Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Janice L. Berliner is a board certified genetic counselor with nearly thirty years of clinical experience in prenatal, pediatric and oncology clinics. She has met with thousands of patients, providing them with risk assessment, genetic testing information and interpretation, and supportive counseling. Now in academia, Janice is an assistant professor and the Director of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program at Bay Path University, helping to train the next generation of genetic counselors. In 2014, Janice used her professional connections to gather a group of genetic counselors, compile and edit a book entitled Ethical Dilemmas in Genetics and Genetic Counseling: Principles through Case Scenarios published by Oxford University Press. Then, channeling her experience and energy into fiction writing, Janice published her first novel, Brooke’s Promise. This intricate tale starts out as a simple story of a couple struggling to conceive, and quickly evolves into a multigenerational saga of devastating family secrets. Thirty years after fifteen year-old Julia is misunderstood by her parents and sent to boarding school, her son pushes his wife into a pregnancy she isn’t wholly ready to undertake. When their beautiful baby girl displays a frightening failure to thrive, a series of medical evaluations diagnoses a devastating disease that reveals a world of secrets and threatens to unravel their marriage and their families. The tension mounts as two mothers are forced to uncover truths that they don’t want to face and discover a past that will have life-altering consequences for them and everyone they love. Brooke’s Promise is a bold and hopeful story about changing expectations, forgiveness and reconciliation. Janice lives in New Jersey with her husband of nearly thirty years, three adult children, two cats and a new puppy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Janice Berliner’s latest book, Brooke’s Promise, was inspired by the author’s love of genetics, great story-telling and the element of surprise. Her two favorite authors, Jodi Picoult and Lisa Genova, provided unmatched examples of how to craft a strong and serious story with relatable characters and unexpected plot twists.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
…only that I write in any little spare bits of time I can find, as I have a more than full-time job.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jodi Picoult, Lisa Genova, Lisa Scottoline, Andrew Solomon
What are you working on now?
My next novel will be the story of Aidan Sheridan, a talented and famous actor who develops a serious illness, and in the course of his treatment is betrayed by the people he trusted. He loses the love of his life, his private information is leaked for the world to see, and he must face his mortality much sooner than he ever would have thought. Meanwhile, Fiona grapples over whether to reveal what she knows about him. Doing so could save lives, but would go against everything she was ever taught about nursing ethics. As she struggles with the inner turmoil and her guilt, she forges a delicate relationship with Aidan that ultimately redeems them both.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
word of mouth, book signings, Facebook, and my website at janiceberliner.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take every opportunity to promote your book. To friends, family, colleagues, local book stores, book groups, anywhere you can. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and sell yourself! If you’re talented enough to write the book, you deserve to market yourself!
What are you reading now?
Jodi Picoult’s Sparks of Light
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have several outlines started; I’ll probably write a sequel to Brooke’s Promise.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Inside the O’Briens, Memoirs of a Geisha, Small Great Things
Author Websites and Profiles
Janice Berliner Website
Janice Berliner Amazon Profile
Janice Berliner’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account