Welcome
I’m not sure whether writing romantic fiction ruined me for travel writing or whether it was the other way around. I was writing non-fiction long before I sold my first novel in 2001—I’ve ghost written for physicians, worked as a staff writer for small newspapers and turned out articles on everything from hanging wallpaper to self-hypnosis. But I’ve always been interested in food and cooking and, over the years, have written numerous restaurant reviews, articles about ethnic cuisine and other food related odds and ends. Since food and travel are such an obvious pairing, this led quite naturally to travel writing which I’ve been doing for the past few years—in addition to writing fiction.
It was during a trip to Nova Scotia, on a tour of historic inns, that I started thinking about my next book and what perfect settings these inns, with their picturesque locations and rich histories would make. Cape Breton’s 19th century Gowrie House with its caretaker’s cottage, sweeping staircase and Georgian antiques would, for example, be a perfect spot for a heroine to spend her childhood. Or, since I write more contemporary fiction, the flower covered arbor on the sweeping grounds of the Oceanstone Cottages seemed tailor made for the ultimate wedding. I had similar experiences in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where the cobble-stoned streets and sunset colored architecture seems the stuff of romantic fiction.
Even as I wrote travel articles on these places, I found myself weaving them into ideas for future novels. At this point, I realized that my fiction writing and travel writing had become hopelessly entwined—somewhat like my characters. This led to the new design for my new website. Travel is inherently romantic and who better than a romance writer to scout out that romantic table for two? Or the dreamiest place to tie the knot? Engage in a little pillow talk? You get the idea. In addition to my own travels, I hope to bring you recommendations from other fiction writers on travel with a romantic touch. So whether you’re an armchair traveler, or crave the first hand experience of faraway places, I hope you will find my website an enjoyable escape. In addition to romantic travels, you can go to the fiction page for news about my upcoming books, or check out recent articles on the nonfiction page.
Stay tuned. And send me your suggestions for romantic travel.
Best Wishes,
Janice
January 2007
As I write this, I’m playing deadline hooky. My ninth book for Harlequin SuperRomance is due next week and I’m experiencing all the anxieties, qualms, and panic attacks that accompanied most of the previous deadlines.
Still. Yesterday it snowed on and off for most of the day. Last night it froze. This morning it is cold, down in the twenties, but the sun is shining. I pulled on my boots to walk outside to mail a letter and was immediately hooked.
The frost had turned the top layer of the snow to crunchy crystals that glistened in the sunlight. The soft snow underneath came over the tops of my boots and down into my thermal socks. I didn’t care. I’ve spent too many years in Southern California, where Santa Ana winds are the most significant weather events. Walking in snow, bundled up inside my parka, a scarf around my neck felt like bliss.
I live on the edge of the Olympic National Forest and, this morning, decided to walk over to the visitors center. Like a child, I thrilled at making the first footsteps across the new snow. Looking in one direction, I could see an oil tanker on Straits of Juan de Fuca and, across the water, the coastline of Victoria, BC, also dusted with snow. Behind me, the soaring snow covered Olympics, sparkling in the winter sunshine.
Okay, I’m beginning to sound like a Chamber of Commerce brochure and the deadline demons are nagging. Look for updates in this space, I’ll try to write them with a little more regularity -- perhaps the next one will be before winter 2008! I will also update the pictures. The one above, by the way, is my cabin, taken after the Thanksgiving 2006 snow fall.
All the best,
Janice
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