Category Archives: Love & Loss

Orientation for Parents Who Need to Learn

August 20, 2019 · 23 comments

My middle son doesn’t need me to go to his Parent Orientation this week at Occidental, after all he’s gone off to college twice now. We all know what’s going to happen—well, let’s be clear, we know how orientation goes—not necessarily how the year itself will go. That’s still up for grabs. But late last week when I was pouring over the orientation schedule for Oxy and I showed him the dessert goodbye for parents on Friday, the end of the 2 day orientation for parents, son made it clear he wasn’t interested in going. “I hate goodbyes,” he said. “Let’s not do that.” Panic filled me. “It’s the only time I see you on Friday,” I said. “You can … Continue reading Orientation for Parents Who Need to Learn →

I’ve Missed My Voice

August 18, 2019 · 34 comments

Why begin blogging again? Why talk now? It’s selfish really. I’ve felt increasingly disconnected from women, and myself. I’ve become silent in the wrong ways, contained when I’d benefit from sharing, shut down when what I crave most is community. It’s hurt me emotionally, and it’s hurt me spiritually, and this isolation has spilled into my work making writing harder and harder because I can’t find words anymore. I’ve spent so much of the past 7 years buttoning myself down, gritting my teeth, holding tightly to faith and sheer will power that I feel as if I’m slowly turning to stone. My silence has created more silence, and the silence and grinding of teeth, and clamping of jaw, and holding … Continue reading I’ve Missed My Voice →

Somewhere Out There with Amy Hatvany

March 2, 2016 · 27 comments

I met Amy Hatvany at the Tucson book festival number of years ago.  We were on the same panel and I felt like I had met my soul sister.  I loved her from the start and am a fan of her books and her massive heart.  So delighted to have Amy on my blog as she shares about her new release,Somewhere Out There. Here’s Amy! As so often happens in my writing life, the idea for Somewhere Out There began in the smallest of ways, after my cousin—a wonderful, single man who has fostered and adopted several children over the years—told me how one of the young boys he was fostering reacted upon seeing a fully stocked pantry in their home. This … Continue reading Somewhere Out There with Amy Hatvany →

Celebrating Life & Love

September 17, 2015 · 136 comments

Four years ago today Ty and I married in Las Vegas.  We wanted a celebration, and we wanted it to be fun.  I hadn’t planned on ever marrying again and I’m a deeply spiritual person but being married by Elvis in a tacky little chapel seemed right.   Why? Because it was Ty and me, combined, doing this–love, life, marriage–our way.  We’d done everything backward to that point and so making our wedding uniquely us, felt right.  It felt hopeful and fresh, making our commitment, new and strong. In just minutes we’re taking off for the Dana Point Harbor to take a boat to Catalina for the night.  It’s a quickie escape as we’ll be back by noon tomorrow, but … Continue reading Celebrating Life & Love →

It’s You Release Day!

June 2, 2015 · 24 comments

It’s finally here!  Release day for It’s You and I couldn’t be happier.  This is a very special book for me and I’ve really been looking forward to sharing it with you all.  It’s You tells a story of love, loss and healing, focusing on Ali and Edie, two women who have both lost the man they loved. Early reviews have been very favorable so I’ve got hopes that you’ll love reading this one too.  It’s very different from what I’ve written before so I can’t wait for your feedback!  Do write and let me know what you think once you’ve had a chance to read it.  And if you have a few minutes extra, please consider leaving a review on … Continue reading It’s You Release Day! →

Crabby But True

January 14, 2014 · 119 comments

It’s been a rough start to 2014 and I don’t say this so anyone emails me, or says, feel better, because honestly, I won’t ‘feel better’ until one of my chicks is better, and the only way he gets better is if he begins to want it, too. A couple readers seeing my Facebook posts wanted me to cheer up and say more happy things and it made me growl a bit at my computer. I’m not an actress.  I’m not an entertainment personality.  I’m a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, woman, writer, and now, publisher. But mostly a mom, wife, woman.  I’m that woman.  I’ve got a four and a half year old that won’t sleep unless you go … Continue reading Crabby But True →

Ringing in the New Year with Elizabeth Boyle

January 2, 2014 · 88 comments

I am returning to California from Hawaii today and asked Elizabeth Boyle, my very good friend, and a very long time friend (having known her since 1996!) to join my on my blog today for a special new year’s message, and its one I know you will enjoy. Without further ado, here’s Elizabeth! This Year: Faith Several years ago–about this time of year–I was reading a blog by Cathy Maxwell and she talked about taking a word each year and using it as a guiding light for the coming months. Her word that year was Create. While I knew that a lot of people did that each year, I’d never been much interested in trying it out, but something about Cathy’s … Continue reading Ringing in the New Year with Elizabeth Boyle →

The Year & A New Year

December 30, 2013 · 191 comments

I don’t write as many JaneBlogs as I used to.  I have been featuring many guest authors and friends because it feels strange to always talk about me and my books.  I know many of you are here, or follow me, because you enjoy my books, but as the career has continued and the deadlines accumulate and the manuscripts wrap up, I can’t help feeling a bit like a fictional character myself…telling you this bit of news and that, trying to be cheerful and positive, and entertaining while still being real and honest. And so I invite friends to join me here, and ask them to blog, and try to show some love and light onto others. But today I … Continue reading The Year & A New Year →

Back in Hawaii

July 27, 2013 · 116 comments

I’m back in Hawaii and so enjoying the time with my boys.  It’s been six weeks since I saw my guy Ty and three weeks since I held Mac.  It’s so good to be back with them both, and now Jake arrives from California tomorrow with a couple of friends.   All I need is son Ty to be here too so I’d have my whole family with me, and it would be perfect!  Unfortunately, I have to wait another 2 weeks to see that boy.  It’s a tough summer this year with everyone spread out in so many different directions. Conference in Atlanta was fantastic – hectic but so much fun.  It was great to see my editors and … Continue reading Back in Hawaii →

Featured Author: Megan Crane

April 16, 2013 · 105 comments

You  know I love my Megan.  She’s not only a fantastic writer friend, she’s one of my ‘real life’ best friends and I adore her.  We met in NYC at the launch party for Grand Central’s 5 Spot line in the Fall of ’05, had dinner with our mutual editor, Karen K, and over time became friends.  I started in romance, and ventured into chick lit/women’s fiction, while Megan started in chick lit/women’s fiction, and ventured into romance.  We both now write  romance and WF, with Megan’s romance alter-ego being Caitlin Crews. Caitlin has lots of fantastic Harlequin Presents out again this year.  She’s truly one of Harlequin’s rising stars and I’m a huge fan.  I’m also a huge fan … Continue reading Featured Author: Megan Crane →