Area author pens fourth novel
Local author Janet Irvin, who writes as J. E. Irvin, recently enjoyed the publication of her fourth novel, “A Principle of Light.” Irvin has previously had three mysteries published, as well as stories, poems, and essays in a variety of print and online publications, including the renowned “Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.”
She is retired from a career in education, and also served for many years as a volunteer at the Antioch Writers’ Workshop.
Learn more about her and her work at her website, www.janetirvin.com.
I recently chatted with her via email about her newest novel.
What is “A Principle of Light” about?
Told in two voices, “A Principle of Light” recounts the journey of two women caught up in the turbulent spring and summer of 2016 in Turkey. Nilesen Yilmaz, a widowed Turkish poet, and Jeannie Maurillac, an American photographer, are thrown together when they witness a bombing in Istanbul. Convinced their knowledge of the crime puts them in danger, they go on the run, unaware of the secrets about to be uncovered and the life-changing decisions they will face. For over 30 years two friends, with whom I taught, and I met monthly to share stories about our lives. The real Nilesen shared the most marvelous accounts of her life in Turkey, sending photos and letters each time she returned there to visit. When she contracted ALS, I wanted to write a story that would speak to her courage as well as to her love for the land of her birth. With her permission and that of our friend Jeannie to use their names for the main characters, I wrote this novel. However, the story is fictional! A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the novel will go to the ALS Association.
How is this novel different than your preceding mysteries?
While this novel does contain a mystery, it is set internationally and more suspense-driven than my earlier works. I also wanted to detail how friendships develop and grow and address the importance of art in our lives. I had to do much more research for “A Principle.” I studied the language and had the book vetted by Nilesen’s husband and sister-inlaw in Turkey. Any errors or omissions are mine alone!
What did you learn about yourself personally, and about yourself as a writer, in crafting this particular novel?
Every novel is a journey for the writer. In examining the cost of art, truth and love in the lives of my characters, I also looked at what that meant for me. How much am I willing to risk for those values? During the five years it took to write the book, I grew in my appreciation for all who devote their lives to causes. I also became more active as a citizen during that time. We cannot remain silent or we become complicit.
Any words of wisdom for novelists from your experience in writing this novel?
Words of wisdom can often sound preachy, but I think the most important lesson for all of us actually mirrors the words of another writer whom I cannot identify because I don’t remember who said it. The gist is “write the book you want and need to write, especially the one that scares you. In that act, you will find truth.”
Other literary news:
■ Mondays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 8. 15, 22, 6:30-8 p.m. — An online (via Zoom) virtual “Writer’s Workshop” will be hosted by Word’s Worth Writing Connections (www.wordsworthdayton.com) and led by author, editor and instructor Christina Consolino. The small group workshop will be limited to six participants to enhance interaction and sharing as well as receiving feedback on writers’ work. See website for workshop specifics and to register.
■ Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6:30-8 p.m. — Presented by Word’s Worth Writing Connections (www. wordsworthdayton.com), “Write It Like You Mean It,” led by Heather Martin, a professional editor and copywriter, will explore the five most common mistakes executives make in business communication and how to avoid them, along with tools for writing clearer emails, proposals, reports and presentations.
■ Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m. — Dayton Literary Peace Prize Virtual Book Club, hosted by Ron Rollins, former editor of Ideas and Voices for the Dayton Daily News, will discuss “Lila” by Marilynne Robinson, the 2016 recipient of the DLPP Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Colson Whitehead. “Lila” is the third book in Robinson’s Gilead series. To learn more or register, visit www.daytonliterarypeaceprize.org/getinvolved.
Sharon Short writes historical mysteries under the pen name Jess Montgomery (www. jessmontgomeryauthor. com). Send her column ideas, book club news, or literary events at sharonshort1983@ gmail.com.