Writers are often taught to “write what we know.” While I’ve
usually taken that advice, only recently did I start to set my books in New
Jersey. I’m not sure why I never did before—the state is beautiful and varied
and much more than just the turnpike that everyone pictures. So when I wrote my
last series, Serendipity, I decided to make at least part of the setting in New
Jersey.
When I graduated college, I lived in Jersey City, which is
on the Hudson River. The community I lived in was a beautiful modern high-rise
apartment complex with gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline. And it was
located right next to Hoboken, a mecca for 20- and 30-somethings.
The streets are tree-lined, many of the buildings have beautiful
architecture, but the city itself is filled with bars and restaurants, with
easy walking access to the commuter train. It’s a great way to live in New
Jersey and commute to New York.
Hoboken’s claim to fame—at least one of them—is Frank
Sinatra. His picture hangs in restaurants and there are baseball fields named
after him. A more current claim is Buddy Valastro from Carlos’ Bakery and Cake
Boss fame.
So it was the perfect setting for my series, which features
young professionals—some of whom work in New York City and some of whom work in
New Jersey. My daughter and I took a drive and walked around Hoboken, exploring
the area, tasting the food and reminiscing.
It’s the perfect blend of old world meets new and is great
for a day trip for foodies if you ever get the chance.
***Giveaway***
Tell me your favorite foodie place, and I’ll pick a winner
to get an e-copy of Addicted to Love, Book 1 in the Serendipity Series.
Here’s the blurb:
Dan
Rothberg struggled after an accident killed his wife and he nearly lost custody
of his daughter. He can no longer allow himself to get attached to anything or
anyone. Until he meets Hannah.
Hannah Cohen is a young executive with a meddlesome grandmother and a troubled brother. She’d like nothing better than to find her own Mr. Right, after too many Mr. Wrongs. A sexy older man with a teenage daughter was never in her plans.
As they navigate their relationship through adolescent attitudes and grandmotherly interference, they realize age is just a number and love can be right in front of them. But when the terrible truth of Dan’s former struggles is exposed, Hannah must decide if she can get past his deception and allow love to conquer all.
Hannah Cohen is a young executive with a meddlesome grandmother and a troubled brother. She’d like nothing better than to find her own Mr. Right, after too many Mr. Wrongs. A sexy older man with a teenage daughter was never in her plans.
As they navigate their relationship through adolescent attitudes and grandmotherly interference, they realize age is just a number and love can be right in front of them. But when the terrible truth of Dan’s former struggles is exposed, Hannah must decide if she can get past his deception and allow love to conquer all.
The Wild Rose Press: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5133-addicted-to-love.html?search_query=jennifer+wilck&results=2
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Addicted-Love-Serendipity-Book-1-ebook/dp/B071HZQS4S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499096714&sr=8-1&keywords=jennifer+wilck
Biography: Jennifer started telling herself stories as a
little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Her favorite stories to
write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and
slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.
In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters
and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. When she’s not writing, she
loves to laugh with family and friends, is a pro at finding whatever her kids
lost in plain sight, and spends way too much time closing doors that should
never have been left open. She believes humor is the only way to get through
the day and doesn’t share her chocolate.
She writes contemporary romance, some of which are
mainstream and some of which involve Jewish characters. All are available
through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWilck
Website: http://www.jenniferwilck.com
This brought back memories of Hoboken, where my cousin used to live - and the most enormous pizza at a restaurant on Washington Street!
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes, we have fabulous pizza and our portions are huge, as you are well aware.
DeleteGreat Blog, Jennifer. New Jersey sounds fascinating. Thank you for sharing. I love in a small town and eating establishments are few and far between, but my favourite place to eat is a small, locally owned place called Ulysses. The Greek food there is great.
ReplyDeleteOh, homemade Greek food is delicious! Thanks so much for stopping by, I really appreciate it.
DeleteThank you for highlighting the NJ towns along the Hudson River that have views of NYC that are spectacular. Steven's Tech should be part of the Hoboken scenario because it hangs over the river and overlooks Manhattan. Stevens was my sons first sojourn through colleges and I loved to visit. A New Yorker by birth and in my heart, I raised my family in middle NJ. The foodie I most miss is a Kosher Deli. My mouth waters for a brisket/corned beef/pastrami sandwich on Jewish Rye bread, a potato knish, kishka, a sour dill pickle, and for desert, well a real black and white cookie. Abounding in NYC and NJ, but not in GA, SC, central FL, and only faking it in AZ. Thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteYum, yum, yum! I love Kosher delis! We don't have great ones close to me, so when I want it, I have to hunt. Thanks for stopping by, Fran!
DeleteSad to say, a have bad kidneys and Italian food, (also Chinese and Mexican food) are no longer on my diet. I'll probably never go as far north as New Jersey. I'm deeply planted in the south. So, I live all this vicariously through you. Loved the book. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGlad I could bring you a taste, then. Thanks so much for visiting!
DeleteJennifer, thanks for taking us to one of those great New Jersey places many don't know exist. We don't tell everyone, but sometimes Pennsylvanians sneak over to visit and eat.
ReplyDeleteHa! Your secret is safe with me. Hope you enjoy it the next time you visit.
DeleteI grew up in Central Jersey. I miss the pizza at Buckey's!
ReplyDeleteHope you're able to go back and visit soon.
DeleteThanks for sharing -- especially the Hoboken pix. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Anna.
DeleteThis reminded me of a small pub in Washington called, Barnabys. The steak and ale pie was the best, along with the comfy, intimate booths and old world British atmosphere. Great post, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteOh, sounds like a lovely place. Thanks for visiting, Mary!
DeleteCongratulations to JR Lindermuth for winning an e-copy of Addicted to Love! Thanks to everyone for stopping by!
ReplyDelete