Author Archives: Victoria Janssen

About Victoria Janssen

Victoria Janssen [she, her] currently writes cozy space opera for Kalikoi. The novella series A Place of Refuge begins with Finding Refuge: Telepathic warrior Talia Avi, genius engineer Miki Boudreaux, and augmented soldier Faigin Balfour fought the fascist Federated Colonies for ten years, following the charismatic dissenter Jon Churchill. Then Jon disappeared, Talia was thought dead, and Miki and Faigin struggled to take Jon’s place and stay alive. When the FC is unexpectedly upended, Talia is reunited with her friends and they are given sanctuary on the enigmatic planet Refuge. The trio of former guerillas strive to recover from lifetimes of trauma, build new lives on a planet with endless horizons, and forge tender new connections with each other.

The 5th Seaforth Highlanders in the trenches

Posted on July 5, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

From The Great War Diaries of John Bruce Cairnie of the 5th Seaforth Highlanders, 1915, transcribed by James Bruce. # 06-Jul-15 A fine morning. Had to wait on after stand-to (3 a.m.) in case the Briggie comes along. Shaved, breakfasted … Continue reading →

Posted in research, wwi | Comments Off on The 5th Seaforth Highlanders in the trenches

City of Independence

Posted on July 4, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Today’s a big day here in Philadelphia – it’s Independence Day! There are many other reasons I love living in Philadelphia. Here are a couple of them. This mural, representing local independent radio station WXPN, is one. The mural is … Continue reading →

Posted in holiday, images | Comments Off on City of Independence

Robert Graves, "A Dead Boche"

Posted on July 3, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

A Dead BocheTo you who’d read my songs of War And only hear of blood and fame, I’ll say (you’ve heard it said before) “War’s Hell!” and if you doubt the same, Today I found in Mametz Wood A certain … Continue reading →

Posted in graves, wwi poetry | Comments Off on Robert Graves, "A Dead Boche"

Brenda Shaughnessy, "Miracles"

Posted on July 2, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Miracles I spent the whole daycrying and writing, untilthey became the same, as when the planet covers the sunwith all its might and stillI can see it; or when one dead body gives its heartto a name on a list. … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry, writing | Comments Off on Brenda Shaughnessy, "Miracles"

Down the Rabbit Hole to Alison’s Wonderland

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

I’m over at the Savvy Authors blog today, talking about inspiration. Happy launch day to Alison’s Wonderland from Harlequin Spice!“From a perverse prince to a vampire-esque Sleeping Beauty, the stars of these reimagined tales are—like the original protagonists—chafing at desire … Continue reading →

Posted in promo, short fiction | 1 Comment

Non-White WWI Soldier Picspam

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Today’s post is picspam – these are all photos of soldiers from World War One. They weren’t all white. Not by a longshot.

Posted in images, research, wwi | Comments Off on Non-White WWI Soldier Picspam

Dating for Writing

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

If I’m having a really hard time motivating myself to write–and by write, I mean planting myself in a chair to just do it–I make a date. There are several advantages to making a date.1. The time is scheduled. I … Continue reading →

Posted in writing process | 4 Comments

Which Book? Oh, Which?

Posted on June 28, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

So many books, so little time! How do I choose what to read next? The illustration for this post is some of my giant To Be Read pile, extracted from its boxes and strewn all over my bed for its … Continue reading →

Posted in reading | 6 Comments

Siegfried Sassoon, "Lamentations"

Posted on June 27, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Lamentations I found him in the guard-room at the Base.From the blind darkness I had heard his cryingAnd blundered in. With puzzled, patient faceA sergeant watched him; it was no good trying To stop it; for he howled and beat … Continue reading →

Posted in sassoon, wwi poetry | Comments Off on Siegfried Sassoon, "Lamentations"

"The End," Wilfred Owen

Posted on June 26, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

The End After the blast of lightning from the east, The flourish of loud clouds, the Chariot Throne; After the drums of time have rolled and ceased, And by the bronze west long retreat is blown, Shall Life renew these … Continue reading →

Posted in owen, wwi poetry | Comments Off on "The End," Wilfred Owen