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.