


Hello Friends,
The autumnal equinox is almost upon us, and here in the northeastern US it is still quite warm. But, pumpkins are growing, nights are cooler, and the days grow darker just after dinner time. I’m always energized by the changing seasons, but especially around the equinoxes when the shift is dramatic. I feel it in my body. It’s like something wakes up inside and says time for a new thing. With that in mind, this post will be structured differently with a sprinkling of personal info because I thought this might be a good time to reintroduce myself. And if you’ve just subscribed or if you read via my Facebook page, welcome and thank you! I appreciate you all.
A Brief Bio
My name is Jan M. Alexander and I grew up on Long Island, New York. Since I was a child I’ve written stories and painted pictures, even creating my own books using burlap, cardboard, binder rings, paper, paint, and glue. I’ve always loved books, but it wasn’t until my late thirties that I decided I wanted to write fiction. I took classes in New York City and worked with mentors to improve my storytelling skills and my writing in general. Since then I’ve published short stories (under another name) in literary journals. Recently, though, I’ve become interested in writing genre fiction, mostly because I enjoy creating stories full of magic and mystery.
My Writing Life
I still continue to write short stories and send them to literary magazines and journals. Getting published in these magazines is difficult and the process is long. Many journals take about six months to respond, so my patience is constantly tested. If you’ve been reading my Substack for a while, you know I recently got really close to publishing in a major anthology. They asked me to rewrite my story a few times, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be, and in the end they rejected the story. I still haven’t revealed the name of the anthology because I’ve been invited to resubmit again, which I will do in January—if I can come up with something I think they might like. :) This is the frustrating part about writing for these journals, but I like the challenge.
I also, however, embrace self-publishing because I love the idea of being in control of my own product. To that end, I’m in the midst of writing a novel about a family with roots in a faerie clan. I can’t say too much yet, but building my hero’s ancestral family is amazingly fun, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
Some Personal Stuff
I tend to be shy and introverted, but enjoy a good party and hanging out with friends. I love watching Buffy and Supernatural reruns. I love crows, hot cocoa, late afternoon sunlight, especially in the fall, and winter evenings full of snow. I love pumpkins, the moon, witch and ghost stories, and every Halloween I dress up like a vampire, drink Vampire wine, hand out candy, and watch Hocus Pocus—feeling like a kid! Every October I read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and watch Practical Magic as many times as I need to. (I adored the novel as well.) I read all kind of books and have a hard time picking a favorite, but if I had to choose here are a few:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: the movie adaptation with Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, and the late, great Donald Sutherland is my favorite. Hands down one of my favorite novels of all time.
Possession by A. S. Byatt: I read this book years ago, but it still haunts me. Here’s the description from Bookshop.org:
BOOKER PRIZE WINNER - NATIONAL BESTSELLER - A tale of two young scholars researching the secret love affair of two Victorian poets that's an exhilarating novel of wit and romance, an intellectual mystery, and a triumphant love story. "Gorgeously written ... A tour de force." --The New York Times Book Review
Sexing the Cherry by Jeanette Winterson: such an imaginative, smart book. I still think about it. Here is the description from Bookshop.org:
In a fantastic world that is and is not seventeenth-century England, a baby is found floating in the Thames. The child is rescued by the Dog Woman, a murderous gentle giant who names her newfound trophy Jordan and takes him out for walks on a leash. When he grows up Jordan, like Gulliver, travels the world, but finds that the strangest wonders are spun out of his own head. The strangest wonder of all is Time. Does it exist? What is its nature? Why does every journey conceal another journey within its lines? What is the difference between seventeenth-century Jordan and twentieth-century Nicholas Jordan, a navel cadet in a warship? And who are the Twelve Dancing Princesses?
With a story full of shimmering epiphanies, Jeanette Winterson again demonstrates the keenness of her craft and the singularity of her vision.
Anything by Maggie Stiefvater: her books are YA, but she is coming out with an adult book, The Listeners, in June 2025 and I can’t wait to read it. Stiefvater is an amazing writer. Incredibly imaginative and smart.
The Moon By Whale Light by Diane Ackerman: this is a book of essays I read years ago, but it has stayed with me. Might be time to reread! Here is the description from Amazon:
In a rare blend of scientific fact and poetic truth, the acclaimed author of A Natural History of the Senses explores the activities of whales, penguins, bats, and crocodilians, plunging headlong into nature and coming up with highly entertaining treasures.
I mentioned above that I also draw and paint and will share more with you in the coming year, but in the meantime, here’s a little drawing from my sketchbook:
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Until next time,
Jan
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