Hi – my name is Fran Guenette and I’m a writer! Yes – this is another blog about writing. My philosophy is that writing about writing is writing about everything so you can expect to see posts on this blog that cover a variety of topics.
I am the author of three books in, The Crater Lake Series, Disappearing in Plain Sight, The Light Never Lies and Chasing Down the Night. I’ve also collaborated with my mother to bring a book of short stories to publication, Strands of Sorrow, Threads of Hope. Readers can look forward to a novel in which I radically rework an unfinished manuscript my mother began when I was a child. Maelstrom should be out in the winter of 2015. You can read book descriptions and find links to all my published works on the My Book page of this blog.
My novels are character driven and I write in the genre of contemporary fiction with touches of romance and the occasional hard-hitting social issue or two or three. The Crater Lake Series handles bullying, rural life, family dynamics, dealing with grief and loss, First Nations realities, some of the challenges faced by gay youth, a lesbian relationship and the complicated ways in which young people and adults work out relationship dilemmas against the backdrop of life in a small, coastal community.
In 2012, I was advised to start a blog to promote my newly self-published books. Over time, this motivation has morphed into so much more. These days, I do throw out the occasional post promoting my own work – I have learned that people want to know what my next writing project is, when it’s coming out and where they can get it. I also share my experiences of writing, self-publishing and living my life. With a few works out in the world and more on the way, I’ve had my share of ups and downs. The beauty of the blog world is our ability to learn from one another – cascading mentorship – each one teach one. As they say at the Mondragon Cooperative – we build the road as we go.
I live in a small, off-the-grid cabin with my husband, Bruce. The location is remote, on the shores of a lake. Can you imagine a better setting for a writer? I can’t. We have an alternate power system for our home – a combination of micro-hydro and solar electric panels. I write with a panoramic view of the lake every, single day.
Most days between May and September, Billy Bob the Bear (or our yearly versions of Billy Bob – sometimes it may be Billy Jean – I don’t get close enough to find out!) drops over to graze on the green cover (we don’t have the nerve to call it grass), eat huckleberries and salal. Life is good here in the hinterlands for the wildlife.
I have a daughter and son – both happily married and pursuing interesting careers and two beautiful and wildly funny granddaughters who constantly provide me with inspiration for writing. For most of my life I have been an educator of one type or another. I have a BA in psychology, an MA in counselling psychology and an almost completed PhD in educational psychology. Enough said about the educational journey! I have worked in the fields of special education, trauma counselling and educational research. I freely draw inspiration from all past experiences into my fiction writing. So beware if you knew me when!
I hope you enjoy the blog. I look forward to reading and responding to all your comments. Here’s to all of us learning as we go.
(Lake photo credit goes to Darrell McIntosh – many thanks!)
disappearinginplainsight 
Really marvelous picture!
You must have access to great photographer.
I do – I do – how did you know? But you bring to my attention an important point – credit the photographer – photo by Bruce Witzel.
Why is the author the only one here honoured with her own personal icon?
And is it not curious that the author chooses, as her own personnal icon, the Nike of Samothrace, who has neither hands nor arms to write with, or a head with which to conjour words?
It seems the least the author could do is provide a tutorial on how we can insert our own icons as opposed to the bland impersonal square swatches of wallpaper.
But, back on point: Bruce Witzel you say?
Actually im familiar with his work. [see the ICON i would have chosen for myself].
He, in fact, is currently my personal “Yousuf Karsh”.
Salut
You must admit – Ahoy – that the person behind the blog should have a few perks! I’m not sure how you can get your own personal gravatar – globally recognized avatar – I’ll check into the matter.
I’m also thinking I will write a whole blog post on how a statue without hands to write or a head to have a thought in – might just be the perfect iconic symbol for a writer
To see more of Bruce’s great photography work please visit his blog – http://throughtheluminarylens.wordpress.com You won’t be disappointed 🙂
I nominated you for a Versatile Blogger award…click to my page for details. 😉
http://blue88book.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/the-versatile-blogger-award/
What an inspiring setting you have for writing. Reading this post leaves me pining for my old house by the river. Now I am within walking distance of the St. Lawrence River in Brockville, Ontario, but it just isn’t the same. Sigh…..
I hear you! I am finding that the landscape we look out on daily has a far greater impact on our thought processes and even imagination than I had realized. Thanks so much for stopping by to read a few posts.
Hi Francis, I nominated you for “The Very Inspiring Blogger Award”. Here: http://wp.me/p2YjS7-3Z Cheers!
Thanks so much for the nomination. I have just finished a post where I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award (which, by the way, also asks that one list seven interesting things about his or herself). I am going to decline to carry the Very Inspiring Blogger Award forward. I don’t want to write two such similar posts so close together. But I do appreciate the nod of approval.
Nice blog… I’ll keep reading… I still am trying to get my book published… Don’t have money to self publish it… It’s about my little guy with his older brother and sister telling the story….
Thanks for stopping by and I wish you the best of luck with your attempts to get your book published. As I start to move into the marketing side of things I am seeing that I will need a very strict budget – everywhere I turn it seems someone wants money to do some service for me that will promote my book. Good grief – we are not millionaires out here people – just struggling authors trying to get our stories out. It can be frustrating.
Hi Francis,
I was wondering if you’d be interested in taking part in the blog hop? If so, I’d be happy to explain further. If not, no worries!
Let me know…
Alana
I’d love to hear more about it, Alana. Feel free to email me at guenettefrancis@gmail.com if that seems a better way to communicate.
Ok, I just emailed you. 🙂
Thanks for visiting the site!
Your little writing spot looks so inspiring and cozy. Do you ever have writing retreats there? 🙂
You know, it’s something Bruce (my husband – http:throughtheluminarylens.wordpress.com ) and I have talked about for years. Who knows what the future may bring? Thanks for stopping by the About page and checking out our place. If you go to Bruce’s blog he has some pretty interesting posts about the place, too.
We like what you are doing, and have nominated you for a Liebster Award.
Hi Fran, I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. You don’t have to feel obligated, but I think it’s a sweet tradition for newcomers. You can find it here: http://crankycaregiver.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/the-liebster-blog-award/
[…] nominee for the award next is Francis Guenette whose first book ‘Disappearing in Plain Sight’ is soon to be released. Her blog is […]
Hi Francis, I have you been nominated for The Next Best Thing award – you have to answer some questions about your upcoming book and then pass the award on. Here is the link to the questions and some more details http://sjmain.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/the-next-best-thing/. Looking forward to your book!
Thanks so much for the nomination – I did a next big thing post awhile back on the upcoming novel – I might resurrect that for your nomination as it now seems the book is mere days from release.
I did wonder if you’d had the award but couldn’t see it on a quick look through. I’d love for you to do it again. Very keen to hear about your book and the timing is great with it so near to release.
Hi! Stopped by to say thank you for the “like” on thesaltwatertwin, and so glad I found you! I look forward to reading about your book journey.
Great you could stop by 🙂 The book is now finally available through a link on my blog site. Like any first time published author, I am anxious for people to read and do an honest review on Amazon.
Thank you for following!
You really have a little paradise over there. and thnx for the like i am still creating some stuff to post so check my site out
We love the place – I’ll stop by again soon.
Congratulations Francis, I have nominated your blog for the Versatile Blogger Award.
Learn more about the award here.
Thanks for the nomination, but I’ve already been nominated and fulfilled the guidelines and am proud to display the Versatile Blogger Award button on my blog. Hope you’ll stop by again Patricia.
Francis, you have a great blog. The award is well deserved.
Thanks for the follow, and I look forward to reading more here, too!
I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect! =)
http://elisabethwheatley.wordpress.com/
Would love to hear back from you Elisabeth on winning the guest appearance on my blog in my anniversary blog draw. Email me at guenettefrancis@gmail.com so we can hammer out the details.
You have been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award! http://aressler042.wordpress.com/
Thanks so much, but I’ve already received this award. I love the green badge and the idea of being thought of as versatile! Loved your post on this.
Then I crown your blog with the Awesome in General award which you can pass on just by continuing with your writing! 🙂
I accept the crown with thanks – aside – giggling madly, heheheheh, 🙂
Your daily “office” sounds amazing – what a joy it must be to create there! I have added your novel to my reading list and can’t wait to start it. 🙂
Writing with a view is pretty wonderful. Maybe for some this would be a distraction, but for me – essential. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy Disappearing in Plain Sight and that you will stop by again to let me know 🙂
Well! Given your busy life, it’s kind of you to drop by my blog. Thanks 🙂
I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog, liking my photo, and following! I appreciate it very much. I’m very happy your husband reblogged your post – you have a great blog and I look forward to following your posts. I’m also looking forward to reading your book which is just the type of story I like to read. 😀
Thanks so much, Jackie. I hope you will enjoy the book and look forward to comments.
I’ve nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogging Award!
http://kiralynblue.com/2013/05/01/sweet-blogging-award/
Thanks so much, Kira. I’m going to decline the award and maybe go the route of an award free blog. I love the idea of giving a shout out to other bloggers and will always continue to do that. Thanks for thinking of my blog.
Hi Francis,
I don’t know if you accept blog awards, but I chose you as one of my recipients for the Super Sweet Award! If you wish to accept it, please go here: http://imagineerebooks.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/an-unexpected-blog-award/
All the best,
Steve
Hi Francis,
greetings from the other side of the pool, Aachen, Germany, to be exact, where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet. Through David’s (Smilecalm’s blog) I found you and your husband and got curious.
your blog and the Pictures are wonderful! is it Canada? it must be amazing to live by such a beautiful lake. And your house! Very happy for you, it Looks so cosy and like a happy place. I am looking Forward to reading more of your blog.
Namasté, Nic 🙂
Hi and welcome. Yes, Canada, Northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia – temperate rain forest and all of that. This place is very much a work of love and art. My husband, Bruce has been crafting it for over thirty years. Thank you for getting curious and stopping by.
Hi Francis, thank you for replying. Actually, I can tell just by looking at the photo that this place is a work of love and art. It made me happy just looking at it.
Oh. p.s.: And I love Canada. I had a lighter right up to my flight ticket when I was at the Airport of Toronto heading home for Germany (4000 km through Ontario and Quebec, mostly Gaspé peninsula) :))))
Hi Francis. I’ve nominated you for The Super Sweet Blogging Award. If you choose to accept, please go here: http://robbyrobinsjourney.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/the-super-sweet-blogging-award/
[…] my first book it was pretty much thrown out there without much of a care. But it is clear that Francis Guenette has gone to great lengths to present an excellently-crafted first novel. Using her counselling […]
That is truly the most amazing picture of a bear!
Hi there!
I found you through a reblog from Gray Poet. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! You have come far in just a short period of time. I am intrigued by your book and may very well add it to my summer reading list! I am off to explore more of your writing….
[…] of stories, the title of my wife’s popular new novel – Disappearing In Plain Sight – fits well with this photo, doesn’t […]
Hi, Francis! I’ve nominated you for the coveted WordPress 5 in 1 Award. If you want to participate, you can read the rules here: http://wp.me/p3sx1Q-dM. Participation is not required. In fact, you might be upset that I’ve nominated you, but think of it this way: with the 5 in 1, you won’t be nominated for any of them ever again!
Hi Francis! Just want to thank you for stopping by at TMiM, and for liking one of my posts. It’s an honor to have been visited by you. I’ve been reading your posts since I started blogging here at WordPress.com, and I’ve enjoyed reading every single one of them. All the best on your new book! 🙂
Again – many apologies for not responding to this wonderful comment. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my posts and I hope you’ll keep stopping by.
Hi Francis, here is a link to a post I just wrote thanking the first bloggers that encouraged me. http://wp.me/p3ia4v-19t Thanks so much, it truly inspired me to write a lot more:) Oliana
Can’t believe I missed replying to this – things slip through the cracks. Thank you 🙂
No worries..it was easier for me to remember since you were one of the first to comment on my blog last year:)
Stopping by as part of the Indies Unlimited Blog Fest. What a lovely vista you have to look at when writing.
The view is pretty amazing – even with the autumn rains coming down. Indies Unlimited Blog Fest – woot, woot. Have to love it.
Man, all I can say is I’m jealous. Sounds like a wonderful setup for a writer. While I have a wonderful home, and my own cozy office where I can hide from the world and write, it’s not quite the same as being off the grid in a cabin. Congrats on both where you live *and* publishing your book. Hope to be self-published soon …
Ahhh . . . thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog. This place is part passion, part obsession and part curse. But definitely a wonderful writer set-up.
Thank you so much for recently commenting on my blog. I am now a follower and I love your way of thinking! The post you commented on was inspired by some other folks just like you who have been encouraging me. : ) http://alesiablogs.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/distractions-and-deletions/
You are most welcome, Alesia. Glad we were able to connect via the bog world.
Love you are writing about provocative subjects.
I love the photographs you include on this blog and on the covers of your books. They give a real sense of atmosphere. 🙂
Thanks so much for the compliment and for stopping by. Personally, I love books with a lot of geographical atmosphere – I guess we try to write what we would want to read. Go figure!
I have read the first two books in the Crater Lake series and now just am left wondering when the third might be out?
Wow! Thanks so much, Rose. I’d love to hear what you thought. I have the next one on my mind all the time and if I could just get past this pesky little chore of marketing and promoting the 2nd one, I could get writing.
Thank you for the follow! I ordered your second Crater Lake book and am looking forward to reading it during our vacation week next week.
You are most welcome and I hope you enjoy The Light Never Lies. I look forward to hearing what you thought.
Hi Francis – popping by to say I posted your blog tour piece on my site this morning. Come on over and check it out!. ~ Hazy
http://wp.me/p2jT1E-um
On the way and many thanks.
Hello Fran,
I always admire writers like you 🙂 who take inspiration from their loved ones and surroundings. Such writers , write from heart, though I have not read any of your post yet but your introduction makes me feel this.I will be around to read more.
May Allah bless you and your loved ones. ameen
Though I’m more than tardy in replying, I will anyway! Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope you have enjoyed reading some of my posts. Best Wishes.
Hi Frances, just letting you know I nominated you for the Lovely Blog Award
https://heelsandhindsight.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/one-lovely-blog-award/
thanks for reading and following my words, francis. your blog, and your life, sound really interesting and i look for ward to reading more – best, beth
Many thanks coming right back at you, Beth.
Thanks for the follow. Look forward to reading your blog too!
Glad to connect 🙂
Your blog is beautiful and very informative. I’m so glad you found mine, and enjoyed my post at Jean’s Writing.
Thanks for the kind words. I’m always on the look out for new and interesting blog reading.
Hi Fran. Thanks so much for following my blog. Looking forward to discovering more about your blog too.:)
Thank you, Marje. Here’s hoping you enjoy what you find and that you are able to pick out a few gems now and then.
[…] am quoting the author of The Crater Lake Series, Francis Guenette. I was visiting her blog the other day and read this quote which she wrote and I had to share it, […]
[…] read with fascinating characters and a setting you are dying to visit by the end of the book… Guenette keeps you guessing with cleverly woven twists that touch on real and emotional issues including […]