Jennifer Metcalfe has spent much of her life with her nose stuck in a book, being an avid reader of mystery and historical fiction. After a successful career as a chartered accountant, she decided to take the plunge and unleash some stories of her own. She finds inspiration in the Australian landscape, in travel and her family. She lives on the mid north coast of NSW.
Out There Somewhere is set to be released 3 May 2027.
What inspired you to be a writer?
When I was young, my mother would take me to the local library. What a wonderland that was. I often chose books that were beyond my years, not because I was an advanced reader, but because there were so many stories waiting to be read. I loved adventures, fantasies, historical fiction, and by the time I was in my teens, I loved a good mystery. (Yes, self-proclaimed Agatha Christie tragic.) I always dreamed one day I might write a mystery of my own but life got in the way, career, marriage and children, until one day I couldn’t stop myself. I sat down, opened my computer and started.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
I certainly do. Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. The protagonist in Out There Somewhere is a young female; tenacious, imperfect and perfect at the same time. Her character was inspired in many ways by each of my three daughters and I fell in love with the idea that an unlikely everyday person could become the hero of a story. So, now I’m onto my third book, each with a young female main character. I call them my other three girls.
What is your professional background?
Okay, I know what they say about accountants, but I was a Chartered Accountant until I decided writing was my thing. Underneath that boring stereotype, bean counters are problem solvers. What better background to create a conundrum and then slowly unravel it on the page.
Any advice you’d like to give to aspiring writers?
Just give it a go and have fun. Believe in yourself. Persevere. Don’t give up.
Who/what inspires you?
I read every day and am inspired by the way every story is different because it is told through the eyes of a unique character. I love the way the world around us is woven into stories and am particularly inspired by the Australian landscape.
Bringing up three daughters has provided a whole world of inspiration for the main characters in my stories. They are funny, clever, frustrating at times, flawed and perfect, and have an amazing ability to put me in my place.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
Travel, hiking, reading and family are my main interests. It would be impossible to choose a favourite book from the thousands I have read, but there are some great Australian writers around at the moment that occupy most of my reading time. Chris Hammer, James Islington, Charlotte McConaghy, Jane Harper to mention just a few.
How can readers contact you?
Instagram: @jennifermetcalfewriter
Email: metcalfej22@gmail.com
Through Hawkeye Publishing (see here).
