Activated Authors

#027: Jonathan Janz – Knowing your value, cultivating positivity, and being authentic to yourself.

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Jonathan Janz is the author of more than a dozen novels and numerous short stories. His work has been championed by authors such as Joe R. Lansdale, Jack Ketchum, and Brian Keene; he has also been lauded by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and School Library Journal.

His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novel Children of the Dark was chosen by Booklist as a Top Ten Horror Book of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children.


In this episode we go deep into:

  • What it’s like to be praised by horror sensation, Brian Keene.
  • What were the core mistakes that Brian Keene helped him through.
  • Knowing the value of your own work and shooting for the moon.
  • The value of mentorship.
  • How social media strengthens connections and widens the world.
  • Gravitating towards the people that raise you up, and distancing yourself from those who push you down.
  • Flipping the switch on positivity.
  • Jonathan’s entry into reading and what held him back for 14 years.
  • Types of reading, and the best ways to digest and analyze books and media.
  • How to cultivate self-definition and accept yourself for who you are
  • The importance of being transparent and honest, across all areas of your life.
  • What role does story play in Jonathan’s parenting style.
  • Why Chris Evans is a boss on and off camera.
  • How to best hone your craft and create a rich reading experience.
  • The importance of reading widely, outside of the cultural zeitgeist and giving time for more diverse voices.
  • What Jonathan’s writing process looks like.
  • Why does Jonathan write?


    • Jonathan answers questions from Patrons:

    • What is your top productivity tip or the "go-to" habit that keeps you on track?
  • How do you reward yourself when you've completed a project?


    • This week’s question:

    How do you tackle negativity and self-doubt with your writing?


    Find out more about Jonathan:

    Jonathan.janz IG

    Jonathan Janz Twit

    jonathanjanz.com


    Links from the show:

    Carolyn Kepniss

    Joe R Lansdale

    Brian Keene

    Josh Malerman

    Tananarive Due

    Stephen King’s 'The Tommyknockers'

    Chris Evans interview

    Robert McCammon

    Ray Bradbury’s ‘Dandelion Wine’

    Josh Malerman’s ‘Malorie’

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