Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Westchester County, NY and now I live in the Berkshires, Massachusetts.
Were you a good student?
I tried to be, but mostly I was always daydreaming and making up stories in my head. My teachers didn't quite understand me.
What was your major in college?
I graduated from NYU where I studied Mandarin Chinese and Anthropology, with a minor in English Literature.
You speak Chinese?
Yes, I do. After NYU I went to Taiwan for a year to study. I taught English there and perfected my Chinese. When I got back to the U.S. I worked as a refugee caseworker working with refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos until budget cuts forced me to lose my job. I then became a tour guide, leading amazing adventures to Mainland China for four years.
Where else have you been?
I love to travel and I've been to many exciting places, including The Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, Thailand, France, Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico, Bermuda, Bahamas and Canada.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first story at age six. It was called The Fuzzy Wuzzy Rabbit. Ever since my mom gave me her old marbled notebook when I was five, I've written. I didn't really think about writing for a career until I got some real encouragement from my family, friends and teachers who thought my writing was good enough to be published.
How many books have you written?
My first published book was Elephants of the Tsunami, and my newest book is Weeping Under This Same Moon. It's a story for young adults and adults. The Twelfth Stone, another YA novel is coming out soon! It's a Faerie Tale with a modern twist and it's for kids 12 and up.
Have you ever been rejected?
YES! Many times, but I try to follow the advice of a friend who once said, "Don't give up five minutes before the miracle." In other words, Never Give Up
Can we write to you?
I'd love it. Just click on the link and ask me or tell me anything that interests you. jana@janalaiz.com