This Way Home
Jane's Photos

JaneBlog Home

Where Jane talks about everything on her mind…and yes, as usual, there is quite a lot on her mind.

Spring Events

March 9, 2010 – 8:52 pm

I have a very busy schedule in the coming months.  Lots of public events, and then private events like book clubs and reader groups and dinners I’ve offered to local charities.  Although I don’t love leaving my kids so much in the evenings and on weekends–as you know I’m a tad attached to them–it’s all worth it if I get to meet readers and see fellow authors and friends.

My next public event takes place this coming Saturday afternoon at the Kingsgate Library on 143rd Street in Kirkland, WA.   My talk begins at 2 pm and I’ll be reading from Easy on the Eyes and then leading a discussion on the writing life and the publishing industry as well as answering questions.  Third Place Books will be selling my books in case you want to pick one up for a sister, friend or mom for Mother’s Day.  I will also have fun goodie bags for all who make it so stop by the library if you can.

Next Thursday I head to Pasadena for a book club event and then the following week I’m in Portland, OR for the PLA Conference and then I’m back in Portland again on April 17th as the keynote speaker for the wonderful Rose City Romance Reader Luncheon–if you’re in the Portland, OR area this is such a great event!  Dozens of incredible authors will be in attendance and they always give away stacks and stacks of books.  If you love romance–and I do–then try to squeeze this event in.

Two other fun events that have been added is the Grand Opening for Ty’s new shop in Waikiki.  I’m going to be there that night on April 8th signing books and hanging out with any and all my Hawaii readers and friends.  If you’re on Oahu, please plan to stop by the party and have a beer or glass of wine and chat.  But if you’re not on Oahu and just happen to be in Montana, then I’ve got an event for you!  Just today  the wonderful Kari Andersen put together a book event at the Barnes & Noble in Bozeman for me.  It’s scheduled for 7 pm on May 1st and I’d love to see you  if you’re in the Big Sky region.

And  I’ve one more special mention….

I’m hosting a private, exclusive screening and party for my good friend Christine Fugate’s incredible, moving, inspriing film, Grief Becomes Me:  A Love Story in Redmond, WA on Sunday, April 25th at 2 pm.  I’ll be mailing out invites for this event and due to the limited seating in this swanky gorgeous movie theatre I have to cap the headcount at 130.  If you think you’d like to attend, and meet the real life film director who inspired the character of Christie, Tiana’s film maker friend in Easy On The Eyes, save the date and email me ASAP for an invite.  Christine’s flying up from Laguna Beach just to meet my readers, fellow writers and  friends.  I’ve told her I know the most amazing women in the Pacific Northwest and I know you’d enjoy hearing about her experiences as a film director.  Christine is an Emmy award winning director and has such a fascinating perspective on women and creativity and women in the film industry.  Please do think about joining us if you can make it.  I’ll have copies of my books available, lots of fun drinks and appetizers and terrific conversation.  It’ll be a fantastic afternoon, I promise!

By Jane | Posted in Book Clubs, Events, Publicity, Writing Life | Comments (12)

Fresh Starts

March 6, 2010 – 3:38 pm

Yesterday I began planning and plotting my new book(s) in earnest.  I’m putting together a series of books that have some connected characters.  As I’ve shared before, I love this stage in writing.  It’s the pre-writing, brainstorming, mulling, analyzing stage.  Very few words go down on paper now.  Rather I put together binders with character photos and bios, sections dedicated to settings and conflicts and careers. 

My brain is working almost constantly as I try to piece together the plots and the layers and the driving motivation.  My editor has asked for one thing.  I’m drawn to something rather different.  Can I find a way to meld the two?  Can I give her what she wants without losing what I’m compelled to do?  Publishing is such a delicate balance of art and acumen…must be creative…must be viable.  Must make money.  Must sell many books.

The idea I’m most intrigued by isn’t light and cheery at the onset.  It’s more reality than fantasy.  Editor very much wants fantasy.  Readers want feel-good.  I want truth.  How to make everyone happy?

I think I can.

I hope I can.

I sit down at the computer and tell myself I can do anything.  I go to sleep at night and ask my brain to come up with solutions.  I turn the pieces of the story puzzle around and around to see if there might be a stronger hook or more commercial spin that would allow me to spin a fast-paced, yet emotional, yet empowering read.

I think I can.

I know I can.

And so it begins again.  New book.  New ideas.  New possibilities.

By Jane | Posted in Book Talk, Writing Life | Comments (25)

She’s Gone Country

March 3, 2010 – 4:55 pm

I’ve just finished going through the galleys, proofing it one last time before it goes to press for its summer release and I love this book.

I love this book.

I’m really proud of this one, too.

I want to write more novels like this She’s Gone Country.  I want to continue writing books the way I’ve been writing them.  As I’ve said before, I’ve been asked to change direction somewhat and I know I can do it, but I’m proud of the books I’ve written so far.  And I am really glad I wrote Shey’s story.  It’s probably my favorite book I’ve ever written and I don’t say that about all my books.

I love the setting, the characters, the conflicts.  This is a book I stand behind and a book I hope lots of people buy.

I’m Fed Exing the manuscript back to my publisher in New York in the next half hour but it’s been really fun spending the past day and a half reading this story.  I can’t wait for you all to read it, too.

By Jane | Posted in Book Talk, Writing Life | Comments (38)

Water Boys

February 24, 2010 – 5:38 pm

My Gurney boys love the water and the water loves them! It’s been fun taking Mac to the beach where he can play with Dad.

feb21-tywithmac-photo

Mac has learned to not just crawl, while we’ve been here, but to haul. He’s everywhere! I’m exhausted chasing him around a not-yet-baby-proofed house. Ugh. I forgot how busy, busy, busy an active mobile baby can be!

But tomorrow we fly home and I’ll be back at my desk by Monday starting a new book. I’m excited to get back to writing. I’ve missed it these past two weeks although I have enjoyed reading the three novels I managed to squeeze in between mom duties and watching the Olympics.

Have you had a favorite Olympic moment or a favorite Olympic athlete? I’ve loved this year’s Winter games in Vancouver. Share with me something of your week… can be Olympics, can be life stuff, can be a book you’re reading, and you’re entered to win one of my two Goodbye Hawaii prize packages. The boxes are filled with great things and are already to go. Here’s the deal–the contest ends tonight at 9 pm by time in Hawaii (11 pm PST) and I’ll post the two winners names tonight, too. The winners have until tomorrow morning at 10 am my time (noon PST) to send me the addresses or I won’t be able to mail the boxes before we leave for the airport. So, enter today only if you can check back first thing in the morning and send me your name should you win!!

By Jane | Posted in Uncategorized | Comments (50)

Mother Talk

February 21, 2010 – 4:20 pm

I was up at 6 this morning to drive my two big boys to the Honolulu airport to fly home for school tomorrow.  I follow on Thursday with Mac.  The boys were supposed to be going home to their dad but he’s still not well after breaking his femur and I can’t get another ticket out for a couple days so here we are.

Obviously, Hawaii’s not a bad place to be–this is paradise, after all–but it’s tough sending my boys away.  I always get sad. 

Maybe I’m too clingy of a mom, or too emotionally connected but it hurts when they head off.  It shouldn’t.  They’re 11 and 14 and there’s a baby here needing me, but those boys are still my boys and it doesn’t feel the same when they’re not with me.

Yesterday son Ty asked me if I’d cut my arm off if it meant I’d save him or his brother Jake.  It was casually asked as we walked around Waikiki.  I told him of course.  I’d cut both off without hestitation.  Moms love their children.  Moms would do anything for their children.

So why do I feel so conflicted though about my work, my writing, and motherhood?  I can’t write when I’m actively mothering.  I can’t write when I’m cooking or driving carpool or folding laundry.  I need to write though.  It’s so much who I am.  It’s as much me as my name or my hair color or my blood type.  But the children…they have such pressing needs, so immediate.   How do I justify pouring so much of my energy into my work when they’re only small for a short time?

I don’t have answers.   As I can’t not be mom.  Nor can I give up writing, even if it is consuming.  I suppose all I can do is juggle, and hope that finding balance is enough.

But the boys…they’re still in the air.  I won’t feel right, won’t feel secure, until the plane touches down and I know they’re home safe. 

Do you ever feel pulled?  Guilty that you’re not enough, doing enough, being enough?  And do you think men ever feel this way?  Tell me what you think and you could win my Taste of Sunshine package, a sunny Hawai prize package that’s bright, cheery, yummy and fun.  I’ll draw a name from the comments below on Monday night midnight and announce the winner Tuesday morning.  So talk to me, and maybe you’ll win!

By Jane | Posted in Mom World | Comments (54)

Odd Mom on Vacation

February 17, 2010 – 12:06 pm

I love the picture below. It’s one of my readers on vacation with Odd Mom Out as her reading. My readers really are fantastic and I’ve been so grateful for all the emails lately and all the wonderful birthday wishes, too.

Yes, today’s my birthday and I’m now 32. My eleven year old keeps looking at me and saying, “Really?” and my heading towards 15 year old laughs hysterically.  Fortunately the baby doesn’t know and doesn’t care. Surfer Ty  has planned a fun day for all of us. He’s taken today off work and we’re heading out to snorkel and have beach fun and lunch in Kailua at the Original Buzz’s Steakhouse. I’m just really glad to be with all my guys today. That’s the best present.

Hope you’re well. Hope you’re having a wonderful day. I send each of you much love and gratitude for being part of my world. You give me lots of love and friendship and support and I couldn’t be luckier. Thank you!

PS  And no, I’m not really 32….you’d have to add a bunch of years to that but I believe in staying young!

By Jane | Posted in Hawaii | Comments (45)