Bestselling author Anna Jacobs visits Harvey War Memorial Library to tell tales of a writer

Harvey bookworms were taken on a trip through some of historical fiction’s bestselling novels last week during a visit from author Anna Jacobs. The English novelist — now in her 80s — gave a talk at the Harvey War Memorial Library and took residents on a journey through her life as a writer. Soon to celebrate the release of her 100th novel, Jacobs focuses on writing historical and modern sagas that incorporate themes of fantasy through history. The author said she enjoyed any opportunity to interact with her readers and she had been conducting talks “here, there and everywhere”. “I like to talk to readers and learn what they are interested in and what they like in my books, sort of market research,” Jacobs said. Jacobs took questions from curious audience members, which led to discussions about publishing, inspiration and writing habits. Originally published under the name Shannah Jay, Jacobs said she initially started out with romance novels but had since moved on to stories about “ordinary people facing the odds”. “I didn’t want to be restricted, and now I write complicated tales with multiple characters and two or three plot lines weaving in and out,” she said. “I like telling stories and giving people pleasure. “I like learning about history in all areas.”