Janine Cross is a Canadian author known for her adventurous spirit and richly imagined fantasy novels. Her debut novel, "Touched by Venom," was named one of Library Journal's Five Best SF & F Fantasy Books of 2005, establishing her as a compelling voice in speculative fiction. She also writes under the pseudonym Paulette Crosse, further showcasing her versatility across genres.
Before becoming a published author, Cross embarked on extensive travels, backpacking through the Middle East, cycling across Asia and the South Pacific, and spending a year exploring Australia. Her diverse experiences - from milking cows in Israel to sailing the Nile - inform her vivid storytelling. Beyond writing, she has pursued martial arts, bellydancing, and rock climbing while working in eclectic fields such as chocolate manufacturing and veterinary care. A former president of a writers' association and co-founder of a private school, Cross balances her creative pursuits with a dynamic personal life as a mother of two.