This is a photo I took in late January. As soon as Australia Day was over, the next ‘holiday’ was immediately pounced upon. Even now, hot cross buns are already for sale!

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? When I was just dating, I used to do something on this day almost religiously. But as the years ticked by, my husband and I have marked it less and less. And I’ve learnt not to put too much weight on this one day. For one, it has become too commercial (and that is a big danger for me, being a spontaneous shopper and spender). For another, as my husband points out, he can date and treat me special any other day of the year … but this one! Nevertheless, I still love romance!

As a female and a romance writer, one would be forgiven to think that I was the more romantic one in this couple. But as years of marriage have flicked by, I look back and am reminded of the many surprise getaways and delivered flowers he has organised for me on random occasions. Sure, one bouquet was delivered to the wrong address, and another after my shift at work and I had to go back to pick it up. So … who’s the truer romantic? Ha!

On a different note (no pun intended), I’m thinking about ‘voices’ again. I bet if I named a few singers, you’d be able to hear their distinct voices in your head straight away. For example: Elvis, Barbara Streisand and Whitney Houston … Or how about Adele, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey?

Similarly, there are author voices so distinct you know exactly how they ‘sound’ and what story you’re going to get as you sit down to savour their new release. The more I write, the more I’ll develop my own distinct voice, and that continues to be my goal this year. With plans to complete two manuscripts before Christmas (in different genres), my aim is to discover the voice I’m most comfortable in. And ultimately, tell stories that bless and best entertain those who read my books. Keep an eye/ear out for these two. The first one coming out is “Smarty-pants” (late middle-grade/early young adult novel). She’s just about ready to blossom! Wheee!

Always,

Jacquelane Cox

PS: I have recently uploaded a Discussion Guide for The Colours of Orange. You can do this with your reading group or simply download for yourself.

PPS: Always thankful for your support!