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I’m Jen Gilroy and I’m an author
In February 2015, a UK YouGov poll highlighted that "author" was the dream job for 60% of the British population. Published author is my dream job too, and I'd long imagined what it would be like to say "author" when asked for my occupation. However, like many other...
Full circle in life and writing
Many years ago while studying for my public relations (PR) qualification, I volunteered at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). I wrote articles for the CHEO Foundation newsletter and advertising copy to support a fundraising campaign. Back then, with...
Romance: It’s more than hearts and flowers
Although I'm a romance writer, Valentine's Day has never been a big event.I don't like red roses, and I already eat too much chocolate. There's also something about a designated day to celebrate love, and the related marketing hoopla, that makes me uncomfortable.Tech...
Music in life and stories
Confession. I've listened to a lot of songs by The Partridge Family lately. Along with ABBA, Jace Everett, Dean Brody, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Hunt and a Mozart flute concerto.Why such an eclectic mix?Like many authors, I have a playlist for each book I write. Music...
Canadian repatriation: Month 6
It's now six months since I left England to start a new life in Canada. As much as I love my new home and have put down roots here, I also find myself reflecting on what I miss about the place I left behind.Living in an old countryI live in rural eastern Ontario, an...
Gratitude: A new word for a new year
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know that each January I choose a word to inspire me for the year. In 2015 my word was "goodness" and in 2014 it was "believe." Both those years had highs and lows but "my word" lifted me up when times were difficult, and was...
Dear Santa Claus
I used to write to you every year. I'd print a letter in crayon and ask my mom for an envelope which we'd address to you at the North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada.I'd include a greeting for Mrs. Claus and the reindeer. I'd tell you what I wanted for Christmas, and ask if...
Lessons in community
The small towns I write about aren't perfect. Neither is the one I live in. There's hunger and deprivation and, as a result of rural poverty and unemployment, there's disenfranchisement and loss of hope.I'm reminded, though, how gestures large and small build a...
Goodness, a word for our time
My word for 2015 is goodness. As those of you who read my blog regularly know, it's been a year when goodness has at times been hard for me to find. At other times, though, I've been blessed with abundant goodness, a reminder that even in the darkest hours, there's...
Photo by Robin Spencer, Spencer Studio