Essays

I’m a poet, a memoirist and an adventurer, so mostly I write about the things that I observe, the events that happen around me, and the people and sights I meet along the way. I write about how ancient objects and events connect from the past to the present and bring us in touch with those who lived thousands of years ago – and how writing pushes our imprint on this earth and our thoughts into the future.

 

Longer Works

Adélaïde: Painter of the Revolution 
 
It is the Age of Reason, the Age of Conversation, the Age of Philosophy – and the Age of Possibility – why shouldn’t a young woman who wants to become a renowned artist succeed in this new world? 
 
Except that it is also an Age of Discontent, Disconnection, and Revolution.
 
Coming January 2026.

This scene depicts Adélaïde Labille-Guiard (woman in white) painting Joseph Vien in her bid to win a place in the royal academy.

Poetry

From the time I discovered poetry, it has been a way for me to find beauty in hard things and it’s been my call to the Universe—my solace and my guide. It gave me a way to say the things I couldn’t say aloud as a child. 

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Janell posts poetry, blogs, travel stories, and original recipes on her Substack account. Get on her list.