Home Page of Jena Petrie, Romance Writer. Where hearts collide then realize their love was meant to be.

Romance Writer

Jena Petrie

About Me

For as long as I can remember I've loved reading. In fact at school it was probably my best subject. When I was about eight years old I wrote my first story, for a competition. Didn't win a place mind you, but I did win a consolation prize of three books (probably given to every entrant, of course!) Still, it felt like a pat on the back - for awhile... Perhaps my mother knew something I didn’t because she never encouraged me again.

So I gave up writing.

Until about ten years ago when I decided to try writing travel articles. Sold a few too, to newspapers around New Zealand, the country where I live.

Later, after taking a university paper in creative writing, I found that making up stories was much more fun than writing factual accounts. Ever since then I've been writing fiction - first for children, then romances for adults - learning the craft through workshops, reading and attending the Romance Writers of New Zealand conferences. Now I write every day (almost), trying to create the very best stories I possibly can for you, my reader.

My other hobbies include oil painting, photography, travel and enjoying the scenery from the pillion seat of my husband's motor-bike as we ride around this very picturesque part of New Zealand.

Jena

My Home

I live with my husband in the area known as Central Otago, inland from Dunedin in the South Island of New Zealand. Our four children love this area and it has helped shape their lives in unique ways.

Central Otago is one of the loveliest places in this country because of its abundance of mountains, lakes and rivers. There are also wide open spaces and a huge variety in terrain; from dry, barren, rocky land that has, in many instances, been used for vineyards, to lush green grazing areas for sheep, deer and cattle.

A wide variety of sports is available in this district. There are several ski fields, ice skating rinks and an indoor curling rink, mountain bike trails, hiking trails, all types of boating, fishing, cricket, netball, rugby, football, tennis, squash, golf and even gliding, to name a few.

The area has a varied climate with the four seasons being clearly marked. In spring there's blossom on the fruit trees and in fall our deciduous trees turn lovely shades of orange and gold. While our temperatures in summer can reach 33 degrees C (91.4 degrees F), in winter they are sometimes cold enough to produce a hoar frost although it seldom snows. When it does, the snow usually melts within a few hours.

Favorite Books

Classical

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte

Mira

Touching Midnight, Fiona Brand

Super Romance

Second-Chance Family, Karina Bliss

The Family Plan, Susan Gable

And Baby Makes Three, Molly O'Keefe

Sara's Son, Tara Taylor Quinn

Picture-Perfect Mom, Debra Salonen