Nearly 70 years into a life filled with diverse careers and experiences, Jan Dawson never expected to become a novelist. Yet the former journalist, nonprofit executive, and motel owner recently completed her third book, bringing her popular Outer Banks-based trilogy to a satisfying conclusion.
“I never had any indication in my life that I would sit down and write three novels,” Dawson said during a recent interview.
Her journey to fiction writing began unexpectedly in 2022 while battling pre-surgery anxiety before a knee replacement. Unable to sleep, she began crafting a story in her mind to distract herself.
“The first thing I came up with was the name of SeaAnna, and then I attached it to a boat, and then I started with the backstory,” she explained.
What began as a mental exercise to combat insomnia eventually became “Storm Season,” the first book in what would become a trilogy set on the Outer Banks.
After her husband encouraged her to write down the story that had been playing “like a movie” in her head, Dawson connected with local self-published author Kim Perry, who helped with formatting and designing the distinctive covers that have become part of the books’ appeal.
The trilogy—”Storm Season,” “Hooked on You,” and the recently released “Tangled Lines”—has exceeded Dawson’s modest expectations.
Initially planning to simply print a few copies at Staples for friends, she now finds herself with books selling well both locally and regionally. The trilogy has developed a following among readers who appreciate her realistic dialogue and engaging characters.
Dawson credits her success to communication skills developed across her varied career. Before becoming a motel owner, she worked in television journalism, led a YMCA as CEO, did humanitarian work in Kosovo after the war, and held various marketing positions. This diverse background equipped her with the organizational skills and ability to connect with others that have proven invaluable in her writing career.
“Every position I had involved communicating in one way or the other,” Dawson noted. “Whether it’s journalism or talking with members at a YMCA or working with NGOs to try to set up peaceful coexistence in Kosovo. You have to be able to read and you have to be able to write.”
For aspiring authors, Dawson offers encouragement based on her own unexpected journey: “Just the hardest thing is getting started. But once you sit down, if it’s something you’ve thought about for quite a while… once you sit down and start writing, it’s not only cathartic, but you probably have a fascinating story to tell, and somebody out there is going to really appreciate what you’ve written.”
Despite her marketing background, Dawson emphasizes the importance of managing expectations in publishing. “Be logical and be realistic about your expectations,” she advises. “Mine were very, very, very low, and so therefore I’m tickled with anything that happens that’s a positive.”
While Dawson considers the trilogy complete, she doesn’t rule out future projects. She mentioned ideas for both another novel and a non-fiction book based on her experiences running an oceanfront motel. For now, she’s focused on promoting her trilogy through book signings and media appearances throughout the region.
All three books—”Storm Season,” “Hooked on You” and “Tangled Lines”—are available at independent bookstores throughout the Outer Banks from Corolla to Buxton, as well as on Amazon and Kindle. Dawson will appear at First Friday events in Manteo this May and at numerous other local events through the summer.
The distinctive covers, each featuring a symbol important to the story (a flower, a heart made of fishing hooks, and a jellyfish), make the trilogy instantly recognizable. Like the author herself, they represent something unexpected and delightful that emerged from taking a creative risk.
All three books are available in paperback, eBook, and audible.
Upcoming signings:
- April 22 Island Book Store Duck from 10-1
- April 23 Island Book Store Corolla from 10-1
- May 2 Downtown Book Manteo from 5:30-7:30 pm
- May 8 Buxton Village Books 1-3
- May 28 Buxton Village Books 1-3
- June 7 Dare Days 2-4 at Downtown Books tent
