Janet Clare is a former apparel designer-turned-writer whose first novel, Time Is the Longest Distance, was published in 2018, and now, nearly seven years later, her second, True Home is making its debut. Janet worked on True Home during the difficult days of her husband’s illness. And in her words, his “humor and supreme focus on living every moment” taught her how to press on and do the same. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Janet talk about coming-of-age stories, author blurbs, and how writing can be a powerful antidote in the face of grief and loss.

Episode Sponsors:

Book Soup – Known for our floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, high-profile author readings, limited-edition books, vinyl records, and celebrity clientele, Book Soup is an essential stop on any tour of Los Angeles. Find your next great read and shop online at booksoup.com.

Village Well Books & Coffee – A community-focused & impact-driven bookstore-café in the heart of Downtown Culver City, California. Village Well is a third place where we go for rest and nourishment between home and work. A place where neighbors have surprise encounters and people who might otherwise feel lonely at home can be surrounded by the comfort of lively, friendly human interaction. Stop by to eat, read, connect, learn about our community and our world, and be inspired, healed, accepted and loved. Or find us online at villagewell.com.

Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Time Is the Longest Distance, by Janet Clare

True Home, by Janet Clare

James, by Percival Everett

Kitchens of the Great Midwest, by J. Ryan Stradal

The Snowbirds, by Christina Clancy

The Heart of Winter, by Jonathan Evison

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous AND The Emperor of Gladness, by Ocean Vuong

Here’s the trailer for the 1973 film, The Way We Were, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. 

Follow Janet Clare:

Facebook: @janet clare

Instagram: @janetclare1

Bluesky: @janetclare.bsky.social‬

janetclarewriter.com

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie for a writing retreat in Italy in September, 2025.

You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make your wishes come true.

This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or if you’re looking for an online class to jumpstart your memoir, you can find that here.

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here or message Annmarie to learn more.

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