Notes from the Shelf

Today’s Featured Author: Janis M. Falk

I met Janis M. Falk at Printer’s Row in Chicago and was captivated by the idea behind her book. I reached out to see if she’d be open to a written interview, and she graciously agreed. Here’s a closer look at the author behind Not Yet Lost and the creative path that brought her there.

Meet Janis

Janis M. Falk, in her first act, raised her family, pursued a business career, and lived large and wide—and now she has something to write about. She is a graduate of both University of Michigan and Northwestern University. Now in her second act, she can often be found kayaking the Great Lakes or pruning lavender plants on her organic farm. Janis was born in Detroit, then took a multiyear tour through Chicago. She and her husband, Jim, currently live in a home they built by combining two 157-year-old log cabins in Door County, Wisconsin.

Her book Not Yet Lost is out now. For fans of Kristin Hannah and Jennifer Chiaverini, Not Yet Lost is a historical fiction novel about a Polish immigrant woman who fights against worker oppression in Depression-era Detroit despite opposition by many—even her husband.

Q&A

What inspired you to start writing in general?

Thanks to my mother, I was an avid reader growing up, and therefore quite an imaginative kid. In fourth grade I wrote a story about bear fighting in Elizabethan England – from the bear’s point of view. I was an early adopter of animal rights! The story was published in an international lit journal. Who doesn’t love positive reinforcement? All along I intended to be a writer, or a journalist, and I started college as an English major. I realized what really got me jazzed was discovery, learning outside of a somewhat sheltered childhood. Also, I learned I needed to earn a living. Not being cut out for teaching, I pursued a path in business and continued writing as an avocation. I was fortunate enough after my children were launched to exit the business world and refocus on my interests. I sought out classes and conferences and unearthed a whole new world of people. My natural curiosity led me to learn the publishing industry. I’m proud to be a role model demonstrating individuals can do many things, and be many people, in this one life we have to live.

What inspires you to continue writing?

Creating a story, or a novel, is like a puzzle. Putting together disparate ideas and building something new is addictive. Plus, I’m chatty. I always have something to say.

When did you know you wanted to publish a book?

Since books were given such respect in my home, writing one seemed to be the ultimate achievement. Sure, there’s a lot of ego in that comment, but there are worse things than being considered a reflective person.

How did you first get published?

I chose the route of a hybrid publisher. It’s no secret the publishing industry is fraught right now. The big houses want sure-fire sales, yet self-publishing is ubiquitous and has lowered standards. Often self-published books are shunned by bookstores and distribution channels. Publishing with a high-quality hybrid worked best for me because I could maintain control of content, and benefit from industry savvy cover designers, editors and proofreaders. Most importantly, I availed myself of distribution through Simon and Schuster.

What is your writing routine?

This one’s a tough one for me. I’m about the least routinized person alive. Sometimes I write by hand in notebooks, sometimes in Scrivener, sometimes at a desk, sometimes in bed with my computer on my knees. To be this way and actually finish a manuscript, you need to be very organized mentally. It works for me.

How do you develop an idea from initial spark to finished manuscript?

In Not Yet Lost the real-life events provided the plot’s structure, similar to a murder mystery. The story came from the “how and why” rather than the “what.” Writing is definitely much more difficult if the plot points need to be pulled from thin air.

Have you dealt with writer’s block and how do you handle it?

 If I’m stuck, I do something else. Once I wrote an entire chapter in my head while weeding the lavender field on our farm. When I came inside, I dumped it into my computer. I’m a big believer in subconscious thought and that ideas roll around below the surface.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t worry about getting published, worry about learning how to write. Publishing will come with a good product.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Yes. Devote your time to craft. I once thought that, if you were brilliantly inspired, you could write a book. Wrong! A new writer really needs to understand the mechanics of writing, and I don’t mean grammar. Issues like head hopping, staying in POV, not opening with dialogue, grounding the reader, etc. Classes, classes, classes!

Which books or authors have most influenced your writing?

Abraham Verghese, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Diana Gabaldon, Fiona Davis, Kristin Hannah, Luis Alberto Urea, Louise Erdrich, Kate Quinn. There are so many wonderful writers out there! I read them all and learn something from each.

What’s something readers might be surprised to learn about you?

My guilty pleasure is watching foreign language cop shows and spy thrillers. I love the intrigue and universality.

What book(s) have you published and where can people find them?

Not Yet Lost is available at the usual haunts. Try local indies. The Book Stall or Book Cellar are good ones. Otherwise, any of the online sources, bookshop.org, B&N or Amazon. One atypical locale is Tenuta’s Deli in Kenosha.

What are you currently writing? Anything coming out soon?

My headspace is taken up right now with marketing Not Yet Lost. I’d much prefer to be writing and I have a cross-genre novel in mind. It will be something of a mash-up of a futuristic romance that reaches back in history to examine influences driving the relationship woes.

Connect with Janis

You can find Janis on Instagram at janismfalkwrites, and on Facebook, or visit her website at janisfalk.com.

Wrapping Up

Janis M. Falk’s journey from business professional to historical fiction author is both inspiring and relatable. Her dedication to craft, curiosity, and love for storytelling shine through in Not Yet Lost and in this interview. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a fan of historical fiction, or simply love discovering new voices, Janis’ insights offer a glimpse into the persistence, creativity, and heart behind bringing a story to life.

Be sure to check out Not Yet Lost at your favorite local bookstore or online, and stay tuned for what Janis has in store next!

If you’re interested in Janis M. Falk’s book ‘Not Yet Lost’, consider purchasing it through Bookshop.org. Every purchase supports independent bookstores and helps sustain Notes from the Shelf. (Affiliate link; I may earn a small commission.)

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