Empowerment is the key theme of Janet Crisp’s debut novel.
The Heat of the Island is the tale of divorcee Janet’s adventures on an exotic tropical Caribbean island, where she meets friends from all over the world and finally a new man with whom she falls in love.
It’s a tale of regaining strength and rediscovering passions of all kinds and had its genesis in a discussion with a pal.
“I am a voracious reader, and during my weekly walks on the beach with my friend, Laura, we would discuss the current events of the week and I would expound on book that I was currently devouring. She asked me one day if I had ever thought about writing.
My immediate response of, ‘What on earth would I ever write about?’ was immediately followed by a revelation,” Janet tells us.
“The entire story opened up before my eyes, and I announced, ‘I know!’ The rest is history.
“Most of my novel is based on personal experience. There is, of course, the fictional aspect to the story as well. My inspiration comes directly from the sights and sounds that surround me in each situation or location. I tried to put the reader in my shoes.”
Debut novels can be difficult but for Janet the process was surprisingly easy, she muses.
“The word flowed out of my head quickly filling the blank pages before me in the telling of the story. I did, however, utilise the talents of an excellent editor who put order to my words.”
Embracing change
Janet lived in Grand Cayman for three years and currently resides in Florida. She’s working on two other books, one a novel and a non-fiction tome on embracing change.
“Embracing change is actually easy for me. I delight in discovering what is around the next bend in the road, in what lies ahead. For others, change can be daunting and scary, and they prefer the known, even though it may be unfullfilling.
“My book is for every woman over the age of 40 who has ever experienced life, or wants to experience it in a new and challenging way. After all, the light at the end of the tunnel can sparkle with abundance.”
A lovely sentiment and one borne on a beautiful soul nurtured in the gorgeous surroundings of the Cayman islands.
“My years on Grand Cayman were among the happiest of my life. I loved the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the colours came alive in the humid air. The water that surrounded the island was the warmest, clearest, most beautiful aqua in which I had ever swum. Meeting new friends from around the world opened my eyes and expanded my horizons to new possibilities.
“On my return, I am looking forward to all of those things that I remember: Seeing old friends, feeling the warmth of the sun, and slipping into the azure water for a leisurely swim along one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.”
Join Janet at Books & Books on Friday, February 10 at 7pm for the Cayman Islands launch of The Heat of the Island. This free event will include an author presentation followed by a group discussion and book signing.
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