Who is Janice Lynn Mather?

"I'm Janice Lynn Mather, a Bahamian-Canadian author living in Vancouver," she states.

What does she write about?

"My focus is on crafting narratives for both teens and adults, emphasizing the experiences of Bahamian girls and women." The earliest writing memory she has is from a travel journal created after a trip to England, which she took with her Jamaican-born mother when she was just six. Upon returning to The Bahamas, her mother encouraged her to document her memories in a notebook. Although she lost track of that journal, the act of storytelling has remained significant in her life.

"I aim to tell stories that resonate with those who often feel unheard, using language that feels genuine and welcoming. There’s nothing worse than encountering a negative portrayal of oneself in literature. My goal is to create narratives that reflect real people—stories that serve as mirrors rather than barriers."

"I genuinely love writing," she continues. "It brings me immense joy to connect with characters, allowing their life experiences to unfold and capturing a moment in their journey before gracefully stepping away when their story is complete. Through writing, I can confront issues that concern me; it’s a vital method for processing both my own experiences and those of others."

Where does she write?

"I have a beautifully restored wooden writing desk that belonged to my husband’s family, which he refurbished as a birthday gift. In my ideal scenarios, I sit there with my laptop, feeling quite elegant."

However, she admits, "In reality, I write wherever I can, whenever I can. Balancing the writing process with motherhood has its challenges. With a baby and a kindergartener at home, I often find myself writing in quiet corners or on sleeping surfaces. I jot down ideas on my old Android when necessary, but my trusty ThinkPad is my primary tool—it's survived spills and falls alike. Writing by hand has become rare, but when I do, I prefer using my late father’s Cross pen, which adds a touch of significance to even the simplest of lists."

When does she find time to write?

"Ah, the myth of a typical writing schedule!" she laughs. "I've always seized opportunities to write, regardless of the circumstances. I recall working on stories during dull moments in school and writing a novel while commuting on public transit. My first book, 'Learning to Breathe,' was often revised in the wee hours or late at night, with quick snippets written during lunch breaks in my old Civic.

'Where Was Goodbye' came to life during my daughter's nap times and after her bedtime, with revisions fitting in between preschool and prenatal appointments for her two younger brothers. Typical routines don’t exist; I write as intensely as I can for as long as possible, and if interrupted, I make sure to note where I left off with a 'RESUME' in the manuscript."

Why does she write?

"Fiction allows me to explore the 'what ifs' of life. Having worked in journalism, I learned to report facts, but through novels and stories, I delve deeper into the human experience. How do people cope with calamities like natural disasters or house fires? We endure, and stories help us navigate through these experiences."

"They also help us understand the 'why' behind people’s actions. Every individual has a backstory, even in peculiar situations. Writing provides me with a pathway to investigate the motivations behind human behavior."

"And honestly, I feel more balanced when I write. When I go too long without it, I become restless and irritable."

How does she tackle writer's block?

"There are numerous strategies for overcoming writer's block, but one of my favorites comes from a grief support group I attended. It’s a five-senses exercise: you start by identifying five things you see, then four sounds you hear, three textures you can feel, two scents you can smell, and finally one taste. This practice helps me reconnect with my surroundings and often sparks inspiration."

Bonus: What does she enjoy outside of writing?

"I have a deep appreciation for nature and its cycles. Right now, Vancouver is awash with blooming magnolias that evoke memories of my childhood in Nassau. Engaging with nature allows me to feel a sense of belonging and discover unexpected connections. It’s filled with beauty and wonder, and I relish immersing myself in it."

A special thanks to Janice Lynn Mather for sharing her journey with us.