Harmony Novel

Jayne Ann Krentz

Jayne Ann Castle was born on March 28, 1948 in Borrego Springs, California. Her mother, Alberta Castle, raised her with her two brothers, Stephen and James. In 1970, she obtained a B.A in History at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and later she obtained a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University, where she met Frank Krentz, an engineer. After her graduation, they married and moved to the Virgin Islands. She worked in the Duke University library system, where she began to write her first romance novels. The marriage moved to Seattle, Washington, where they continue living.

Now, Jayne Ann Castle Krentz with her seven pennames is considered a pillar in the contemporary romance genre. For some years, she only uses three pennames for each of three different periods from time: "Jayne Ann Krentz" (her married name) from the present, "Jayne Castle" (her birth name) from the future and her most famous penname: "Amanda Quick" from the past. She is famous for her work ethic, beginning her writing by 7 am six days a week. Her heroines never are damsels in hardships, they are often heroes. Her novels also contain mystery or paranormal elements.

Enthusiastic of the romantic genre, she has always defended its importance. To help educate the public about the romantic genre she became the editor and a contributor to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women: Romance Writers on the Appeal of the Romance, a non-fiction essay collection that won the prestigious Susan Koppelman Award for Feminist Studies. She established the Castle Humanities Fund at UCSC's University Library to allow the library to purchase additional books and has given money to 15 Seattle-area elementary schools to enhance their library budgets. She is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Writers Programs at the University of Washington extension program.

What genres does Jayne Ann Krentz write in?

Her primary focus is contemporary romance, frequently blended with mystery and paranormal elements. She also writes historical-set romances as Amanda Quick and futuristic/near-future romances as Jayne Castle.

What pen names does she use and why?

She uses three main pennames tied to setting and time period: Jayne Ann Krentz for present-day stories, Amanda Quick for tales set in the past, and Jayne Castle for futuristic settings. She has used additional pennames earlier in her career.

Which of her series are major entry points and where should I start?

A major entry point is the Arcane Society series — Second Sight is listed as Book 1. For her futuristic Harmony/Rainshadow world, The Lost Night is noted as Rainshadow Book 1. Other recurring settings to explore include Harmony, Ghost Hunters, Eclipse Bay, Whispering Springs, and the Looking Glass Trilogy.

Are her books part of connected series or are they standalone?

Many novels belong to series with recurring characters and shared settings, but individual books are often written so they can be enjoyed on their own. Reading a series in order can deepen understanding of the shared background.

Has she received notable awards or recognition?

She edited and contributed to the essay collection Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, which won the Susan Koppelman Award for Feminist Studies. She is also widely recognized as a leading figure in contemporary romance.