Jen Gilroy's Blog, page 4

International Women’s Day: Inspiration from ordinary women

International Women’s Day is March 8 during what is also Women’s History Month in many countries.

It’s a day to recognize women’s achievements, particularly in ways that have made a positive difference to society or for women and girls (for example, women’s contributions during both World Wars and winning the right to vote).

While I acknowledge and appreciate the trailblazing women who have come before me, many ordinary women have also inspired me.

Here are four things these “unsung heroines” have taught me.

Putting the kettle on for a cuppa makes life better

From my British female family and friends, I learned the restorative power of a cup of tea.

In life crises big and small, ‘I’ll put the kettle on’ is for me synonymous with listening, caring and meaningful conversations.

Women writers need other women writers

Throughout my writing career, I’ve been blessed with a supportive community of other women authors.

These women encourage me when things go wrong and are my cheerleaders when I succeed.

They inspire and console me and are there for me in writing and life, keeping me going in the roller-coaster business of publishing.

Writing is rewriting

Long before I wrote fiction for publication, while studying at a British university I wrote a postgraduate thesis.

At the circa twenty-fifth draft of an especially troublesome chapter, my research supervisor, one of a few women then in a senior academic role, said that rewriting wasn’t only making the work stronger.

It was also making me stronger.

I still hold to that advice personally and professionally.

Motherly wisdom…for Mothering Sunday

This coming Sunday, 10 March, is British Mother’s Day. Since English Rose was born in England it’s a time to celebrate my ‘mum life.’

However, I also celebrate the wisdom I gleaned from my own mother.

From ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ to ‘roll with the punches,’ my late mother’s voice is still woven through my daily life.

Along with ‘good manners never go out of style’ and ‘stand tall, say what you mean and don’t mumble,’ her wise words stand the test of time.

And finally a writing update…

In case you missed it in my monthly reader newsletter (subscribe here if you haven’t already) and you’d like to support me in my next book release, The Cowgirl Nanny for Harlequin Heartwarming, out in April, here’s how:

The Cowgirl Nanny is going on a review tour with JustRead Publicity Tours from April 10 to May 10.

If you’d like to read an advance ePub copy and post a review on sites like Goodreads, Amazon or BookBub, find out more & sign up here.

If you don’t review books, you can still support my book release in other ways.

Pre-order The Cowgirl Nanny in large-print paperback or ebook from Harlequin or other retailers here.

Ask your library to purchase it and/or mark it “want to read” on Goodreads.

A publisher visit, city life & special moments

If you follow my Facebook author page or X (formerly Twitter) you may know that this week I visited Harlequin (part of HarperCollins) in Toronto, Canada.

Harlequin publishes my sweet romance Montana Carters books for Heartwarming, one of their series lines, and visiting the office was an exciting “first” in my author life.

The “country mouse” visits the city

Since returning to Canada from England in 2015, I’ve lived in a small town and rural area.

Downtown Toronto, albeit a shock to the senses (including emergency sirens in the middle of the night outside my hotel), was also a reminder of a life I sometimes miss.

From being spoiled for choice with restaurants and cafes to the latest fashions, variety of shopping and numerous cultural attractions, Toronto is a cosmopolitan, international city.

On the forty-first floor of a high-rise tower, Harlequin’s office has sweeping views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario—a panorama that’s literally and figuratively much bigger than my everyday life.

The “author” meets her team 

Working alone in my home office and spending much of my time with fictional people who don’t actually exist, it’s easy to forget that when I finish a book manuscript a big team of people help bring it to publication.

First amongst these is my editor who helps me shape my story and make it the best it can be for readers. After several years of emails and Zoom calls, it was wonderful to meet and get to know my Heartwarming editor in person.

I also met several other editors whom I recognized from social media as well as members of the art department and PR and social media teams.

And from chatting about books, dogs and more, it was a joy to meet the “real” people behind online profiles.

There was also a delicious catered lunch, a perk of office life.

Filming social media content

Like other authors there that day, the main reason for my visit was to work with Harlequin’s PR and social media team to film online video content.

Although I expected it to be nerve-wracking, the friendly staff soon put me at ease.

I didn’t fall off the filming stool (the risk was real) and hopefully managed coherent replies to questions.

Books

Harlequin’s office has a large “free” bookshelf and visiting authors, me included, were invited to “help ourselves” to anything of interest.

And while I had poignant memories of my late mother, a keen reader and for whom top Harlequin author Debbie Macomber was a favourite, I felt Mom with me in spirit.

It seemed more than coincidental when I spotted one of Debbie’s books on a shelf below the Heartwarming titles.

Shopping

While my Toronto visit was brief, before heading back to the train station I diverted to the nearby Eaton Centre, a big shopping mall.

In my childhood, Eaton Centre seemed a magical place because on his own Toronto business trips my late dad got toys there for me that weren’t yet available in our hometown.

This week, I had some contemporary retail therapy there with sweet memories of my dad.

I love my small-town life but this country mouse also has a city side. And when I l exchanged my parka for the now vintage (but timeless!) black wool coat I bought years ago in London, UK, I rediscovered that urban part of myself.

Thanks to Harlequin for the warm welcome and making my visit so special in writing as well as life. 

Now to find shelf space for those books I brought home with me…

A year of courage and possibilities: My words for 2024

While I usually choose my word of the year much earlier, in 2024 it’s taken longer than I expected.

In fact, I’ve finally settled on two words rather than one but they’re linked.

First is “courage.”

Knowing already this year holds changes and challenges, I need the reminder that “courage” brings.

While I’ll still feel fear, facing uncertainty and challenges with a spirit of courage will help me better deal with and overcome obstacles.

That courage will also give me resilience and inner strength in difficult times.

My second word is “possibilities”

Along with courage, and while I enjoy my familiar routine, I also want to be open to possibilities and, like Floppy Ears, try new things.

Through “Try January” I only read books by new-to-me authors.

In February, I’m reconnecting with a cousin on my mother’s side of the family I haven’t seen since childhood.

And in each month of 2024, I want to do something special, new and meaningful.

Courage and possibilities

How are “courage” and possibilities” linked in my “word” of this year?

Courage is exploring possibilities and then turning those ideas into reality.

It’s easy to say “I wish I could,” or “I’d like to,” but it takes an extra push to move forward and actually “do.”

A guiding word

In previous years, my word has helped me in all sorts of ways and 2024 is already no exception.

As a speaker at last weekend’s “Let’s Talk Romance” event at Rideau Lakes Public Library, inspired by “courage” and “possibilities” I was more easily able to show my silly side.

Who knew that a Valentine’s Day streamer could become a feather boa?  And when it did, I had to join in!

See both the serious and more light-hearted sides of me in this short event video on Facebook here.

While I’m not about to go bungee jumping or ride a roller coaster, academic research says trying new things that fit with your interests and values can only be a good thing.

Sparking creativity to bringing more happiness and fun into my life and more, the courage to face my fears and embrace possibilities is part of what 2024 means for me.

If you need your own inspiration, check out this post, “Want to Break out of the Blues? Try Something New,” from the UW (University of Washington) Medical Centre in Seattle, U.S.A.

“Let’s Talk Romance”

With Valentine’s Day, the month of February is often known as being focused on love and romance.

This year, I’m delighted to be taking part in a special library event on Saturday, February 3rd, “Let’s Talk Romance,” organized by the Rideau Lakes Public Library in Elgin, Ontario, Canada.

I’m looking forward to meeting readers, and sharing why I write romance and a bit about my books and writing career.

Although the event is free, you need to register beforehand via EventBrite here.

I’ll be joined by movie producer Beth Stevenson, who has brought a number of romance books to the screen, and cover art photographer Bruno Crescia, who has provided photography for many romance book covers, including Harlequin.

It promises to a fun afternoon celebrating the magic of romance, and I hope those of you who are local to Eastern Ontario can join us.

There will be prizes for attendees too, including a special prize pack of books generously donated by my publisher, Harlequin, and from me, signed paperbacks of my Montana Carters books for Harlequin Heartwarming.

An author event also brings that perennial question of what to wear. In keeping with the romance theme, the heart-patterned top already in my wardrobe will hopefully be perfect.

But what about shoes?

Since I haven’t had an occasion to wear heels since before the start of the pandemic in February 2020, I’m still debating whether to risk the stilettos languishing in my closet or stick with trusty flats.

What will I share with attendees about why I write romance?

First and foremost, love stories of all kinds are about the healing power of positive relationships to transform our lives and give us hope.

Today, more than ever, such things are needed.

While I’m lucky to be able to share my stories with readers, I’m grateful to those readers who help me continue to do what I do, including all of you.

Other romance reader and writer activities in February

For those who can’t attend the “Let’s Talk Romance” event, the UK Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) promotes February as “Romance Reading Month.”

Follow the RNA on social media for all sorts of bookish special events and to find new-to-you authors.

For writers, Romance Writer’s Week with ProWriting Aid (12-16 February) features free online talks by many well-known authors to help you learn to write, edit and publish a romance novel.

Find out more and save your spot here. If you can’t attend live, sessions will be recorded and available for replay.

Whether with a romantic partner, friends, family or cherished pet…

I wish you the joy of love in your life not only in February but all year through.

My new year in life and writing

Hello, 2024!

With two new planners, a new writing planning notebook and several desk and wall calendars, as far as organization and time management go, I’m more than set for this new year.

However, a new year isn’t only about planning day-to-day activities.

For me, it’s also about looking at the bigger picture and setting some longer-term goals in writing and life.

Writing

I have two new books out this year, both from Harlequin Heartwarming, which will complete my four-story Montana Carters miniseries.

The Cowgirl Nanny in April is followed by A Rancher’s Return in October.

I hope you enjoy more visits to High Valley, Montana, the Tall Grass Ranch and Carter family.

Unfortunately, and since I have many UK friends and readers, my Harlequin Heartwarming books aren’t sold in the UK but paperbacks can still be ordered from Blackwell’s Online (with free delivery worldwide).

I’m also working on a new Harlequin proposal, and some new Second World War historical women’s fiction books and will share details when I can.

I’m excited about these stories and how they’re helping me stretch my writing muscles.

Life

Although I haven’t yet settled on ‘my word’ for 2024, ideas are percolating! Some years I choose my word early on but others it takes time to find the right fit.

However, from a long-delayed trip to my English ‘home’ to other things nearby, I already have several plans for this year which I’m looking forward to making come true.

And after not being well enough post-Covid to take part in ballet or Zumba classes last autumn, I’m excited to return to both—and better fitness—starting this weekend.

I also want to reconnect with friends and family with whom I’ve lost touch. From a cousin on my mother’s side of the family who lives only an hour away from me to a childhood pen friend I’ve spotted on Facebook, I want to re-establish and nurture meaningful connections this year.

Practicing gratitude

While my bout with Covid and ensuing medical journey taught me many things, perhaps the most important is it was a tangible reminder that life is short.

In 2024, I want to live more in the present and focus on everyday joys.

And while I’ve never had an official bucket list, I’m thinking there’s no better time to start.

First up? Inspired by my author friend Kate Field, it’s “Try January” where I’m only reading new-to-me authors this month.

I’ll be trying more new things each month this year, and I hope you enjoy following along with me.

Happy 2024 from Floppy Ears and I!

May the coming months bring you good things, new adventures and cozy times.

 

Warm holiday wishes & looking for the good in 2023

As we near the end of another year and much in our world continues to be in turmoil, I’m trying to focus on good things that have happened for me in 2023.

I hope you can do the same and celebrate blessings large or small.

Lake life

Our new lakeside cottage is a year-round place of peace and tranquillity, and I’m grateful for and cherish the special family memories we’re making there.

He alth

With help from my nurse practitioner, doctor and respiratory therapist, my asthma is under control.

And after dealing with various post-Covid symptoms since June, to my great relief the most concerning issue is now resolved.

Family and friends

Visits with family and friends, both online and in person, have supported, renewed and refreshed me in life and writing.

Writing

Through difficult times this year, my British literary agent has been a great source of encouragement as have author friends.

For 2024, I’m excited to start new projects and share new books with you.

First up is The Cowgirl Nanny, fourth in my Montana Carters miniseries for Harlequin Heartwarming in April (now available for pre-order in paperback or e-book, except in the UK).

Hope

If you read my blog regularly, you know that ‘hope’ has been my word for 2023. While life has knocked me down often this year, it’s also been a year when by living with hope I found it in return.

Looking towards 2024, I continue to keep an open heart and hold to hope to give me strength, find unexpected blessings and appreciate the promise and joy a new year brings.

Thank you for being part of my life and writing and wishing those of you who celebrate a happy holiday season and good things—and books—in 2024.

 

As for those 2024 books? One I’m excited about is my friend Rosey Lee’s debut, The Gardins of Edin, out on January 9.

It is receiving excellent advance reviews, and I know I’ll be engrossed by this heartwarming, contemporary women’s fiction story of an American Southern family, sisterhood and secrets.

Find out more about The Gardins of Edin on Rosey’s website here.

There’s also chance to win a gorgeous “Gardin Goodies Box” (US & Canada only) here.

I’m taking a break from blogging to enjoy Christmas and New Year with Tech Guy, English Rose and Floppy Ears, but will return with a new post the week of January 8.

Hello December and hello favourite holiday treats!

After a busy and stressful November, December has crept up on me.

While I’m not ready for the last month of the year, it’s also the season of favourite holiday treats.

Starting the month is an advent calendar. I’ve had one since childhood and it’s a tradition I also share annually with English Rose.

This year, and in the absence of the nativity advent calendars I chose when we lived in England, Tech Guy gave me a “Santa’s Workshop” chocolate calendar which will make me smile from December 1st until Christmas Eve.

I’m also excited about a holiday treat I’ve missed for almost a decade. Part of my Christmas present from Tech Guy is going as a family to see the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), my hometown company, perform The Nutcracker in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city.

While I know and love different versions of this iconic ballet, from an ice hockey game on a frozen pond to RCMP officers, polar bears and more, this one is uniquely Canadian and extra special.

I’m sending the fourth book in my Montana Carters miniseries to my Harlequin Heartwarming editor this Friday, and while I have to think about and write several short projects by early January, after this week I’ll be working at a slower pace.

That will give me time to make holiday cookies, write and send cards, parcels and email greetings and finish my shopping.

One of my favourite holiday treats is that ‘gift of time’ which I’ll spend with my family as well as reading holiday books, taking walks to see colourful lights and decorations and enjoying feel-good holiday films.

After the sudden, unexpected death of Dawn Dowdle, my U.S. literary agent a few weeks ago, I’m reminded more than ever that life is short and precious.

This season, as my heart goes out to her husband and daughter, I’ll remember Dawn who, in launching my writing career and as a friend and colleague, changed my life in ways I’ll always be grateful for.

I hope you enjoy your own favourite holiday treats this December and, no matter what you celebrate, meaningful moments with those you love.

Five random things…About me!

The fourth book in my Montana Carters miniseries for Harlequin Heartwarming, Molly’s Carter’s story, is due to my editor in two weeks.

That means I’m deep in my writing/editing cave, and the world of my story is more real than my actual life.

In this post, I’m sharing five random things from that “actual life,” several of which might even be new to those of you who know me well.

First, while I’ll read and watch most book genres and films, I avoid thrillers, horror and anything else scary. Real life can be frightening enough, and I don’t want to be terrified in fiction or on screen.

Second, my Grade 12 math class included a future professional (NHL) ice hockey player. Although we had nothing in common except for being in the same classroom, I suspect that like me, he too has never found any career-related use for algebraic identities.

Third, I’m the only member of my family who likes marzipan icing on Christmas cake. I’m also the only one who won’t eat that perennial British Christmas lunch favourite, Brussel sprouts.

Fourth, When I was four, almost five, I was the flower girl at my oldest cousin’s wedding. I wore a beautiful pink dress, made with love by my mother, and pink is still my favourite colour.

Fifth, Tech Guy and I met at a dinner club for singles. However, we only began chatting when he spilled coffee, and I wanted to try to put him at ease.

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So now you know five random things about me from childhood on. 

And as a romance writer, the last is both cherished memory and my very own “meet-cute.”

Living with hope, my word for 2023

When I chose ‘hope’ as ‘my word’ for 2023, I had no idea how relevant it would be.

However, I also didn’t anticipate the challenges of living my life with hope throughout a succession of difficult months.

On X (formerly Twitter) recently, another author asked (paraphrasing) if anyone else felt an imminent sense of “doom.”

Judging by the replies, I’m not alone in feeling more anxious than usual.

Even a cursory glance at the daily news headlines is an exercise in doomscrolling with little to no uplifting content.

And in my own life, this year so far has been tough.

From personal and family upheaval to writing turmoil and the full force of Murphy’s Law (anything that can go wrong will), it’s been far from smooth sailing.

Like Floppy Ears on a cold morning, I often want to burrow under a blanket and stay there!

Yet, guided by hope, I’ve found encouragement from unexpected sources, moved forward by taking small steps and learned not to underestimate the power of a hopeful outlook.

All these have helped me find blessings amongst chaos and inspiration, including from those who’ve gone before me, via stories of struggle, courage, resilience and resourcefulness.

However, and along with world news, this week has been especially grim.

With painful tendinitis (tendonitis) in my left (dominant) arm, I’m on a book deadline but can only write for a limited time and solely by wearing an arm brace.

I have more than my usual mum-life worries for English Rose at university.

Floppy Ears has a persistent ear infection, the car trunk (boot) latch broke, and a specialist medical referral I’d counted on was declined.

Yet, reading Lisa Schroeder’s See You on a Starry Night, a 2018 middle grade story about the power and magic of friendship, has given me reassurance and hope.

Several references to “everything working out in the end” were a poignant reminder of my late dad.

Since that was one of his oft-repeated phrases, for a moment, on the cusp of what would have been his birthday, I felt his presence and familiar love and care.

Coincidence, perhaps, but I prefer to think it was more a sign of hope when I needed one.

For other hopeful reading, check out this list from the UK edition of Good Housekeeping.

To quote American romance author Susan Elizabeth Phillips, “Life’s too short to read depressing books!” And as she also says at the end of her author bio, “Now go hug someone special.”

While we can’t solve the world’s problems, a hug can give solace in hard times. So from me to you, virtual hugs and hope as we continue on together.

Rediscovering the joy of reading

After being hit hard with Covid in June, some symptoms lingered throughout the summer.

And with “brain fog” and almost continuous migraines, I wasn’t able to read much—or remember what I’d read (or heard when listening to audiobooks) from one moment to the next.

While there are many worse things in life than missing reading, as someone who usually has a book (or more) in hand, I didn’t quite know what to do with myself.

As post-Covid symptoms began to ease, returning to familiar stories like Noel Streatfeild’s Ballet Shoes which I’d read many times before, seemed to help my “fuzzy brain” continue to heal.

Then, I tackled new-to-me children’s and shorter young adult titles, part of a broader goal to read at least one such book each month in 2023.

Amongst these, I especially enjoyed two Canadian stories.

The first, Kristli’s Trees by Mabel Dunham, is the heartwarming story of an eight-year-old Mennonite boy living on an Ontario farm in the 1940s and won the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award in 1948.

The second, Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Shepphard, is a beautiful but often heartbreaking young adult family saga about three girls—cousins—coming of age in an isolated outport community in 1960s Newfoundland (first published in 2002).

And finally, despite reading more slowly than I did before Covid and fewer books at a time, I’ve now started two adult titles.

What’s on my nightstand at present?

Favourite author Sarah Morgan, who never disappoints, has a new release, The Book Club Hotel.

This cozy, feel-good holiday read about female friendship and the power of books to heal is exactly what I need to get back into reading full-length novels.

I’m reading a fascinating non-fiction book as well, The Button Box by Lynn Knight, a present from dear author friend Susanna Bavin (who also writes as Maisie Thomas and Polly Heron), and is “the story of women in the twentieth century, told through the clothes they wore.”

As a writer, I don’t only enjoy reading, but I need to read as widely as possible for my job. Books written by others help me learn and develop my own writing craft.

Yet, I’ll always be a reader first and especially at this grim and troubled time, escaping into fiction benefits my mental and emotional health and gives me hope.

So, rather than lamenting my teetering TBR (to-be-read) pile, both physical and electronic, I’m instead excited to tackle it.

And thanks to Covid and its after-effects, I’ll never again take for granted the privilege of reading and joy books bring to my life.