Can a modern journalist recreate the success of predecessors who turned to writing novels?

Good Read

Martha Jette keeps good company. Ernest Hemingway. Jack London. George Orwell. Walt Whitman. Tom Wolfe. Martha Gellhorn. Mark Twain. All journalists who became novelists. Will she ascend among their ranks? Who knows? However, she's going about it the right way, or should I say the write way. 

Novelist Martha Jette

"I am a former newspaper and magazine reporter, editor, photographer and layout artist who has written countless articles and stories over the years. After a forced retirement from newspapers in 1996 due to health problems, I continued to write and published seven books with Saga Books of Calgary, Alberta. Due to the many recent changes in the book publishing industry, my publisher is changing course away from representing author’s books. Hence, I am now in the process of turning all of my works – which now total 10 – into ebooks, all of which will eventually be available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other on-line sites."

What is the one book you want us to read (title, genre, and availability)?

The one book that everyone should read is Playing With The Devil, which is available at Amazon.

Click to purchase on Amazon

Give us a one-sentence synopsis.

Playing With The Devil is a novel based on a true story of child abuse - dirty deeds in a secluded Newfoundland town by many of its most prominent citizens – that have never been addressed in a court of law. 

Who are the main characters and who would you like to see portray them in a movie?

1) Timmy, the oldest of 12 children, is the primary character. I see this boy being portrayed by 

Preston Bailey known for his roles in Children of the Corn, Dexter and Nothing But The Truth.

2) Helen is the self-serving and heartless mother. I see this horrible woman portrayed by Kristin Scott Thomas, known for her roles in Bitter Moon, The English Patient and Gosford Park.

Tell us about the story, but please don't reveal too much.

Playing With The Devil is rated ‘R’ because it is a novel based on a horrid case of child abuse - dirty deeds in a secluded Newfoundland town by many of its most prominent citizens. The oldest of 12 children shares how his own mother sold him and his siblings into sexual liaisons for as little as a loaf of bread. It is a wrenching account of what these kids suffered but now, over 50 years later, no one has ever been brought to justice. The courts have refused to act and the children, now adults, continue to suffer from horrible memories they will never forget. 

What inspired you to write this book and how long did it take?

I was inspired to write this book due to the fact that these children, now adults, are still suffering due to what happened to them as children. Aside from that, child abuse is an issue that has touched so many lives, including my own.

What other books have you written?

1. “Glimpses” True Stories of the Paranormal 
   
   
2. “Glimpses 2” (it could happen to you!)
   
   
3. Talking To My Angel (children)
   
   
4. The Man With The Magic Spectacles (young adult)
   
   
5. Blood Vengeance: (Cold Case #4-183) Not of this World 
   
   
6. Totally Scared: The Complete Book On Haunted Houses  
   
   
7. Phenomenal Paul: An Incredible True Tale of Insect-like Creatures & UFOS 
   
   
8. Terror In The Night I – Alien Abduction Exposed! 
   
   
9. The Borg Files – A Case of UFOs & Alien Abduction
   
   

Which authors inspired you, your style?

Since I was first a journalist, my influences were people like Mavis Gallant and Kathleen Kenna, who excelled in this field.

Where can we learn more about you and your books?

My author website, which I am still working on and will continue to periodically update

How can we follow you? 

Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I also write a regular column on paranormal topics for the Examiner, and I provide professional services on a freelance basis, including book reviews and full manuscript editing.