The New Kid on the Block

I’m thrilled to be the newest member of Word Wranglers! When Liz Flaherty invited me to join, I was honored, and I have to admit, a little daunted. In my last group blog, I only had to post once a month. But here at Word Wranglers, I’ll be posting every Saturday. Yikes! I’m experiencing a little performance anxiety!

Let me introduce myself. I’m Jana Richards and I write contemporary romance, historical romance set in World War Two, and romantic suspense. I like to add a touch of the paranormal at times, and I’ve been known to sprinkle generous helpings of humor in my work when the occasion calls for it. I love humor in the novels I read (Jill Shalvis, I’m looking at you). Humor is very subjective, so I don’t know if I always succeed. You can read the first chapters of my books on my website (check out my Left at the Altar series and decide for yourself if I’m as funny as I hope I am.)

I love contemporary romance, but when I’m writing it, I long to write romantic suspense. Romantic suspense is my favorite romance genre to write, except for World War Two stories. And paranormal romance. And of course romantic comedy. Obviously, I can’t make up my mind. So many stories to write, so little time.

Book One in my Left at the Altar series

Since I can’t decide which genre is my favorite, I decided to merge some of my loves in my current works-in-progress. My ‘Love in the North Woods series’, which is about three sisters who inherit their grandfather’s fishing lodge in north-central Minnesota, is primarily a contemporary romance. But I couldn’t help adding a mystery. When they were children, the Lindquist sisters’ parents died at the fishing lodge in a presumed murder/suicide, and through the three books, I unravel the mystery of their deaths. I’m having so much fun with these stories, even though writing them sometimes drives me crazy. More on that in future posts.

In my ‘Twice in a Lifetime series’, also a work-in-progress, I merge a contemporary romance with a World War Two setting, and wrap it all together with a paranormal twist. So much fun, and it satisfies my love of writing in all these genres.

I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know the members Word Wranglers a little better. And I especially look forward to meeting readers of the blog. See you next Saturday!