Tell us about yourself.:
I am a Professional Organizer and the owner/operator of Just Focus and Reorganize, LLC (JFR).
I started playing guitar as a shy, introverted 12-year-old. In my late twenties, I tackled my stage fright and joined a band. I have since played shows throughout California and have recorded two full-length albums and one EP (during which time I earned the moniker “Janice F'n Reid” a.k.a. “JFR”).
I received a BA in Legal Studies (with a minor in Music) from UC Berkeley and have since joined the Cal Alumni Association. GO BEARS! I then earned an MEd and a Multiple Subject teaching credential from UCLA. I worked as a public elementary school teacher for eight years before deciding to pursue a career in Professional Organizing.
I am an active member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). I have earned NAPO Specialist Certificates in Workplace Productivity and Team Productivity. I served as the Los Angeles chapter’s Treasurer for the 2016–2017 term. I was the leader of NAPO’s Environmentally-Conscious Organizers special interest group for the 2020–2023 terms.
I am also a subscriber to the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) and have earned a Level II Chronic Disorganization Specialist Certificate.
I love working one-on-one with my clients and enjoy speaking to groups about organization and productivity.
In 2022, I moved to Denver to grow the business … and purchase my first home.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in Littlerock, CA which is a small, desert town in Southern California. I am not sure how this influenced my writing. Back then, I wrote dark, angsty poetry but that had more to do with adolescence than where I grew up. Now, my writing is much more positive and action-focused.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure if it is unusual, but I can only write in the afternoon.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in Littlerock, CA which is a small, desert town in Southern California. I am not sure how this influenced my writing. Back then, I wrote dark, angsty poetry but that had more to do with adolescence than where I grew up. Now, my writing is much more positive and action-focused.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't get overwhelmed by how much there is to do to write, publish, and market a book. Decide what the next step is and schedule it into your calendar. Focus on one action item at a time.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
You can't do it all!
What are you reading now?
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Julia by Sandra Newman
What’s your biggest weakness?
Over-analyzing
What is your favorite book of all time?
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I still play guitar when I can and enjoy going to rock, punk, and metal shows. I love food and am always looking for the next restaurant to try. I like taking walks around town and going for hikes.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I was an avid reader and made frequent trips to the library so I am not sure I can remember the first story I ever read. However, I LOVED reading Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman and The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone. Even though I knew everything worked out in the end, but I really enjoyed taking the journey with them.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
My teaching experience has inspired my writing style. I am striving to simplify everything and make even the more complex, overwhelming things in life understandable and actionable.
What are you working on now?
Since my first book came out a little over a month ago, I am working on promoting that right now.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
My favorite methods for promoting my work is through social media and speaking to groups about the productivity systems in my book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Although I am not ready to start on another writing project, I would love to write a book about how to be environmentally-conscious when you are decluttering and organizing your home.
How well do you work under pressure?
I am definitely not working at my best under pressure. I would much rather finish early than work up the last second of a deadline.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I write self-help/how-to so I use my tone which is to-the-point with occasional wry humor.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Simplify everything!
Janice Rostron’s Author Websites and Profiles
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