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Jayne Ann Krentz on Core Story, Character Craft and Romantic Suspense
13 July 2026

Jayne Ann Krentz on Core Story, Character Craft and Romantic Suspense

The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed

About

How has Jayne Ann Krentz kept finding new stories across a long writing career? The bestselling author joins Richie Billing to discuss her “core story” idea, character craft and the connection between romance and suspense.

Jayne writes under the names Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle. They talk about the Harmony setting, gothic fiction and how a romantic turn can change the suspense plot, with Enter the Nightmare among the books discussed.

The conversation also reflects on changes in publishing. The new-release references belong to its recording period, while the craft discussion speaks to writers planning their own long careers.

You’ll discover:

    What Jayne means by a core story.How she approaches memorable characters.Why romance and suspense should affect one another.How a recurring world can reward returning readers.

If you write romance, fantasy or suspense, this interview offers a career-spanning view of story design.

ABOUT JAYNE ANN KRENTZ

Jayne Ann Krentz is a bestselling author who also writes as Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle. Enter the Nightmare is part of her Harmony series.

GUEST AND RELATED LINKS

Visit Jayne Ann Krentz’s website

Explore Enter the Nightmare

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