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Jane A. Ward, Author

The magic behind the making

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

Sleight of Hand

The magic behind the making from Jane Ward

Welcome to Sleight of Hand.

I'm a novelist, a baker, and a photographer – three crafts that all happen by hand, each requiring its own kind of magic to transform raw ingredients into something beautiful.

That's what you'll find here – the magic behind the making. Recipes that appear in my books (and kitchen), photographs from my creative process, reflections on the writing life, and occasional features on and from creators whose work inspires me.

I'll visit your inbox every six weeks or so with something nourishing – whether that's a story, a recipe, or simply a moment of beauty.

I'm so glad you're here.

May 2026

Backstory

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to reading folk tales and mythologies. I think because I was making sense of my own world at the time, I was equally interested in how people of ancient cultures explained what was going on around them. Here's how they helped me write Should Have Told You Sooner.

The Art of the Matter

In working through my current novel, Should Have Told You Sooner, three works of art in particular helped better define the characters, their pursuits, and their motivations. In turn, they helped me to write a more complete, more realistic novel.

Baker Street

In all my novels, at least one of my characters is an excellent cook.

In my novel, In the Aftermath, the main character, Jules Herron, is a baker. Here's one of her favorite recipes that fits nicely with my current novel's UK locations: Dried Cherry White Chocolate Scones​

On the Move

Where will you be on May 28? Why don't you meet me in London? I'll be meeting, greeting, and reading from Should Have Told You Sooner.

That's it for this edition. See you in a few weeks, when I'm back from London. I'm so glad you're here.

P.S. - If you liked this newsletter, please share with others who might enjoy it, too.

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Jane A. Ward, Author

Sleight of Hand: The magic behind the making.

I'm a novelist, a baker, and a photographer – three crafts that all happen by hand, each requiring its own kind of magic to transform raw ingredients into something beautiful. That's what you'll find here – the magic behind the making. Recipes that appear in my books (and kitchen), photographs from my creative process, reflections on the writing life, and occasional features on and from creators whose work inspires me. I'll visit your inbox every six weeks or so with something nourishing – whether that's a story, a recipe, or simply a moment of beauty.

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