Meet Janie Emaus | Author/Columnist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janie Emaus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I”d say the most important factor to my success has been perseverance. I’ve been writing all my life with moderate success. In December of 2019, after trying for years to sell my picture book, Latkes for Santa Claus, I sold the book in six days to Skyhorse Publishing. I like to say it took two decades to achieve overnight success. The sales of this book were substantial and that led to my second blended holiday picture book, Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls.

In addition to writing for children, I have gained an audience with my humorous and poignant articles for AARP, thus branding myself as someone who can relate to the issues of aging.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been writing all my life. When I was a small girl, I would read the paper to my sister, and insert her name into the story. She would look at me with her big eyes, full of excitement. “I’m in the paper?” she said with total sincerity. “You really believe me?” I wrapped my six-year-old brain around her comment. And was hooked on. From then on I. knew I was meant to create stories.

I write in several both fiction and nonfiction in several genres from picture book to adult. But most of my pieces include humor. I believe that when world feels like it is falling apart, we’re just one laugh away from putting it together again.

Whether I’m writing a blended holiday story or one about caring for my elderly mother, the reader can always expect something to smile about.

It took a lot of rejections, perseverance and a strong belief in myself to get to this point in my career. I learned listen to others for advice, but to follow my heart.

I want the world to know that we’re never too old to follow our dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever a friend lands at LAX, I always take them down PCH and through Topanga Canyon to our home in the San Fernando Valley. I often stop at Gladstones in Malibu on the way home, where my friends can get a feel of the Pacific Ocean, smell the salty air and marvel over the beauty of the seagulls soaring over the sand. And then experience the change in scenery as we weave through the canyon.

During their stay, we would definitely go for oysters and and martinis at the EMC Raw Bar located at The Village in Woodland Hills. And the Old New York Deli and Bakery, also in Woodland Hills, for matzo balls soup and corned beef sandwiches.

For museums, I love the Getty Center. I they have kids, nothing beats the California Science Center located in Exposition Park. And of course the Los Angeles Zoo has a special place in my heart as the zoo was my first employer when I turned sixteen.

Since I’m a writer, we always visit bookstores. My favorite Indie store is Annabelle’s Book Club LA in Studio City.

I’ve lived in LA most of my life and I still find the city interesting and exciting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my success to my amazing friend and critique partner, Tina Ferraro. To my longtime writers group: Linda O. Johnston, Heidi Shannon, Marilyn Dennis & Ann Finnin. As well as the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators) with a special shout out to Alexis O’Neill, picture book writer extraordinaire.

And most important if not for my sister, Arlie Holland, I would not be where I am today.

Website: https://www.janieemaus.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janieemaus/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Janie_Emaus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janie.emaus

Other: https://rb.gy/ho2y3t. – My Amazon Page https://www.facebook.com/Janie-Emaus-Books-Blogs-473633136036884 – Author FB Page

Image Credits
Jacquie Bounds Photography