Follow
Follow
EmailWhy do I write?
Posted Feb 8 2019 in About Jen, Reading, Writing, Writing craft
In a Facebook group this week, another writer asked: “Why do you write?” While the answer is different for each writer, the question made me think about the constants from when I first started my writing journey—enthusiastic and starry eyed—through to now—still enthusiastic but more realistic. Making sense of the world Making sense of the […]
Read More...Reading habits
Posted Aug 31 2018 in About Jen, Authors, Books, Lena Gregory, Reading, Writing
One of my Facebook friends, cozy mystery author Lena Gregory, recently posted a question about reading habits, asking “how many books do you read on average?” She also noted that while she “used to read between three and five books a week,” these days, her reading time isn’t nearly as plentiful. Lena’s question intrigued me, […]
Read More...Celebrating fictional heroines: My top five
Posted Jun 8 2018 in About Jen, Authors, Books, History, Reading, Writing
In each story I write, I aim to create strong, independent heroines who face real-life challenges that other women can relate to. I’ve realized, though, that the heroines and their journeys I create in my own books have much to do with my favourite fictional heroines—the girls and women who shaped me as a person, as […]
Read More...Advice for life after the happy ending
Posted May 11 2018 in About Jen, Family, The Cottage at Firefly Lake, Writing
In romantic fiction, happy endings are a given. However, one of the reasons I enjoy writing (and reading) epilogues, as well as books in a series, is because I can dip into the lives of characters after the main story ends and they’re living their happy ever after (HEA). In the book I’m currently writing, […]
Read More...My writing life
Posted Mar 30 2018 in About Jen, Firefly Lake, Friendship, Publishing, Writing, Writing craft
I don’t often blog about writing, but in the past few months I’ve been thinking about what and why I write. Whilst these experiences are mine, I suspect that published or not, other writers will recognize bits of themselves in me. And if you’re a reader, I hope this post gives you some “inside insight” […]
Read More...Love is…a few of my favourite things
Posted Feb 16 2018 in About Jen, Family, Friendship, Gratitude, Home, Reading, Small town life, Writing
Since February is the month of love, it’s a chance to celebrate a few of my favourite things and remind myself to be grateful for blessings big and small. 1. My family Tech Guy buys me chocolate “just because.” And when I’m on deadline, English Rose makes sure I remember to eat. In these and so […]
Read More...Resolutions for a new year: “With a Little Help From My Friends”
Posted Jan 5 2018 in England, Kate Field, New beginnings, Susanna Bavin, Word for the year, Writing
Now that the holidays are over, and it’s time to look ahead to the New Year, I’ve decided to devote this first blog of 2018 to resolutions—not just mine, but also those of three good friends from across The Pond. Tara Greaves, Kate Field and Susanna Bavin are all fellow-writers, but the resolutions we’ve made […]
Read More...Meet me at the diner – Contemporary romance author Jennifer Wilck
Posted Nov 3 2017 in Food, Jennifer Wilck, Meet me at the diner, Reading, Writing, Writing craft
If you read my blog regularly, you know that I occasionally feature writer friends in a series called “Meet Me at the Diner.” Today it’s my pleasure to welcome Jennifer Wilck, a contemporary romance author with the Wild Rose Press. I met Jennifer at the Romance Writers of America’s national conference in New York City […]
Read More...My reading life
Posted Sep 22 2017 in About Jen, Authors, Canada, England, History, Reading, Travel, Writing
Long before I became an author, I was, and still am, an avid reader. Since early childhood, reading has been a huge part of my life—so much so that I’m always perplexed when asked how I find time to “fit” reading in. How could I not fit it in? Reading is almost as fundamental to me […]
Read More...Endings and new beginnings
Posted Sep 8 2017 in About Jen, Back Home at Firefly Lake, Canada, Family, New beginnings, Summer on Firefly Lake, Writing
The leaves on the maple trees are changing from green to red, yellow, and orange here in the Rideau Valley, and as another summer transitions to autumn, endings and new beginnings are much on my mind. English Rose started high school this week, a major life milestone for her and me as well. In what […]
Read More...The Latest News
- Feb 15, 2019: Penguin Verlag acquires German rights to Firefly Lake series
- Dec 11, 2018: Take Two Characters: Jen Gilroy chooses two of her favourite fictional people — Guest post, author Susanna Bavin’s blog
- Oct 12, 2018: Writing workshop for North Grenville Writers Circle
- May 29, 2018: All About Books — Guest post on Odd Socks and Lollipops
- Dec 18, 2017: My favourite holiday books as a child — Guest post, That Artsy Reader Girl, A Bookish Little Christmas
- Dec 17, 2017: How I find writing inspiration – Guest post, ChickLit Club
- Dec 16, 2017: My favourite fireside reads for the holidays – Guest post, Fresh Fiction
- Dec 15, 2017: Having a happy (British) Christmas in Canada — Guest post, Bookish Jottings
- Dec 13, 2017: What the winter months mean to me – Guest post at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
- Dec 12, 2017: My favourite holiday traditions – Guest post, Smexy Books
