Janice Angelique, a versatile author from Jamaica, writes romance, fantasy, poetry, and children’s books. Her works draw inspiration from personal experiences, cultural heritage, and travels with her husband.
In the ever-evolving literary world, few authors demonstrate the versatility and resilience of Janice Angelique. Born in Jamaica, West Indies, and currently residing in South Florida, Angelique’s journey from her homeland to Brooklyn, New York in 1970 marked the beginning of an illustrious career fueled by rich cultural experiences and personal stories.
Janice Angelique’s literary career is a testament to her adaptability and creativity. Attending Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, she later married her high school sweetheart, whose influence and their shared travels have significantly shaped her writing. Together, they’ve traversed various countries, drawing inspiration from their adventures and their life together, shared with their poodle, Tippa.
Angelique’s portfolio is as diverse as her background, spanning more than ten romance novels, two fantasy novels, three poetry books, and three children’s books. Notably, four of her romance novels have been traditionally published. However, Angelique finds greater freedom in self-publishing, allowing her to push creative boundaries without the constraints of traditional publishing houses. This choice arose partly from her frustration with rejection letters, where one person’s opinion could determine the fate of her work. Despite this, she remains open to traditional publishing and is currently working on her memoir, A Little Bitter Sweet Memoir.
Her romance novels, The Yellow Rose and Cloud Cover (later renamed A New Dawning), are profound examples of how personal loss and societal issues influence her storytelling. The Yellow Rose, written in 2006, is deeply intertwined with the Iraq war’s impact on Americans. The story revolves around Leopold, a Princeton University professor, and Rosalyn, a Jamaican waitress, both grieving the loss of their spouses. Their love story, set against the backdrop of Leopold’s softened stance on the war that claimed Rosalyn’s husband, is a poignant exploration of grief, love, and resilience. The authentic settings and characters in The Yellow Rose draw from Angelique’s time in Princeton, enhancing the narrative’s realism.
Cloud Cover, written in 2010, delves into family dynamics and societal prejudices. The narrative is inspired by Angelique’s life in the San Fernando Valley, California, and stories from her OBGYN who overcame his violent upbringing in Watts. The novel tackles reverse bigotry and familial secrets, reflecting Angelique’s ability to address complex issues with sensitivity and depth. The story’s reworking in 2022, due to publisher errors, led to its renaming as A New Dawning, showcasing Angelique’s dedication to her craft.
Angelique’s work is not limited to romance. Her novel, The Other Side of the Mountain, published in 2011 by Genesis Press, transports readers to the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. This book delves into the lives of the fictional Rahjah Rastafarians, offering a nuanced portrayal of a misunderstood culture. Angelique’s time spent in the Blue Mountains provided the serene backdrop for this tale, enriched by her imagination and long marriage to a sensuous man.
The decision to self-publish has been both liberating and challenging for Angelique. While it allows her to maintain creative control and explore unconventional ideas, the marketing aspect remains a hurdle. She emphasizes the importance of hiring a good editor to ensure the quality of self-published works, acknowledging her struggles with marketing costs and strategies.
Angelique’s Jamaican heritage profoundly influences her writing. Growing up, she encountered respected Rastafarians who were academics and patrons of the arts, inspiring her to create the Rahjah Rastafarians. Through her novels, she aims to highlight the peaceful, knowledgeable, and romantic aspects of Rastafarian culture, providing a counter-narrative to prevalent stereotypes.
Janice Angelique’s literary journey is a remarkable blend of personal experiences, cultural insights, and boundless creativity. Her work continues to resonate with readers, offering stories that are both intimate and expansive, rooted in her rich background and unyielding spirit. As she continues to explore new genres and narratives, readers can look forward to more captivating tales from this versatile and resilient author.
