Jenny’s debut novel, ‘Before I Die’, was published in 2007, to high critical acclaim. It tells the story of 16-year-old Tessa who is dying of cancer. The book deals with everything she goes through and wants to experience before the inevitable day comes. Being an accomplished actor as well as an author, in order to write, Jenny uses all of her acting techniques; standing up and walking about as if she is a character from her book. She keeps diaries and journals for them and researches them as if she were going to play them on stage. She imagines what they would like to eat, what their hopes and fears are - it helps her to know who they are. Here are some of the questions we asked Jenny, that we couldn’t fit into the magazine.
What do you hope people will feel after reading the book? Is there a certain feeling you were hoping to leave the readers with?
I was attempting to write a good story, one that moved readers emotionally, but also made them think. So, something as random as illness happens and Tess has to make sense of it. There are no ‘lessons’ though. I think storytellers should give other worlds, other lives, so that readers can empathise, can think ‘what would I do if that were me?’
How did it feel to get ‘Before I Die’ published and actually see it on the shelves of bookshops?
As an unpublished novelist my greatest hope for the book was that it might be sold and therefore that my story would be heard. I had no hopes beyond this. I’m completely bowled over by how well the book has been received and it still amazes me to see it in bookshops two years later.
Did you do any research before you began writing the book?
I read a lot of books about cancer and I worked with nurses to make sure the story was factually correct.
If you could be any character out of any book, who would you be?
I’d be Lyra out of Pullman’s Dark Materials, because I admire her capacity to embrace whatever life throws at her. She also gets to go to some fascinating places.
Which other authors inspire you?
Raymond Carver, Donna Tartt, Denis Johnson, Ali Smith, Toni Morrison, Barbara Kingsolver, Tove Jansson amongst many others. These Young Adult authors are great – Berlie Doherty, Melvyn Burgess, David Almond, Neil Gaiman, Siobhan Dowd, Jeanne Willis.
Are you reading a book at the moment and what was your favourite book as a child?
I’m reading Adam Thorpe’s ‘No Telling.’ He’s a wonderful writer. As a child my favourite book was 'Z for Zachariah' by Robert C.O’Brien. It was the book that made me realise that I could be utterly transported by words on a page.
What do you feel the experience of reading a book gives to people that can’t be captured on TV or in a film?
A film relies on so many people’s interpretations, as well as the budget available. The only limitation with a book is the reader’s own imagination.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time or on a day off?
Getting together with a whole bunch of friends somewhere sunny and by the sea. Swimming, talking, beach BBQ, communal childcare.
Review of ‘Before I Die’:The novel is brilliantly crafted, heart breaking, yet also life affirming. It has been written with incredible detail and consideration. It is not a sentimental and depressing read - Tessa's humour shines through and the way the most simple things are described, such as the feeling of grass, through Tessa's eyes, is truly powerful. This book will make you appreciate so much more about the world around you.
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