me.  In my world, people don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be honest and, hopefully, intriguing.

You have three sons. How do you think a book about brothers would differ from a book about sisters? What’s your relationship with your own siblings like?

I’ve written a book with three sons, and adult brothers in it — She’s Gone Country — and love writing about boys and men.   I find the male world fascinating but challenging.  Being a mom of boys, I’ve found it very tough watching my boys grow up.  They start out as babies but then must harden up to survive the male world.  I know one of my boys has struggled far more than the others because he’s sensitive, and that’s not okay in the male world.  The male world is about testosterone and competition and survival.  So strange to me, because I love men that are mavericks — men that don’t fit into a norm or a mold.

All your book are ultimately love stories, whether they’re considered “romances” or “novels.” What is it that is so appealing to you about love stories and how do you come up with so many different kinds?!

I don’t think people can survive without love.  Babies don’t thrive without love.  Children need to be bonded to another to continue to grow.  Adults aren’t stable without healthy relationships, whether it’s with another person or a spiritual relationship.  Love is the tissue that binds all things and enables one to hope, heal, survive and thrive.  At heart, all stories are love stories.  I just happen to like mine to end happily.

Jane is generously giving away a tote bag filled with autographed books and gift cards from Starbucks and Barnes and Noble to one lucky winner! To enter, simply leave a comment below! If you belong to a book club and would like Jane to call in to discuss The Good Woman, tell her that in your comment!

This post originally appeared on my former blog, StyleSubstanceSoul.com.