Frances Whiting, the acclaimed author and columnist for Australia's Sunday Mail, has shared a remarkable story of an unknowing encounter with John F Kennedy Jr. in Paris. In a recent interview, she revealed that she shared coffee with the late son of President John F. Kennedy in 1990, only to realize his identity months later.
The Encounter in Paris
Whiting recounted the meeting, which took place during a trip to Paris with her then-boyfriend. While in the lobby of a luxurious hotel, she struck up a conversation with a strikingly handsome man who asked if she was Australian. They walked together toward the Louvre, and Whiting noticed people staring, initially thinking it was because of her. The man mentioned he was in Paris after failing his law exam again, escaping what he called 'the noise' from his disappointed family. They stopped for coffee, where the waiter was notably deferential, refusing to let him pay. After parting, Whiting thought him a lovely but familiar man. About three months later, in London, her friend brought home a magazine, and Whiting realized the man was John F Kennedy Jr.
A Late Bloomer's Journey
Whiting, who had her first child at 40 and her second at 45, wrote her first novel at 46 and her third, The Nocturnals, at 61. She describes herself as a late bloomer and encourages other women not to panic about life's timings. 'The nicest thing about being a late bloomer is I can talk to other women who are panicking and say, you don't have to panic — hopefully things happen when they're meant to happen,' she said.
Balancing Writing and Life
Despite a full-time journalism career, a 101-year-old mother, and children aged 22 and 17, Whiting finds time to write her books in the early morning hours, from 5am to 7am, three to four times a week. Her latest novel, The Nocturnals, has become a bestseller, topping Amazon charts and ranking in the top 10 in bookstores.
Whiting's column has been a staple for readers for nearly 30 years, providing a familiar and comforting voice in an increasingly disconnected world. She approaches each column as if writing to a friend, aiming to make them smile.
Frances Whiting's The Nocturnals ($34.99, HarperCollins) is available now. The full interview can be heard on the Stellar podcast, Something To Talk About.
