The Early Pioneers and Innovators

The spark that ignited this blog post came from two things: our trip to Nebraska to see our daughter in September (we always take the roads less traveled) and my recent novel, Love's Intuition that is set in the Montana Territory in the 1800's. 

As we drove over the Mississippi River bridge from Illinois into Iowa, I wondered how the pioneers who were heading west managed to cross the massive river with their wagons and horses. I was in awe of the mighty Mississippi and I'm sure they were as well. However, the pioneers surely had to regard it as a major setback in their journey. They were problem solvers. Brilliant minds who wouldn't be deterred in their quest for a better life. I had to know how they got across and an internet search provided the answer. They dismantled their wagons, piece by piece. Using makeshift canoes, they ferried people and wagon parts from one side of the river to the other. Can you imagine the patience it would take to go to all that trouble? As someone who's hyper, I'd probably implode. 

The early pioneers endured much. Danger. Wild animals. Insects. Diseases. Rugged terrain. Lack of food and fresh water. All kinds of weather. Thinking from a modern perspective, they handled it without the use of ibuprofen or Tylenol, chiropractors or access to other medical care. They did have whiskey, which helped a little to ease their aches and pains.

 

Compared to those who've gone before us, we have it good. We owe them a debt of gratitude for blazing the trails and providing rough innovations that years later have made life easier for us.

In Love's Intuition, Emelee and Bodie endured some of those same hardships and came out the other side, stronger and in love. 

 Amazon 

 

Thank you for popping into my blog. I appreciate your visit.

Love,

Jan

     

Discovering New Settings!

I'm currently writing two different contemporary romance stories. One is a friends-to-lovers tale where the male lead (Henry) graduated from a small town, went to college in another state and for a number of years worked in a big city. He's slowly making his way back home. As soon as he reconnects with a former high school friend and classmate (Brynn) at another classmate's wedding, he's even more eager to return to the small town.

I'll be revealing Henry and Brynn's characters a little at a time, using a variety of ways - settings will be one of them. I've brainstormed different places that can show my readers who they are. I'm counting on those settings to also help guide the plot. A unique burger joint I'd read about on social media sounded like it could be one of Henry's go-to places. Yesterday I took a road trip to find out and I'm glad I did. It was perfect for Henry, and in the story, I'll have the wait staff know him on a first name basis. To me, the restaurant felt like a hidden treasure in a city with a huge selection of other dining options. Ideas for the story came in droves while I was there. The restaurant was out of the way for me to drive to, yet it was worth my time and effort.

The internet makes it easy to nail down certain settings, sometimes though (if you can) it's better to do research in person to get a feel for what your characters will experience.   

Thank you for popping in to read my post. I appreciate your visit more than I can express.

Love,

Jan

#writing #creativity #research #storytelling #FindlayOhio #romance 

 

   

  

Powering into 2025

I love when the calendar flips from one year to the next because it feels like a fresh start. In order to power forward though, it's good to reflect on how the previous year had gone.

2024 was a year of firsts: 

That's us crossing the finish line!

Hubby and I took part in four 5k run-walks. We mostly walked, but we also ran a little so we could say we ran in the 5k. In one particular race, I won my first medal ever!! To be honest, there were only 2 of us in my age group. I was bound to win a medal regardless. Still, it made me grin to walk up and accept it. 

I published my first non-fiction book. Ignite Your Creativity. It's a quick guide to stirring your talent, with 99 writing prompts. I have to admit it was a fun and easy book to write. (They all don't have to be difficult. Right?)

Another exciting project was to dust off a story I'd written eons ago - a historical romantic fiction set in the 1800's. It was a challenge to get Love's Intuition in ship-shape since I'd originally composed the story when I knew very little about story structure. I loved doing research for the time period.

Writing Christmas stories wasn't new for me, but writing one with a royal flair took me down a whole different path. I enjoy watching Hallmark movies and thought I'd try my own version of a royal Christmas story. Voila! I put Prince Frederik Ian Vincent of Waltingham and Ayvri Scott together in The Prince's Christmas Wish.

So what lies ahead for 2025?

First and foremost, giving thanks to God for another year! 

More 5k run-walks? Absolutely. Hopefully even a 10k. 

Another non-fiction book? I have the kernel of an idea for one. I'll have to give it more thought, but it's a strong possibility. 

I'm already working on book 4 in my Coffee & Dessert in Key West Series. This is Rhianne's story. My hope is to publish it either late March or early April. 

I also have 11 pages written so far for a friends-to-lover's story, which I hope to publish in the summer. 

In March I'll be taking part in an author meet and greet with other authors at Riverside Art Center in Wapakoneta, OH.

I'll be speaking to a fine group of women in September about my books and the writing process.

Reading is always a big part of my life. I hope to enjoy lots of downtime with my nose buried in a book.

  

A river cruise with friends in the southeast part of the U.S. will happen in the spring.    

Hopefully we'll be visiting our daughter and her family in Nebraska a few times this year and explore the Corn Husker State with them.

My greatest wish for 2025 is to stay focused on what's important:  faith, family, friends, and country, everything else is just a bonus. 

Much love to all of you!

~ Jan