An Interview with Jane Foster

Jane Foster (aka GiJane) is a professional speaker, trainer and writer, specializing in communication, presentation skills, living life to its fullest, and motivating her audience to take action. Jane draws from real-life experiences in the U.S. Navy as a Morse Code intercept operator of Russian ships and planes during the Vietnam War, and on the battlefields of corporate America.

Jane has spoken to many groups and associations and is the President of Lillian Methodist Church Women’s Group.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

Growing up as an abused child, I was fearful of everything. From being punched to being told I wasn’t going to amount to much of anything, by my mother. For years, even after I left home, those comments have continually haunted me. I have pushed through many problems and God has been my savior.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I was a Plain Jane growing up. My life really started when I became GiJane in the Navy. Throughout my life, I have had some really tough times, but the Good Lord has helped me along the way. I have written various parts of this book, especially around losing my son, Sean Michael, to a liver disease, which we believe was caused by Agent Orange in Vietnam (which my husband has). The stories have taken a lifetime.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“Proud to be an American,” as well as anything patriotic.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I just finished The Women, about Army nurses serving in Vietnam. What they went through was horrendous but being spit on when they came back, was an insult (much like the men). Then having the VA disavow that they were even over in Vietnam was the ultimate insult.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

When I lived in Texas eight years ago, I had my own business, SOS Solutions. I started GiJane Presentations here in Alabama. Readers may not know that I was just a secretary when I started working for three professional speakers. They offered me a speaking opportunity and I took it and became who I am today.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I wrote a book in 2021 called The Gift of Covid 19, How Learning to Love Myself Saved My Life. I had it self-published by Amazon. I have wanted to write in the past but never had the time. Fighting Covid was very difficult and now I have Covid Long. That sickness propelled me to write my first book.

Where is your favorite place to write?

In my office with my three dogs. They love to come in here, lay on their beds, and sleep while I type away. It’s like a relaxing sanctuary.

Do you have any writing rituals?

Yes, I first of all read prayers from three books, then write in my journal. That gets the day rolling. I feel off-kilter if I don’t.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Everyone has problems in their lives. I just pray that one reader will take away that they are not alone. A lot of people are suffering from an abusive childhood, feeling insignificant, losing a child, a husband who is sick; however there is a light at the end of the tunnel. God is with you and right there by your side to give you strength and to guide you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.