Author of "Lost & Found"

January 25, 2001

"Lost & Found" is the latest novel from Jayne Ann Krentz, one of the most popular writers in romance today. It brings together high-priced art, family secrets, and of course, a tall, dark and handsome hero and a lovely, talented heroine. Read our chat with Krentz (aka historical romance author Amanda Quick) in the NetCafe, hosted by Borders.com and Talk City.

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NetCafeLive: Welcome to NetCafeLive! Tonight we are chatting with Jayne Ann Krentz, author of "Lost & Found." NetCafeLive is presented by Borders, Inc. and the Talk City Marketing Group. Welcome, I'm just delighted to be here! I thank you so much for having me. I'm really looking forward to the chat.

Sally: Jayne, can you give us a preview of what to expect in this book?

Jayne Ann Krentz: "Lost And Found" is set in the world of the decorative arts. We've got old armor, a murder or two, and (of course) a romance.

Jessie: What's your favorite part of "Lost & Found"?

Jayne Ann Krentz: I think my favorite part is when the heroine has to confront her panic attacks. It wasn't my favorite part until I suddenly realized that so many people were coming up to me at signings and telling me how much they had enjoyed reading about panic attacks! It turns out, there's a LOT of folks out there who know them first-hand. I think they will identify with Cady.

Marque: Jayne, is this the first book you've written where one of the characters is a single parent?

Jayne Ann Krentz: Just about…I'm trying to recall. When you have written as many books as I have, you tend to forget old plots. But it certainly is not a subject I have dealt with very often. I have really enjoyed doing so in this book. When I started out, the relationship between the father and daughter was only going to be a minor part of the story. But it soon became a very important element in the novel. And I think it's a subject that a lot of people will find interesting because statistically so many people are facing the tasks of single parenthood.

Shania: What would you say the biggest challenge was in writing this book?

Jayne Ann Krentz: For me, the biggest challenge is always interweaving the relationships with the suspense element. I write romantic suspense, which implies a story that is more focused on the relationships than it is on the mystery. But nevertheless it is important that each works off the other, and the challenge of writing romantic suspense is keeping that dynamic going between the two core elements of the book, the relationship and the suspense. It is very easy to let one or the other take over the book if you are not careful. But I do find that for me it's a type of plot that draws me again and again. I really do enjoy the challenge of this genre. I also think it's a genre that is coming into its own again, after having disappeared from the fiction scene for several years. I'm delighted to see it surging forth!

Xiannie: Do you have a personal interest in art and antiques?

Jayne Ann Krentz: I've always been drawn to the world of art and antiques, and especially the world of decorative arts. I find the decorative arts especially interesting because they are a form of art that combines beauty and functionality. I love truly beautiful objects that also have a practical purpose.

Lana: Are you doing a book tour for "Lost & Found”?

Jayne Ann Krentz: Funny you should ask! You have found me tonight in Denver, Colorado midway through a month-long tour that began in Seattle, Washington and will end in Florida. I've got my husband with me, and we are having ourselves a road trip - it's a lot of fun! Check out the website for the tour - www.jayneannkrentz.com - and the trip diary. We have had some wild signings! And we've got the photos online to prove it.

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