“I would say the drive in me is never to stop learning. I know there is the writing rule of picking one niche, but I can’t.”

– Janny C

There is a maverick mentality that rejects convention and fervently pursues information in the world of freelance writing, where specialization frequently reigns supreme. Meet a diverse freelance writer whose journey embodies the concept of ongoing learning and inquiry – Janny C, also known as Janis Beck or Jan Marie. Janny epitomizes the spirit of embracing inquiry and pushing the frontiers of creativity, drawing from her wide range of skills in novel authorship, ghostwriting, and comic book scripting.

Janny’s journey into the realm of freelance writing began with a bold step into the comic book scene. As a head scriptwriter for new independent companies, she honed her craft and cultivated a deep appreciation for storytelling in its myriad forms. Rather than adhering to a single niche, Janny’s curiosity led her to explore diverse genres and platforms, demonstrating a fearless attitude towards creative exploration.

Despite being mostly self-trained, Janny’s resilience and adaptability have been instrumental in her success. From online magazine publications like Mamaload and Flymommy to ghostwriting projects, she has seamlessly navigated through different writing domains, leveraging each experience as an opportunity for growth. Her ability to pivot between genres and mediums reflects a profound understanding of the evolving demands of the freelance writing landscape.

Janny’s foray into book writing marked a significant milestone in her career. Under the pen name Jan Marie, she published her debut novella “Angelic Confessions,” a blend of paranormal romance and fantasy. This venture not only showcased her storytelling craft but also affirmed her commitment to pushing creative boundaries and exploring new narrative frontiers.

Beyond her individual pursuits, Janny remains deeply engaged in supporting fellow indie authors through her company, Indie Promotions. By providing affordable book promotion services, she exemplifies a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration within the writing community, reinforcing the notion that success is not a solitary journey but a collective endeavor.

Let us deconstruct the motivational story of Janny, who defied convention by refusing to be limited by her voracious appetite for knowledge in this exclusive interview.

SM: Your journey in freelance writing is quite diverse, ranging from comic book scripts to fantasy novellas. Could you share some insights into how you navigate different genres and maintain creativity across various writing projects?

JC: I would say the drive in me is never to stop learning. I know there is the writing rule of picking one niche, but I can’t. My fantasy novella, in fact, started out as a comic book script. I was then challenged to try and turn it into a book. I was unsure if I could do this, but I researched and self-taught myself, and it became the book that is out there today. In diving into the book-writing world, I stumbled upon freelance writing. Once my book was done, I then moved on to learning more about that, and so on.

SM: As a freelance writer, you’ve worked under different pen names. How do you approach building distinct authorial voices for each persona while maintaining your unique style?

JC: I have no idea! I often kind of regret doing that, but as my career grew, I just stuck with it. Jan Marie is my author’s pen name. The creative writer, if you will. While Janny C is the more formal freelance writer.

SM: Your novella “Angelic Confessions” explores themes of darkness and true love. What inspired you to get into the paranormal romance genre, and what message do you hope readers take away from your work?

JC: When I started writing, it was just fantasy to me. It wasn’t until I started delving into the book publishing world that I discovered the paranormal romance sub-genre realizing that is where my book fit. My main goal for readers is to get lost in the story. I love books you can get lost in. That’s the goal of my book.

SM: Supporting indie authors is an essential part of your work through Indie Promotions. Could you elaborate on the importance of indie author support networks, and how does your platform contribute to this ecosystem?

JC: Being an Indie author myself, I know the struggles of it all. Thus, I wanted to help support my fellow authors as I wished others supported me. I also wanted to offer affordable PR marketing for them. When I first published and set out to market my book, I was stunned at the cost. I didn’t have that kind of money. I knew my fellow authors had to have the same struggles. So, I created Indie Promotions to be affordable and different from other competitors out there. Meaning I purchased, reviewed, and promoted their books.

SM: Freelance writing often involves collaboration with clients and editors. What are some key strategies you employ to ensure effective communication and maintain professional relationships in the industry?

JC: It can take a while to figure out, but what I’ve keyed in on is to be straightforward. I am busy. They are busy. Being straightforward, yet still keeping formalities, is the key for me. I also always stress to my clients to always reach out to me if they have any concerns, which I think gives them an ease feeling.

SM: Book reviews and promotions play a significant role in the success of indie authors. How do you approach book reviews, and what criteria do you consider when promoting a book through your platform?

JC: I approach my reviews as a reader and as a writer. For example, writing structure, flow, world building, character structure as well as my thoughts and feelings. This format works well. It lets the authors know I really read their book, which is what authors LOVE.

“My main goal for readers is to get lost in the story. I love books you can get lost in. That’s the goal of my book.”

– Janny C

SM: Your experience as a freelance writer spans over several years. What are some of the most significant changes or trends you’ve observed in the freelance writing industry, and how have you adapted to them?

JC: SEO was the big trend when I started. At first, it was stuffing as many keywords in as possible; then the rules changed as the algorithms changed, so as writers, we all had to adjust. There was also a trend over quantity vs quality and which was better. There were (probably still are) these places called “content mills,” which are companies that hire freelance writers to pump out high quantities of content. It started to raise the question of which is the best quantity or quality of what we are writing. They were also low-paying and were often listed as companies to avoid. Now, there is a big AI debate. Over all, I keep to my honest principles. The only AI I will use is for grammar, spelling, and plagiarizing checks. I even edit THAT! So, my clients know my work is all original with a human spirit.

SM: What are your thoughts on AI in the writing field?

JC: It’s conflicting as it is meant to be a useful tool. I’ve used AI in my writing, as I mentioned, for spelling and grammar checking, which, in part, has actually improved my grammar and spelling. AI has also helped me when I was stumped and at a loss in how to word something. AI helped me figure it out. I didn’t even use what it suggested but what they suggested helped me out of my block to know how to word it the way I wanted or it needed to be. That is how AI has to work. Sadly, of course, not everyone is going to use it that way, and that is why there is trouble. Take the gun, for example; it was meant to be a tool, a form of protection. Not to kill someone because they have a pair of shoes you want. So, it is a tricky thing, in my opinion.

SM: Balancing creativity with commercial viability can be challenging for freelance writers. How do you strike a balance between pursuing your creative vision and meeting the expectations of clients or readers?

JC: I research who I am writing for. It helps me to know if I can capture the voice and brand they are looking for in order to help avoid that challenge. Sometimes it can’t, and I think it’s more the person you are dealing with. For example, most clients give me the topic they want written on with a few guidelines and leave the rest up to me. I submit for them to look over to see if they need any changes which I comply with its their article, so I do. It’s all good. I then had one client who gave me the topic and pretty much nearly outlined word for word what they wanted me to write. I was just like, no.

SM: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring freelance writers looking to establish themselves in the industry and make a meaningful impact through their writing?

JC: I would say write and read and research. I didn’t go to college to be a freelance writer. Being a writer was not really my career choice it was more like a dream. When I decided to take a leap of faith and try out for this field, I researched and read, researched, and read some more to learn all about it. Starting a blog is helpful, too. If you have a niche you like to write on, hone in on that. Join a writer’s group. I did that as well and met wonderful people who became my mentors. I would not be where I am today without them. 🔆

“Being an Indie author myself, I know the struggles of it all. Thus, I wanted to help support my fellow authors as I wished others supported me.”

– Janny C

Get a copy of “Angelic Confessions” By Jan Marie by clicking here.

Catch up with Janny C, Janis Beck, or Jan Marie through the following links:

• Author’s website
• Personal website
• Indie Promotions
• X (Twitter)
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Join the Conversation!

1. What aspect of Janny C’s journey resonated with you the most?
2. How has Janny C’s story inspired you to approach your own creative endeavors?
3. Do you believe in the importance of embracing versatility in your writing career?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s continue the discussion!

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