Testimonials
Here's what some published authors have shared about working with me.
Hazel Harrison
'Brutally Beautiful'
The Marathon des Sables (MdS) is one of the toughest and most gruelling endurance footraces in the world. The race takes place in the Moroccan Sahara Desert in conditions that almost defy description: heat, sand, dunes like mountains - and every competitor must carry all the food and gear they need with them.
'Brutally Beautiful' is Hazel's extraordinary account of taking on the 35th running of the MdS in October 2021. It's also a story about Hazel herself, who she was before the race, and who she became after. It's a compelling must-read story of survival and triumph over one of the most hostile environments on earth.
"A big thank you to Jane Bissell for giving me the confidence to tell my story. There were over ten hours' worth of Zoom meetings that we recorded on return from my travels. These were done whilst I was completing my 2 weeks in Managed Isolation at the Novotel in Christchurch (NZ). These were then transcribed by Jane so that we had the bones of my story. Thank you Jane for the subtle prods when I was a bit slow getting my edits back to you!" - Hazel Harrison
Hazel Harrison
Brutally Beautiful
Hazel Harrison 2022
Available from the author
Keren Maas
'A Life Unimagined'
'There were times I thought about killing him in his sleep. Either that, or killing myself so I could escape him.'
"When Keren was a child she couldn't wait to grow up, find true love, have babies and set up a beautiful home to create cherished memories in. Life didn't turn out the way she had imagined. Years of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and disappointments left Keren broken, grieving the dreams she once had. But God had not forgotten her. Her family's legacy of faith, the unceasing prayers of loving parents, and the unconditional love of Jesus eventually pulled her away from a life of shame. In this strikingly honest, raw, confronting and often graphic account we hear Keren's story in her own words and journey with her through the trials and triumphs of her testimony." (Source: publisher's note: Torn Curtain Publishing).
"Ever since I was a very small child I dreamed of being an author. In 2020 when the world went into lockdown I finally had the time to make that dream a reality and I began writing my autobiography.
"I am immensely grateful to Jane for helping me in this huge undertaking. She helped me to mould 40 years of memories into a beautiful story. She always knew the right questions to ask to prompt me to weave the story together and to fill in any gaps in the narrative.
"Thank you Jane for your encouragement, support and input throughout this journey. You have literally helped me to make my dreams come true." - Keren Maas
Keren Maas
A Life Unimagined
Torn Curtain 2022
Available from the author $27.99 + p&p.
Casey Taylor
'Avalon'
Casey has written a wonderful first book (and we hope there may be many more) for the teen fiction/fantasy market. Her first book is about Seth, a 13 year old boy living in a small Colorado town. A ghostly apparition leads him through the forest to a clifftop where a strange energy opens the window to an alternate world that gives Seth the confidence and freedom to be himself, something he lacks in his life.
"I had the pleasure of having Jane as my mentor to help me write my first novel. As everything was new and daunting for me, I was lucky to have someone as patient, positive and experienced as her.
"Over the course of two years, Jane consistently provided me with invaluable advice and wisdom, honest and constructive criticism (which was much needed!), and regular boosts of encouragement.
"Without Jane mentoring me, I would not have finished my novel. She pushed me to do my best, to polish every sentence and make my story the best it could be.
"I am really proud of my novel, it is my greatest achievement and I will be forever grateful to Jane for helping make that happen. Thanks Jane!" - Casey Taylor
Casey Taylor
Avalon
Casey Taylor 2022
Available from Amazon
Helen Bowen
Work in progress
"Jane has been helping me with my writing for the last twelve months. I started my novel when I attended a fiction writer's course. I then got writer's block.
"Jane has helped trigger the exploration of the characters in my work.. She asks what is happening with the characters, the plot and we are working on a first person narrative rather than third person. She also helped me discover the real protagonist.
"These huge steps had stopped me from writing and I am now back in the flow thanks to Jane.
"Her tutoring is gentle, sensible and affirming. I am so glad I have this opportunity to run the work by her as it develops. She has an astute eye and every suggestion is from the reader's perspective and helps make the story more whole and readable.
"The writing would be substantially different if it wasn't for her capacity to observe the gaps and make sound suggestions.
"I recommend her skills to anyone who wishes to get on with their novel or memoir. She is a brave and gentle supporter of my writing and I feel I am in good and safe hands."
Helen Bowen
2022
David O'Brien
'From Rocky Top to Clyde'
David has collected engaging rural tales of farming in the 'deep south' of New Zealand. Written from the perspective of a true Southern gentleman and 'man of the south', David's stories offer a candid insight into his deep love of family and the rural life that not only nurtured him as a young man but also sustained a lifelong career. He brings history - and some eccentric characters - to life as he describes his days as a mischievous youngster on the farm and writes of the highs and lows that all workers of the land will recognise.
"I had a desire to write some memories and a little history of my family and farming life. I started about seven years ago—2015—and did a little every now and then. However, I got stuck.
"A writers' workshop was advertised at the library in Alexandra so I went along. This is where I first made contact with Jane but very brief contact.
"Some time later I contacted Jane and we have worked together ever since. Without Jane's advice, experience and coaching my little story would not have made it to the printer.
"In April 2022 I picked up my printed books from The Otago Daily Times in Alexandra. Thank you, Jane. I got there with your help". - David O'Brien
David O'Brien
From Rocky Top to Clyde
David Francis O'Brien 2022
Available from the author
Dakota Kingi
'Living in My World'
This project was funded by a grant from Creative New Zealand, providing me with the rare privilege of working with Dakota. Dakota had lived with disability from a very young age but had shown an extraordinary determination to live her life as expansively as possible. Her Mum, Kim, had been her main support and encouraged Dakota to express herself through poetry and writing. Dakota was just 21 years old when she lost her beloved Mum to breast cancer. Kim's ambition was to see Dakota's book finished but sadly she passed away before Dakota could complete her story.
"Kia Ora, my name is Dakota Kingi. I am 21 years old. I’m Maori and I am from New Zealand. I have an eye condition that limits my vision. I also have ataxia of the muscles which affects my body and balance. My hobby is creating poetry. For me creating poetry is a way of expressing myself and my thoughts.
"I dedicate my poetry and my book to my Mum as she has always been a beautiful soul looking after me and encouraging me to follow my passion.
"Writer and mentor Jane Bissell was there from the very beginning of writing Living in My World and I thank her for taking my spoken words and turning them into a story that reflects my life, thoughts, and feelings so well." - Dakota Kingi
Dakota Kingi
Living in My World
Dakota Kingi 2021
Available from the author
Josh Komen
'The Wind at My Back'
Twenty-three-year-old Josh Komen was on track to represent New Zealand in running at the next Commonwealth Games when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. In a single moment, the course of was changed irrevocably. Years of pain, brutal treatments both in New Zealand and Australia, and shocking side-effects sent Josh to the brink of despair and back innumerable times. The enduring love of his close-knit family and friends, the incredible medical professionals who treated him, his spiritual beliefs, and his passion for nature carried Josh through the hardest of challenges.
"Jane went above and beyond my expectations as a writing mentor. Jane guided, mentored and helped in every aspect of writing, right through to publication of my book The Wind at My Back.
"I cannot thank her enough for all of her help and writing wisdom. Jane is a true professional at what she does, not only a great writer herself but a wonderful person.
"I would recommend her to anyone who is undertaking the writing and publication of a book." - Josh Komen
Josh Komen.
The Wind at My Back: a memoir of cancer, love and endurance
Mary Egan, 2019
Graeme Axford
'Differently Abled'
Graeme Axford is a human rights and disability advocate. Over the last twenty years, he has voluntarily supported over 7,000 people in their dealings with various New Zealand Government departments. Graeme is a qualified social worker and has successfully petitioned Parliament to bring about change and improve accountability within the social services sector.
Born with severe dyslexia, Graeme struggled for years with no definitive diagnosis for his condition and a teacher told him the only career he could expect was ‘a criminal one’. Graeme overcame this stigma with dogged determination and a never-give-up attitude that has seen him become one of New Zealand’s most successful consumer advocates.
"Much to my delight working with Jane (as my ghostwriter) was anything but scary and completely delightful instead. People who know me and have read the book can see all my 'graemeisms' and can’t detect anything else. That’s the brilliance of a true ghostwriter.
"For people who are dyslexic or lacking the literacy skills required to make a book publishable, I would thoroughly recommend hiring a ghostwriter first and foremost. This was an entirely new concept to me, and many others who asked how the book got to where it is today. I explained to them what a ghostwriter was and, as the name suggests, they remain invisible in writing the book that comes across as being mine.
"Jane had to sift her way through a tremendous amount of information, select what made the story good, and discard what might take away from it. She also probed for information to fill in the gaps and get us where we needed to be.
"Having a finished manuscript ready for final editing was most of the work. The ghostwriter put more work into it and probably had the hardest job of any of us but the results speak for themselves.
"Using ghostwriters would enable those less literate to publish their work when it wouldn’t have happened any other way. That’s why I wanted to honour Jane as being a co-author so that anyone who reads my book will be aware of her ghostwriting abilities and I hope will seek her help if they want to write a book.
"As someone said, 'if I can do it anyone can' but I most certainly couldn’t have without Jane."
- Graeme Axford
Graeme Axford
Differently Abled - The Graeme Axford Story
Graeme Axford 2019
Available from Amazon
