Pen Name:
None
Genres:
Children’s, Essays, Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Memoir, Narrative Non-Fiction/Education, Poetry, Romance
Website:
Under Construction
Social Media:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
Other Contact:
rjwalraven02@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/rjwalraven/
Bio
R. Janet Walraven, M.Ed., is a retired 35-year teacher, K-12. She is passionate about writing, gardening, children of all ages, art, the Ravens football team, and collecting ornamental hedgehogs from around the world. She writes in various genres, including poetry. Janet received a second-place award for Mainstream Short Story, “A Deeper Wave,” from Southwest Writers 2001 Contest. This gave her the confidence and incentive to continue writing. Rainbow of Promise: A World War II Romance won The Loyal Lyre Award (2020), Connect for Classroom Success won a Silver Award with Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards 2022, (Narrative Non-Fiction). Hector and Heloise in Paris (2022) is her first children’s book, encouraging children of all ages to visit the Louvre and other great museums of the world. Her latest work is Liam: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down (Narrative Non-Fiction, 2023). Janet enjoys meeting readers at book signings and traveling in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. She has three essays posted on Our Grandfathers’ Grain Elevators website. Her dad built the cement plant in Tijeras Canyon (1958), and her parents owned The Texas Ann Motel (1958–1972), two blocks from Old Town where McDonald’s is now. Having moved 79 times in her life, she has decided to call New Mexico her home. She and her significant other, Mal Johnson, love adventures in The Land of Enchantment. Mal is her best critic and supporter.
More from R. Janet
My current work-in-progress is a prequel to Rainbow of Promise. The WIP is the story of my German grandparents’ emigration from Russia to the USA. Then I’ll write the sequel. I also have in mind an anthology of my own short stories and poetry.
I started my writing journey in high school, mostly essays and poetry. After my father passed, I felt the cathartic need to write his story. That’s when I won a second-place award in an SWW contest, giving me a boost in confidence. After I retired from teaching, I felt compelled to help teachers who struggled. The purpose of my mentoring book is to help all education team players find JOY in teaching and learning. Now, I find myself enjoying writing in various genres. I have a plethora of stories in my head urging me to get them onto paper and published.
The only writing advice I have is to read a lot of books in the genres you enjoy writing. Learn all you can from writing workshops, but trust your gut and be true to yourself.
Anthology (Contributor)
Title: Stories and Poems/The Story Whisperers Vol. 1
Author: Various
Genre: Mixed
Published: 2019
“Beyond the Round-Dance Day” (Poem), pg 53
“Bound for Freedom” (Poem), pg 55
“A New Mexico Quest” (Narrative Non-Fiction), pg 1
“The Pedernal Paradigm” (Poem), pg 239
“The Secret Longing” (Fiction), pg 244
This anthology is a product of a critique group—The Story Whisperers—currently living and writing in Bernalillo, New Mexico. This eclectic group of ten writes novels, poetry, articles, short stories, and memoirs. The goal of the group has been to critique each other’s work in order to improve writing quality. Drawn from 725 combined years of life experiences, this book is a collection of short stories, memoirs, and poetry. We hope you enjoy it!
From R. Janet Walraven: The late Sarah Baker formatted Stories and Poems/The Story Whisperers for our neighborhood writing group consisting of ten authors. Sarah and I co-edited the book. We miss her leadership as well as her friendship.
Available for Sale
Books
Title: LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down
Published: 2023
Genre: Narrative Non-Fiction
The inspiring story of LIAM, a companion book to Connect for Classroom Success, gives hope to parents, teachers, and those whom the education system has marginalized. LIAM is the true story of a student considered to be seriously mentally challenged until the 8th grade. After soon realizing that her new student was extremely bright, the author was determined to uncover how and why he had been misdiagnosed. During the course of her investigation, and with perseverance in the face of doubt, ridicule, and even hostility, she made the startling discovery of a treatable condition. With an open mind and hard work on Liam’s part as well as the unwavering support of his parents, he became a productive and successful individual in all areas of his life.
Available for Sale
Title: Hector and Heloise in Paris
Published: 2022
Genre: Children’s Literature
Sibling hedgehogs, Hector and Heloise, set out on a great adventure to explore the largest and most popular museum in the world, the Louvre in Paris, France. Their Uncle Ken has told them all about the amazing works of art—paintings, sculptures, artifacts, beautiful architecture, and even mummies. Will hedgehogs be allowed in the museum? What is in that large package Hector is sneaking into the Louvre? Come along with Hector and Heloise on this miraculous adventure where you will discover their big secret. Included are Internet links for virtual tours of the Louvre.
Available for Sale
Title: Rainbow of Promise: A World War II Romance
Published: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
It’s 1942, a time when soldiers, despite wartime fears, hold onto their dreams of love everlasting. W.E. finds his world turned upside down when he meets beautiful and vivacious Sadina―a woman determined to live every day with joy. Will secrecy sever the trust in their romance? This poignant World War II romance is based on the love story of the author’s parents.
Available for Sale
Title: Connect for Classroom Success: A Mentoring Guide for Teachers K-12
Published: 2019
Genre: Narrative Non-Fiction
Every teacher needs a good mentor. R. Janet Walraven, a master teacher, presents actual classroom scenarios to model effective interaction with students, parents, administrators, colleagues, and staff. In this book, you will learn how to:
• Manage your classroom with confidence and competence
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians
• Build rapport with administrators and staff
• Use your time efficiently
• Become a successful and gratified teacher
• Find JOY in teaching
Available for Sale
Book Editor
Title: Paddle to the Pacific: A Journey of Reflection on the Columbia River
Author: Laurie Case Wilhite
Editors: R. Janet Walraven and Laurie Case Wilhite
Published: Laurie Case Wilhite/2022
Genre: Narrative Non-Fiction
Washington native, Laurie Wilhite, began her kayak journey down the Columbia River just below the John Day Dam. Her paddle to the Pacific led her through the Columbia River Gorge where she was raised and on to the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon. This is the story of her journey of reflection of life along the Columbia River.
Experience the Columbia River from the water through the story of Laurie’s journey by kayak. Geology, wildlife, history, and people along the river come together to form this rich tale of adventure. Slow down the pace, feel the river mile after mile, and join her journey of reflection.
