Having written 150 books in 30 years, is Jenny Holmes Britain's most prolific author?

Ilkley-based author Jenny Holmes has been a successful writer for more than 30 years, but she knows that it’s a fickle business.

“A lot of people think that when you get an agent and a publisher you are all set. It’s much more risky and complicated than that.”

The secret of her longevity is, she says, down to a few key qualities. Stamina and adaptability are essential, she says, especially the ability to write for different audiences.

“Also you have to persevere and really believe in what you are doing. It’s important too to be rigorous with yourself – hone your work, shape it and make sure you are doing a good job; be passionate about what you do and really care about it.”

Holmes has written fiction for children, teenagers and adults over the years – around 150 books in all – across many different genres. Her latest novel The Shop Girls of Chapel Street is set in Bradford in the 1930s and follows the fortunes of orphan Violet Wheeler.

When her aunt, who has brought her up, dies suddenly and her relationship with her grieving uncle falls apart Violet feels very alone and has to rely on the goodwill of the community to help her out. Already working in a grocer’s shop, Violet is offered the opportunity to take a different direction with some resourceful friends who decide to make the most of their dressmaking skills.

Holmes’ own great aunts worked as seamstresses, milliners and upholsterers in the Edwardian era and the book is the second in a series of Yorkshire-set novels, partly inspired by her family history. The first novel The Mill Girls of Albion Lane was published last year, the third The Midwives of Raglan Road is due out in October. There are others planned for the future including one loosely based on her mother’s experiences in the Land Army.

“I think I am at the right time of my life to be writing these books,” says Holmes. “When you are younger you probably don’t get as interested in family history. And there is a particular characteristic of Yorkshire women that I really like – an inner strength, a spirit and independence and a stoic determination not to let things overwhelm you.”

That stoicism and determination could equally be applied to Holmes’ own career. Having started out as an English teacher, she found an agent in her late-2os and became a full time writer.

“I have never had a period when I’ve not had work,” she says. “That’s almost unbelievable – I don’t know what the key to that is except to be open to any new opportunity or avenue.” Her desire, commitment and enthusiasm show little sign of diminishing.

“I am compelled to write,” she says. “For me it is about storytelling and continuing a dialogue with the reader. I love the whole process and particularly that moment when I sit down at my desk and think ‘OK, today I am going to write 2,000 words’. I like the sense of achievement when you get there.”

The Shop Girls of Chapel Street, is published by Transworld, priced £6.99. The Midwives of Raglan Road is out in October.