For the love of Romancelandia, Canada
One unique feature of Bloo Moose is the life-sized moose statues that grace the boardwalk and businesses. Deputy Mooris hangs out at the police station. Elvis likes the view from the boardwalk. Michelangelo sports a cheesy moustache in front of Fortini’s Italian restaurant. Gill with his fishing gear and lures poses in front of Lachance Fishing lodge.
I was clearly the odd one out and felt excluded from conversation beyond the basic pleasantries. That was when reading romance changed from being something I love, to also being my refuge.
The rising popularity of authors like Elsie Silver, Helena Hunting and Carley Fortune, who unapologetically set their books in Canada yet still reach readers around the world, give me hope that things are changing and I’ll get to see more and more proudly Canadian books getting the hype they deserve in reader spaces.
By Jenn Burke, Author In late 2023, I heard whispering of a new conference specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ readers and writers. Another event, GayRomLit Retreat, has long been the go-to event for folks who enjoy this flavour of romance, but it’s exclusively held in the United States, in various locations. This new conference, the Northern Rainbow… Continue reading Jenn Burke: What are you doing this August? Come to Northern Rainbow Readers & Writers!
How do you make a story interesting, raise the stakes, and make the journey worthwhile when the map is already laid out for you? When the beats - the set up, meet cute, turning points, crisis, and resolution - are so ingrained into the modern reader they know without knowing what to expect and when to expect it. As someone who - illogically, misguidedly - decided to take that leap, I am here to tell you, it’s not easy. First, writing a novel means coming up with names. So. Many. Names!
What is it about the familiar that is so comforting? Romances are already comforting with zero stress about how they will end. Yet there’s an extra layer of happiness for me if the romance is set in Canada.
What are six words you would use to describe this book? hot - tropical - passionate - stormy - discovery - acceptance
As a writer, I adore writing banter, not just between my hero and heroines, but between the FMCs themselves. All of the Everwell Spinsters are unique women, with distinct personalities. They have to rely on and work with each other. And like a family, sometimes they get on each other’s nerves. But they are also there for each other.
Personally, I think we need romance books more than ever these days. We need books that depict healthy, thriving relationships–not just between the central characters, but between the friends and communities featured. We need more love in this world, not less. We need to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. We need hope.
We may be at the very very beginning of 2025, but I’m declaring it my year of scheming. It’s my year of making all the plans and doing all the things I want.
HEA Canada: A CanLit Romance Hub 