Welcome to the
janelleewing.com newsletter

Issue #1 – The one with the elephant, the hyenas, and the baby gorilla.

Hello, and welcome to the first edition of my newsletter. If you’ve landed here, chances are we share a love (or let’s be honest—an obsession) with at least one of the following: writing, photography, conservation, or travel. Or maybe you're just curious to see what I’ll say out loud that probably should’ve stayed in my head.

Either way, I’m glad you're here. Grab a coffee, tea, or wine (no judgment), settle in, and let’s get started.

Photography Spotlight:
A Stolen Moment in Namibia

Let me take you to Namibia, where I captured one of my favorite images: a baby elephant nursing, tucked close to its mother in the soft golden light near Safarihoek Lodge. It’s not dramatic or action-packed—but it’s tender, intimate. The kind of moment you only get if you’re willing to slow down and wait.

That’s something Africa teaches you—patience.

Tucked beneath the folds of her mother’s belly, this baby elephant found a moment of calm in the middle of a busy herd. Namibia gifted me this frame—fleeting, quiet, and full of life.

Planning an Africa trip? Dreaming of one? Ask me anything—where to go, what not to bring (trust me: fewer clothes, more memory cards), or how to survive 4 am wake-up calls without swearing at your safari guide.

Conservation Focus:
Gentle Giants of the Mountains

Let me share one of the most humbling moments I’ve ever witnessed in the wild: a mountain gorilla mother cradling her ten-day-old baby in the thick green of Rwanda. No noise, no movement—just breath, fur, and the unspoken language between mother and child.

As a thank-you, I’m only sharing this with subscribers. You’ll find a link below to view the image—just for you. It’s not perfect or posed, but it’s real—and every time I see it, it still stops me in my tracks.

There are fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas left in the wild. You’ll find them in Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, high in the mountains where mist clings to the trees and time seems to pause. They’re massive, yes—but gentle, curious, and startlingly familiar. They share 98% of our DNA, and when they look at you, it feels like they’re looking into you.

Despite their strength, these gorillas are critically endangered—from habitat loss, poaching, and disease. If you’re as drawn to them as I am, take a moment to explore the work of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (gorillafund.org). Every bit of awareness helps. Every donation makes a difference.

And if you ever find yourself lucky enough to stand face to face with one—let it be quiet. Let it be sacred.

To see the photo above of the mother gorilla with it’s 10-day old baby, click here (password: worldgorilladay).

Travel Tales:
Hyenas, Lions, and a Dead Phone Battery

Back in 2012, I went on a solo safari through Kenya and Tanzania. Just me, my camera, and a private driver from Abercrombie & Kent. It was glorious, and a little terrifying.

Case in point: one afternoon in the southern Serengeti, our vehicle hit a porcupine burrow. Suddenly, three tires dangled in the air, the fourth sunk deep. Hyenas soon circled. My phone? Zero bars. My guide calmly suggested we walk to the Ngorongoro border for help. Past the hyenas. I shook my head.

So, we stayed put. After a ridiculous phone-waving dance, a single miraculous bar flickered to life. The receptionist hung up the first time because she thought my guide was joking. (Always ask for the manager.) Another dance. Another flicker. And success. Hours later help arrived. (pro tip: always ask for the manager).

Did I turn back to camp after that? Nope. Thirty minutes later, we stumbled on a pride of lions, mid-hunt. Two lionesses tugging a warthog like a rope toy. I photographed it all. It’s still one of my favorite safari memories.

The lesson? Stay out there. The wild rewards patience (and sometimes a little stubbornness).

Thinking of doing Africa solo? Shoot me a message. I’d love to share my tips.

Tooting My Horn (Just a Little)

My piece Mic Fright received an honorable mention in the 2025 NYC Midnight 100-word flash fiction competition. Read it here.

Two of my underwater macro photos were finalists in the 2025 Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year Competition. See them here.

Life With Fur: Proof of Life

Kobe, one of our beloved dogs, had a morning routine unlike any other. Before asking for breakfast, a walk, or even a trip outside, she’d quietly make her rounds through the house. One by one, she’d sniff our faces—gently, never waking anyone—and confirm that we were all still alive.

No barking, no nudging. Just a soft nose and a silent check-in. Her own version of roll call, carried out with quiet loyalty.

Kobe’s no longer with us, but her gentle “proof of life” rounds are something I’ll never forget. RIP, sweet girl.

Writing Update:
The Long Road with The Lost Time Key

Ah, The Lost Time Key. This story and I go way back—2008, to be exact. Back then, it was just a whisper of a what-if that wouldn’t let go. I officially started writing in 2009 while juggling a corporate job I loved (which unfortunately sucked all the creative juice right out of me).

Seven years later, I had a first draft. It wasn’t good. Like, truly not good. I found out the hard way that writing corporate copy and writing fiction are two entirely different beasts. (Spoiler: one of them doesn’t involve world-building, character trauma, or magical keys.)

But I stuck with it. I showed up. Ten minutes here, an hour there—just like the gym, but with fewer endorphins and more chocolate. I signed up for classes and conferences—shout-out to Writers League of Texas, SCBWI, Writespace, and Rice University—each one helping me shape the book into something closer to what it wanted to be.

And then the manuscript took over and started teaching me. I rewrote it. Then rewrote it again. Then switched tense. Then POV. (At one point, I seriously considered deleting the whole thing and raising alpacas in Montana instead.)

But here's the good news: it finally feels ready. I'm querying agents, hoping the story finds its way into the world. And I’ve started drafting book two in the Time Key series. Still loving it. Mostly.

If you’ve got a story simmering and don’t know where to start, reach out. I’m convinced there’s a book in everyone—even if yours is currently disguised as a series of chaotic Post-It notes.

Spread the Word

If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward it to a friend who loves writing, travel, animals, or just a good story told with heart. Questions? Comments? Funny dog stories? Hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.

Up next: Australia—wild and contained.

And the fastest literary agent rejection I’ve ever received: a form fob letter returned in under 24 hours. (Lesson learned—always double-check you’re querying the right agent.)

Thanks for riding along with me
on this first issue.

I hope something here sparked a smile, stirred a memory, or gave you an itch—to write that story, book that trip, pick up your camera, or dive into a cause that matters. If it did, I’d love to hear about it. Just hit reply—I’m always up for a chat.

Until next time,
Janelle
Keep exploring, creating, and chasing the good kind of wild.