|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| Home | Newsletters | Interviews | Links | Site Map |
|
 |
A Closer Look |
||||||||
|
Hi and welcome to A Closer Look! This is a new feature at Writerspace and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring you A Closer Look at some of the best Romance novels that simply shouldn't be missed.
I was surfing the web recently and discovered some amazing statistics. Did you know that romance book sales generated approximately $1.37 billion in sales in 2000? And did you know there were ONLY *g* 2,289 romance novels released in 2000? That's approximately 190 books a month!! Now think about how many books You read each month. Mind boggling, isn't it? All those books and authors out there waiting to be discovered....
What are the chances that people like you and me got the opportunity to read even half of them..... okay realistically, even a quarter of them last year? I know I'm always finding new books and new authors; many of them have been around for years and I've only just discovered them recently and so glad that I did!
If you're a voracious reader like me, you probably can't get enough of romance novels and each time you discover a new author whose work you enjoy immensely, you probably get all excited and rush out to grab her entire back list. Right?
Sometimes it's an author you've always adored but when her last book came out, you didn't get a chance to buy a copy or you simply didn't realize there was a new one to be on the lookout for. Happens to me all the time. I mean, come on, seriously, how many books do you buy each month without stopping to think about those credit card or utility bills, grocery money or facing up to your own hunky hero at home - who is now your pleasure master and slave - without cringing when he catches you sneaking home with another shopping bag almost bursting with romance books? And if you're anything like me, you're hiding them in every nook and cranny your honey won't go peeking into until you can casually..... innocently...... underhandedly *g* add them to your ever increasing TBR (to-be-read) pile!!
Well, if you can relate to all of the above, A Closer Look is just the right column for you! With the kind and generous support of the publishers and authors of romance, I am pleased to bring you A Closer Look at some of the hottest and unforgettable romances the industry has to offer! Not only can you discover books you may have missed, but sometimes, you can even get a brand new autographed copy, along with some other great goodies, just for the price of postage! That's a pretty good deal, don't you think? And you won't even have to try and be sneaky or underhanded to add it to you tbr pile! *g*
I hope you enjoy this column and if you have any comments or suggestions, please drop me a line!
If you would like to have one of your previous, current or upcoming releases featured in my column, please feel free to email me at anytime. I'd love to take A CLOSER LOOK at some of your books!
A Closer Look
* Karen White
|
I first met Jane Porter in the first week of November in 2000. She was giving a workshop at an RWA chapter and though I wasn't a member at the time, I begged an accquaintance to invite me as a guest just so I could sit in on the workshop. All I knew about Jane at that point was that she'd signed on with Harlequin Presents and her debut novel, THE ITALIAN GROOM would hit the shelves in March of 2001. I sat through the workshop, intrigued by her passion and enthusiasm for the craft and then attended the multi-author book-signing too, finally getting a chance to speak with Jane in person. I couldn't tell you much about I said to her - I was too nervous and tongue-tied to commit the conversation to memory. (Large crowds and Lee Hyat just Do Not go together!) But what I can tell you, is that I didn't forget her. She made a lasting impression in those few brief moments. I'm not talking about her great looks or her pretty smile. I'm referring purely to her personality. She's unforgettable because when she connects with a person, she makes them feel really important and special. And in my book, that says a lot about a person.
Until last year I liked her for the wonderfully talented author she has proved herself to be. Today I admire her for the woman she is; for her dedication to her goals, her zest for life, her determination to succeed, her passion as a mother, her consideration and compassion for friends and loved ones, her wonderful sense of humor and the ability to laugh at herself, and most of all, for her generous and warm-hearted personality. Jane is elegant and graceful, soft-spoken yet so refreshing - like that first breath of crisp Spring air. And I love her laugh - it's infectious.
Jane's good friend Joan Lambert is another person who has experienced 'the magic of Jane' first hand. "Jane was one of the first people I met when I moved from California to Seattle six years ago. I didn't know anyone in Seattle and was going crazy staying home with my two young children. I called Jane who was listed as a reference for a preschool. I was happy just to be speaking to an adult after being home all day with my toddler and 4 year old. We had spoken for only a few minutes when, out of the blue, Jane asked if my family wanted to come over for dinner. I was so touched and right then realized that it WAS possibly to make new friends in this new city. Jane is the kind of person who would not hesitate to invite a virtual stranger into her home. She is warm, welcoming, and just a tad bit impulsive. That first night over an amazing barbeque dinner, I soon learned that she also has a wry sense of humor.
We hit it off immediately and have been close friends ever since. And we never would have become friends if Jane hadn't invited me over after that phone conversation. I'm so grateful that she did.
She always brings out the best tablecloths and linens and elegantly sets the table even if it's just a few friends coming over for a casual dinner. She is a hostess in the old-fashioned sense and always makes sure that everyone at her house is taken care of. She is always the last to sit down to eat. Jane has a true eye for detail and her house is always decorated beautifully--not formal, but comfortably and with lots of color and warmth. I think it is truly a reflection of her personality."
Jane is also open-minded...another admirable trait. This was best evidenced when she allowed me, years back, to talk to her class of elementary school kids about one of my hobbies/ obsessions....Bigfoot. As I recall, Jane stood to the side, stifling guffaws, as I proceeded to lay out cogent arguments why a type of unclassified type of relic hominid may very well still exist in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest. I'm sure the kids will be mentally scarred for life, but bravo to Jane for allowing me to espouse my beliefs. One other thing I would like to share about Jane is this...she has a cool walk. It's kind of a sturdy, determined, fast-paced gait that would qualify her as the prettiest sheriff, rodeo rider or construction foreman in any town."
Yet with all these wonderful qualities in her personality, Jane is still a modest and down-to-earth, honest woman. She shoots from the hip and expects the same in return. There are no chips on her shoulder and no airs of self-importance.
Aside from writing, Jane's favorite hobbies include reading and plenty of travel. She's always on the go and airports are a regular haunt for her. And if she's not flying off to places like San Francisco or Hawaii or Canada or Australia, she's driving somewhere to give a workshop or finding the time to share her experiences as an author to help others become better writers.
Jane's close friend, Sinclair Sawhney, revealed how much Jane's advice has helped her with her writing. "I’ve known Jane for six years now. Even as I think about Jane a million thoughts bombard my neurons. But none of my supposed insights and memories of Jane could begin to encapsulate the affection, respect, humor and need I feel for her. And while I have many memories of me and Jane having soul bearing chats about our (what we think are funny and chick power) observations of life and our struggles with a particular book or scene which necessitate a late night, emergency scene dissection accompanied by a full glass of red wine---Jade Mountain Mouvedre is our current fave---the two moments that stand out strongest in my mind were at Tully’s long ago perhaps my first year writing. With my newborn son snoozing in his carseat by the fire, she wildly waved my second manuscript that bled blue ink in her distinctive and impatient scrawl.
"What is it you like about men?" she demanded ignoring the midmorning and now curious rush of latteholics. "This guy’s not heroic! He’s horrible!"
She was, as she always is, right, only it took me a few days to accept that. And she really had me puzzled for a few scary moments. Was I gay and too clueless to know it?
And then with my third manuscript. Same Tullys. Same baby sleeping only now a few months older and on a baby blanket on the floor with a giraffe rattle clutched in his fingers.
"I hate this girl. I’m sorry. But I hate her. Look at this I had to stop writing after ten pages. I can’t stand her. She’s a twit.”
And she was.
The point of these memories is not about Jane being harsh. She’s loving, generous and kind. But Jane has courage and fierce dedication to her muse and craft. She’s also fiercely loyal. These traits demand that she speak her mind. Do you realize the cojones it takes to look a friend in the eye and tell them something they have to know if they are to improve, but which you know will temporarily render them speechless and emotionally devastated? I admire her for really “letting me have it” as I call it. She inspires me to constantly rework a scene until I loooooooooove it and the characters sing.
I rewrote and rewrote twit girl and that was the first full manuscript request I received. So much of what I’ve learned and how I continue to hone my craft is because of Jane. I trust her implicitly because she pulls no punches. Not with me. Not with anyone. And especially not with herself.
For Jane, it’s all about the craft. And about constantly striving to be a better vessel for the craft. Jane knows writing is tough and scary but if you’re going to navigate across the stormy and foggy seas of novel writing, you’re going to hit a lot of rocks. But you have to push off from rocks or the shore over and over. You have to keep setting sail. Jane is my lighthouse."
Jane's favorite place is at home, where she sits at her desk on grey, rainy Seattle days and creates stories that let her imagination soar.
Her mother, Marybeth Higuera, pictured here with Jane on a family ski vacation, shared more about Jane's creativity. "When Jane wasn’t curled up with a book reading or writing she was creating in other ways. Our family entertained guests frequently and had an open door policy for evening meals. Jane loved to set the table utilizing our many different table linens and colorful glassware. She always surprised us with unique centerpieces she had designed from flowers in the garden.
Often we were provided entertainment in the way of skits produced by Jane utilizing the children of family and friends. She had a treasure chest of costume materials and endless ideas to convert the living room into a stage.
We had lots of family fun!"
When she's not writing or working on the business part of her career, Jane's most cherished past time is being a Mom to her two boys. "I love anything to do with my kids--movies, their sports and activities. My boys, Ty and Jake are 6 and 10 and they're so much fun right now and such great company. I know being a mom isn't supposed to be a hobby but it's wonderful to escape from the intense writing world in my head and just wrestle with them and hug them and laugh."
Jane's debut novel caused a stir on the horizon of Harlequin Presents and the other books that followed proved again and again that she has a natural love for story-telling that doesn't necessarily come easy to most writers. Her books aren't 'fluff'. In my opinion, they don't qualify as light reading - the kind you read and toss over your shoulder as you move onto the next light read. No. Jane's books, at least for me, are always deeper. She writes stories with heart, stories that look beyond the thin layer of feel-good reads and really delve deeper into the psyche and touch the soul of the reader. Each story has to mean something - have an intensity that really makes one step back and examine the whole plot thoughtfully. And most times, the reader walks away not only having learnt so much about Jane's characters and her own personality, but perhaps also about themselves.
Jane's two favorite activities as a girl were reading and writing. She and I both loved reading the Wizard of Oz books and we traded off giving each other the books in the series for birthdays and Christmas until we had the entire set. I seem to recall her favorite books were the series by Luisa May Alcott and Laura Ingles Wilder (though she may have a different memory).
She knew since she was a young girl that she wanted to write. Whenever people would ask her what she wanted to be when she grew up she said, "a writer." She wrote all the time, whether it was poetry or in her diary. I once made a bet with her about which of the two of us would be most famous. She knew she was going to be an author. That was a dumb bet."
Her sister Kathy added, "If I could describe Jane, it would be as a cross between Jo and Amy from Little Women. Jane grew from a very intelligent and intense girl into an intelligent and passionate, and committed woman. I believe that Jane must have began her writing career even before she was ten. I remember journals, short stories and even a book she had completed in the bedroom we shared in Visalia. My only frustration was that she could find good hiding places for them! Jane was not only the writer in the family, but she also played director and prima ballerina. Periodically, when my parents would have friends over, we children would put on a play or a ballet for entertainment. Jane always seemed to have the more attractive costume and the important roles. Certainly those plays were when we were younger!
This May marks a turning point in Jane's career with the release of her first single title chick lit release, THE FROG PRINCE, a modern day fairy tale set in San Francisco. Jane has always wanted to write longer books with more depth and emotion and with her latest offering, she's made a stunning entrance on the horizon of women's fiction. If you've enjoyed Jane's Harlequin Presents novels, if you've loved the emotional intensity and heart-warming stories she's written for the Presents line, you'll love the intensity of THE FROG PRINCE.
Now Holly Bishop is about to write a new chapter in her life. She moves to San Francisco to become an event planner—only to find she is dealing with a gorgeous fairy godmother for a boss and corporate witches wicked enough to sabotage her future. Not to mention the egomaniacal frogs Holly finds lurking at the bottom of the dating pool. With no one to save her, will Holly slay the dragons herself and stand on her own for the very first time? Will the man behind the mask at her costume ball make her believe in love again? And will she risk giving up her dreams to become the heroine of her own story?
This book will touch your heart. I promise you. It's painfully funny, beautifully written and so achingly accurate. I found myself identifying with Holly right from the start. I think that's one of the reasons I really loved her story. She came alive in those pages as if she truly was a real person. The sort of 'good-girl' I was brought up to be - the sort so many of us were brought up to be. The emotions are intense and so true - and very resonant of everyday doubts and fears we all have at some point or another but never dare to admit to anyone else. That's what made the story so beautiful for me. So believable. Looking into Holly' heart and mind was like staring into my own - her struggles with the 'good-girl syndrome' were achingly familiar and her journey to becoming the warrior princess all the more enthralling for that very reason.
Once you read THE FROG PRINCE, you'll see for yourself it has strong reflections of Jane's personality. Holly's quest for that happily ever after and obtaining self-assurance and inner peace led me to ask Jane if she'd found her own happily-ever-after. She replied, "Yes, I think I have. My life is amazing. I feel so lucky and crazy all at the same time. I take more risks now than I ever have. I work harder than I ever have. I play harder too. I'm sometimes juggling so many balls I lose count of exactly how many I have in the air, but that also thrills me. My kids thrill me. The writing thrills me. My friends and and family and industry colleauges are the best. I've learned that there isn't just one kind of happiness - there's many. I think once women learn to ask for more - demand more - they'll feel empowered. No victims, is my mantra. Just warrior women."
USA Today's bestselling author, Elizabeth Boyle commented, "I think the title of Jane’s new book, THE FROG PRINCE, is in so many ways indicative of Jane herself. The first thing anyone will think about Jane is how lovely she is, and then you realize is that beauty goes well beyond the surface—that deep down, Jane has a generous and well-meaning soul. The world may not always be perfect, but with Jane as a friend it is easy to imagine that you can slay dragons or just at the very least have a friend who will listen. What I admire most about Jane is that she is a writer’s writer. She loves words and putting them together, telling a story and getting it just so. She is so open and honest in her writing, letting her own angst and feelings slide onto the pages. That she shares her fears and hopes with all of us in such a trusting manner, you can’t help but feel that you’ve been granted a peek into her heart."
Another dear friend, Tonya Vossler, said "I was Jane's first boss out of college. She came to work for our investment group at Prudential-Bache in Fresno, California. She was hired to write various marketing publications and for other jobs for the team. She worked for us close to a year. After that she began working for an airline company doing sales.
Jane and I clicked right away. We both were in Fresno and from small valley towns, she from Visalia and myself, Porterville. So we already had a connection. After she left our firm, our friendship continued to blossom. We did many things together. I was married and had a child. She loved kids. So coming along on adventures with my toddler was fun for Jane. We also went out together with my husband and her significant others. She was always carefree, fun to be with, energetic, had something to say about what was going on in the world, and insightful in helping you work out your day to day problems.
We continued to bond. During this time period, I found out I had cancer. She had moved on to San Francisco. Jane called me all the time to find out how I was and to offer her prayers. She sent me gifts constantly. I went up to see her as I was feeling better on several occasions. She was the true hostess. She would do everything to make me or my family who were with me feel at home and at ease. She was and continues to be a very caring person for others. When in need she steps in and takes care of you. Though Jane and I don't see each other much anymore, when we do get the chance, time seems like it has not stopped.
Jane is a now a mother herself with two very beautiful and bright boys. You can see her radiance and energy shining through them. She is the best. I just miss seeing her."
"Charming, touching and poignant, The Frog Prince is unputdownable. Brava, Jane Porter!"
"There's real heart to this book. Porter admirably pulls off Holly's transformation from forlorn divorcee to strong, resilient woman.... Porter's offering is enjoyable reading for those who wonder what comes after the happily ever after."
"Porter's tale is entertaining and witty as she tugs on the heartstrings in a big way, and readers can't help but cheer Holly on."
"As a debut star on the horizon of the chick-lit genre, Jane Porter has made a stunning entrance with The Frog Prince and her light is shining far and wide. The Frog Prince will melt your heart as you accompany Holly Bishop on her journey through loss, pain and various other complexities of life to find the path of joy and acceptance once more. Gripping emotion, vivid descriptions and a beautiful character who wraps herself around your heart from the first page, The Frog Prince is a story that will stay with you for a long long time."
"Jane Porter has a fresh and lively writing style that is a pleasure to read. This book reveals the story of a real woman in today's world with humor and truth. It is most definitely the reader who gets the happily-ever-after with Ms. Porter's writing! She's a rising star, so make note of this author."
I always knew that Jane would succeed as a writer. After becoming very close friends, Jane would grace me with journals full of her poetry, short stories and thoughts and "Jane-isms" as gifts on special occaisions. Jane is my brave friend going on adventures I could only dream of and achieving goals that seemed so out of reach! From her year abroad as a foreign exchange student in South Africa to her accomplished education at UCLA to her first runner-up title as Miss Tulare County (I think?) to the miracle births of her two sons, Jane sees beyond the obstacles and accomplishes her goals with drama and passion. I see more than a little bit of her in each of her romance novels and can't wait to see what she has for us in THE FROG PRINCE."
Another writer friend, Barbara Dunlop added, "I met Jane for the first time in Victoria, British Columbia in 1997. We were both unpublished writers, enthusiastic and excited about learning writing craft. We've stayed in touch ever since. Over the years, we've roomed together in first class hotel suites and slept in sleeping bags on bunk beds with a bathroom down the hall. We've shared high tea in our finery and beer in our blue jeans. We've commiserated our rejections and bad reviews, cheered our Golden Heart wins, celebrated sales and Rita finals. Through it all, Jane has been an intensely loyal friend with a passion and a zest for writing and living that I've never seen in another human being."
Jane's friend, Keven Kopjak, wrote "I met Jane in the 7th grade at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Belmont, California. She was my teacher but quickly became a friend and mentor. I have always had great admiration for Jane. She turned me on to so much at such a young age. I remember our daily journal writings where we sat and listened to different genres of music, from Tori Amos to Midnight Oil. Every time I hear the song “Beds are Burning” by Midnight Oil, I think of Jane. I actually still have my journal from the 7th grade with all of Jane’s comments.
The thing I admire most about Jane is the fact that she is real. She tells it like it is – a quality that very few people have. Jane wanted to make sure I succeeded in high school and was always there on opening nights of my theatre show to show support. Over the years we have not spoken as much as I would like to, but I know that if I ever needed her advice, help, etc., she would be there.
I am still one of Jane’s biggest fans and always will be."
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in rugged Seattle, Washington with my two young sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
After I'd had a chance to read THE FROG PRINCE and keeping in mind Jane's fondness for Seattle, I asked her why she chose California, and not Seattle, as the setting for THE FROG PRINCE. She replied, "When I look at the cover of The Frog Prince I think about home. The home I had growing up in Visalia, California. I think about the agriculture valley, the orchards, the farmers, the downtown with its wonderful Main Street that still has many of its historic buildings like the great art deco Tower Theater. I loved Visalia, loved growing up in a small town where I felt like a big fish. My dad was mayor in Visalia, taught at the College o Sequoias for 19 years and wrote many of his own textbooks.
My dad died when I was in high school, in August just before I started my sophomore year at Redwood, and his death changed everything. Made growing up a lot harder, a lot sadder and "going home" became even more bittersweet. My mother doesn't live in Visalia anymore, and when I return for events like high school reunions or a friend's wedding, I stay at the Radisson Hotel which is odd since it wasn't there when I was growing up, but that's the way I "go home" now.
I suppose the reason I wrote a story with Visalia as a setting is that I felt this need to write about California, and a childhood in a place that doesn't really exist for me anymore. Visalia is still there--90,000 population now instead of 35,000--but its a place other people live, other people know. I've lived in Bellevue, Washington for the past 9 years and yet in my heart I always return to Visalia because that's where I dreamed, and danced, learned to write. It's where I became who I am today. I suppose you can take the girl out of the valley, but you can't take the valley out of the girl. That's why I waited for nearly 20 books to finally dedicate a book to my dad. The Frog Prince is an ode to my father because he loved Visalia so very much, and even though he had opportunities to teach at bigger schools in other places, he wanted to raise his children in a small town where people know each other and looked out for each other. There is a lot of me in The Frog Prince, but the truest part is the love Holly and I both share for the valley with its hot, hot summers, damp foggy winters, and the fertile fields that border scattered ag towns. I hope readers will enjoy The Frog Prince and see why I loved Visalia and Central California so very much."
As always, I do have some goodies to share with you, thanks to Jane's generosity. She's donated the following prizes for my drawing -
* A princess bag with an autographed copy of THE FROG PRINCE, letter opener, pen and bookmark.
To enter the drawing for a chance to win a prize from Jane Porter, all you need to do is just drop me an email. If your name is drawn, I'll contact you via email about where to send your SASE.
**Only one email entry per person please.**
Jane loves to hear from her readers and she'd especially like to hear your comments on THE FROG PRINCE so if you'd like to share your thoughts about her first chick lit novel, please drop her an email. Alternatively, you can drop her a note via snail mail at - P.O. Box 524, Bellevue, WA 98009.
Be sure to visit Jane's website to learn more about her upcoming book tour, launch parties and booksignings. While you're there, be sure to check for 'Book Extras' on THE FROG PRINCE like the Readers Guide Questions - especially great for those of you who are part of a reading group or monthly book club. Jane says she'll be posting links to her upcoming interviews and articles featuring THE FROG PRINCE and there's something new being posted every few days. She also mentioned an upcoming feature that will be sort of like an online diary - almost like a blog with notes about her adventures on the booktour for THE FROG PRINCE.
You can also read an excerpt from THE FROG PRINCE or enter the contests at Jane's site for another chance to win cool prizes.
I hope you've enjoyed taking a closer look at Jane Porter with me. I know I had a wonderful time putting together this little feature about her. It's certainly been a memorable experience for me because I got such an insightful look into her life, her personality and her family and friends. It's also made me realize that those who are lucky enough to have Jane in their lives realize her true value - she's a one-of-a-kind jewel. A true keeper.
Hope you all have a Frog-a-licious time reading THE FROG PRINCE! | ||||||||
We communicated on and off via emails and phone calls but I didn't get the chance to meet her again until November of 2004, almost exactly four years later. I was thrilled to realize 'The Magic of Jane' was still there and I hadn't imagined any of it.
When I asked asked Scott Herriott, a long-time friend of Jane's, to tell me more about Jane, he remarked, "Where does one begin about Jane Porter? Sure, she's full of life, kind-hearted, quick with a quip and, of course, sexy as hell.
But many may not know than she possesses a trait I find quite charming...she's an incessant giggler. If you can hit her with two quick bits of witty repartee, she'll usually fold like a house of cards, leaving others in the nearby vicinity wondering if, in fact, there's something deeply wrong with her.
Her brother Thom, pictured here with Jane and their sister, Kathy, shared further insight about Jane's determination to be a writer. "Growing up Jane was the typical middle sibling - the peacemaker. She wasn't as into sports or competitive activities as the rest of us kids, but she clearly held her own. It was Jane who organized little plays or skits that we kids would put on (maybe under the inspiration of Jo from little women - one of her favorite books).
Jane's passion for writing is only matched by her love and devotion to family. Our family remains very close, even now as we've become adults and I think one reason we are so close is due to the year we spent together in Germany. When Jane was 12, our family moved to Germany to live for a year because my father had taken a position to teach abroad. The three older children were home schooled and younger brother Robert went to school on the Military Base in Nürnburg. We lived in a small German village and with no television, we spent our free time reading everything we could get our hands on! We traveled on long weekends and during my father's school breaks. One memorable trip was to the Munich Oktoberfest. Jane and I had both gotten Dorothy Hamil haircuts the previous summer and we were sitting with my mother in one of the wine tents. She was chatting away practicing her German with a somewhat "happy" red faced man and although he thought he was giving my mother a compliment, it may have been a fashion turning point for both Jane and me when he said, "You have two very handsome young boys!". I don't think Jane nor I have ever worn our hair short again."
"Witty, Smart, Sophisticated. A must read for women entering the dating game and reinventing themselves. I loved this book!"
I had the chance to get in touch with Jane's long-time friend, Cynthia Parent, pictured here with Jane on a trip to the State Fair, and she shared insight about her friendship with Jane. "Jane is passionate, dramatic and driven. She has been revealing these characteristics repeatedly since we met in the 9th grade. We met in freshman honors classes where eogs are big, competition is high and ambition is great. Jane fit right in! We came from different backgrounds: I grew up on a farm with row crops, pastures, cattle and barns, but Jane lived in a grand house with china and crystal and a sitting room and a library full of books floor to ceiling. We taught each other a lot ... we both desperately needed a different perspective to round out our personalities. Jane has always been eager not just to learn about other lifestyles, but to live them. Thus she joined my family and I on camping trips, livestock shows and riding the dunes of the Central Coast with three-wheelers and dune buggies. She continues this today thus her recent trips to Hawaii to learn the life of a surfer. I am sure she is quite an accomplished surfer herself by now!
Writer friend, CJ Carmichael said, "Jane has been my friend since we met at the Singletree Conference in Victoria, back in our un-published days. For me, Jane has always seemed "larger than life." Just like a heroine in the best romance story tradition she is beautiful, charming and always seems to be traveling to yet another exotic location. Yet, the real Jane is much more than her image. She's one of the kindest and most generous people I know. I was thrilled to be one of the first readers of THE FROG PRINCE. I knew right away this book was special. Reading THE FROG PRINCE will give you a glimpse of the inner Jane--her intelligence and sense of humor just shine."
Born in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
I hope you've all enjoyed getting A Closer Look at Jane Porter and her first Chick Lit novel,THE FROG PRINCE. Jane starts her book tour on May 18th and has many interesting events scheduled all through the summer so please stop by Jane's 
Oh by the way, before I sign off, I do have one final message from Jane about this feature. As I collected the information from everyone, I forwarded some of the notes to Jane so she'd have an idea of what everyone was saying about her. Jane wrote back, asking me to please mention the following at the end of my column... "Jane says she did not pay anyone for these nice things people said. But she promises that they will all receive wonderful Christmas presents." *grin*
