Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to January Ornellas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi January, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I learned my resilience from my dad, who was also a writer. He was relentless in both his writing and submitting. He taught me from an early age that rejections were not a reflection on one’s talent, and that has always stuck with me. I wrote children’s books for many years with little success. Feeling discouraged, but not wanting to give up, I changed directions with my writing about six years ago. I began crafting short humor pieces, many of which have been published in both newspapers and humor anthologies. My first book was published last December, and I dedicated it to my dad, who was 88 at the time, and still writing. He died this past summer.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been writing most of my life, which includes screenplays, children’s books (both picture books and middle-grade novels), adult fiction, and humorous short stories. I launched my writers’ blog, midlifebloomer.com, in 2019, where I share most of my humor stories.
I have also been published in the LA Times (“Rookie’s Triathlon Lessons”), The Belladonna (“Charcuterie for Dummies. Yes, I’m talking to you.”), HumorOutcasts.com, and several of the “Chicken Soup for The Soul” humor anthologies. In addition, I am a regular contributor to the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Website.
I am currently promoting and marketing my debut collection of humor stories, My Above Average Average Colon and Other Midlife Adventures at local author events. Recently, I was a featured author at the Thousand Oaks Author Fair, where I signed and sold copies of my book. Check out miflifebloomer.com for additional upcoming events.
I am also working on a revised draft of my novel, Diab🥎lical, which chronicles the life of three crazy softball moms.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say TENACITY is one of the most important qualities because the reality is there will be seasons where the words don’t flow and you’re just not as productive, and you will scream, “WHY DID I EVER WANT TO BE A WRITER?!” That’s when you take a small break (but don’t give up), change directions, and keep grinding.
WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW is crucial. In my college years, I wrote a screenplay about about a middle-aged pizza delivery man who became a serial killer. The screenplay was absolutely horrific, mostly because I couldn’t relate to my own character. (obviously, I’m not a serial killer.)
I now write mostly about “slice of midlife,” stories, which center on family, friends, and fiascos. The writing is more authentic because I’m living it. My second book, Diab🥎lical, shows how three crazy softball moms spiral out of control, is also something I’ve experienced.
CONNECTION is also key. When I was writing children’s books, I didn’t make the professional connections which would have furthered my writing. I pretty much just wrote in a bubble. However, when I began writing humor pieces, I immediately became connected with the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, which has been huge for me. This has helped me hone my craft, join a new writer’s group, and most importantly, make the connections that led to getting my book published.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients (readers) are mostly middle-aged women (40+). However, anyone who would like to take a break from our divisive world to enjoy some non-political, relatable and much-needed humor is a target reader for my book. Many of the reviews I’ve received highlighted that they enjoyed my humorous take on everyday life and that they appreciate that I’m not afraid to share my embarrassing moments with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://midlifebloomer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/januaryornellas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/january.ornellas.7
Image Credits
Personal Photo (Sarah Jeruta Salvilla) Book Cover (Dwayne Booth) LA Times triathlon picture (Elana Aker)
