My Writing

I have been writing since 2001.  I started writing travel articles about destinations that I visited with my family.  It is always helpful when planning a trip to seek out as much information beforehand, especially when traveling with children. So I began writing family friendly articles about places in Northern California we visited.

My articles have been published in newspapers and magazines including Sierra Heritage, The Sierra/Sacramento Parent, California Kids and Sunset magazine.  I was a regular contributor to an online family travel e-magazine called Gold Country Families and had a feature on local radio showcasing local events.  I currently write for Gold Country Times featuring travel articles and theater reviews.

I belong to a small writers group called
Gold Country Writer's Ink.  We meet bi-monthly for motivational, and informative meetings where we share our latest writing endeavors and future writing aims.
Interested in joining?  Details can be found on our Facebook page at; 
//www.facebook.com/pages/Meadow-Vista-CA/Gold-Country-Writers-Ink/215047394512?ref=ts

November 2009 was my first attempt at writing a novel.  Have you ever thought 'One day I will write a book!'  I used to until I joined a group called NaNoWriMo.  Which means National Novel Writing Month. More details at www.nanowrimo.org 

With two, motivational writing friends we spent November writing the first drafts of our books.  We all achieved our aim of 50,000 words in 30 days.

I am now working on revising, editing and illustrating this children's mystery adventure story.  'Modbury Tales. Skeleton in the Wall'.

Contact me;  janehh@att.net


 

July 2010
This summer my family and I spent 16 days exploring Costa Rica.  It was somewhere we had never visited before and the idea of tropical location, outdoor activities and wildlife, led us in our decision.
We had a wonderful adventure, and only 5 year old James wanted to come home. 
The places we choose to stay were; Finca Rosa Blanca, a coffee plantation near to the San Jose airport.
www.fincarosablanca.com
Playa Samara on the Nicoya Peninsula, where we choose to rent a house overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
www.vrbo.com/32266
Arco Iris Lodge in Santa Elena which was a great base in which to explore Monteverde Cloud Forest and zip line over the canopy, take a hike over the hanging bridges and view willdlife like the Resplendent Quetzal.
www.arcoiris.com
Staying close to La Fortuna overlooked by Arenal Volcano we spent one night at Tabacon Hot Springs and Resort which was an amazing experience.
www.tabacon.com
From here we stayed at a more reasonably prized Arenal Springs Resort but disappointingly there were no springs here just a pool but the views were amazing.
www.arenalspringsresort.com
Our last destination was back on the Pacific Coast at one of Costa Rica's most popular and beautiful national parks at Manuel Antonio.
The accommodation I chose was a 'Fodors Choice' destination called La Posada Jungle Bungalows and is located by the park gates.  It was very reasonably prized for the location and services you were offered, it was like a little oasis.
www.laposadajungle.com

Costa Rica is a fascinating, eclectic country with tons of wildlife, beautiful locations and unique family-friendly experiences to enjoy. It's Pura Vida!

“Dad, these are our cousins Terence and Helen. I told you they would be staying with us for a few weeks this summer,” Alice said calmly.

Helen shyly waved and said “Hello.” She was shocked, embarrassed and a little angry at being called “girl”.

Terence stares at his uncle as he politely introduces himself but quietly is thinking that he doesn’t really like this gruff stranger.

“You kids will be alright so long as you follow my rules, don’t make noise, don’t get in my way otherwise I have ways and means of punishment, like my small black book!” Ted said firmly.

The children quivered.

“Oh Dad, don’t frighten them,” interrupted Matt.

Then Ted shouted “And that goes for all of you!”

 

Quickly the children stumbled out of the room heading upstairs afraid of what else might come out of this fiery character.

Merrie Wooden, long time friend of Ruby’s shouts through the doorway to them.  “My Ben and Maureen are playing outside.  They have been waiting for you and are dying to meet your cousins.  The six of you should all get along just fine”

Alice’s face dropped.  She glanced up at Matt and rolled her eyes.

“You are just going to love this pair!” she whispered.  Then when they had moved away from the open kitchen door she added, “We have to play with these kids quite a lot and Maureen is ok but Ben can be such a whiny, cry-baby, this is going to be terrible.”

Just when they were enjoying the company of their new cousin’s things would now have to change by including these others in their activities.

“Matt, do you like them? Terrence inquired.

“Not so much.  I just try to do my own thing and Ben will follow along.  You will see what I mean when you meet them.”

Alice joined in “I don’t think he will be very happy at the competition as he loves Matt and he can be pretty malicious if he wants to be.”

Terence tried to cheer the group up. “Hopefully they won’t stay too long and then we can go find out more about the history of this place.  When is it that the library comes again, Matt?”

“That’s Friday, two days from now.” He informed his cousin.

To read more of this adventure email me.