This week’s guest is Janie Emaus (The Advice Columnist, Bombay Circle Press, October 2023). The inspiration for Janie’s book was a flip on the “notes to your younger self” trope as she imagined it’s the older protagonist being given life lessons instead. Janie’s childhood dream to become a songwriter faded when she discovered she couldn’t carry a tune but she soon segued into telling stories, gaining a following with the boomer crowd with her humorous essays for AARP. After parting ways with a top NYC agent, she instead signed with an India-based publisher and couldn’t be happier. She’s proof that not sticking to a single “author brand” isn’t always the answer, as she’s published several best-selling children’s books, as well as creative non-fiction, romance, and women’s fiction. 

 Janie Emaus is the author of the blended holiday picture books, Latkes for Santa Claus, a finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards, and Easter Eggs & Matzo Balls. As well as the novels, The Advice Columnist and The Time Traveling Matchmaker. Her essays, stories and articles have been published in numerous magazines, anthologies, and websites. In 2016, she won honorary mention in the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition. In 2023, she won second place in the National Society of Newspaper Columnists Contest in the lifestyle category. But no award is more important to her than family.

To learn more about Janie, click here.