Janis Susan May Patterson has built a vibrant literary career defined by creativity, perseverance, and a fearless approach to storytelling. She is widely recognized as a novelist whose work resonates with readers across genres and continents. Through both traditional publishing and self-publishing platforms, she has brought her stories to life with authenticity and passion, navigating the evolving landscape of modern literature while staying true to her artistic vision.
Among Ms. Patterson’s proudest accomplishments is achieving traditional publication, a milestone that required navigating a rigorous editorial process with agents, readers and editors. This experience inspired her to establish Sefcott Aldi LLC, her own publishing company, to preserve the integrity of her voice and deliver stories directly to her audience. Her independent efforts have garnered international acclaim, including placement on bestseller lists in Europe, underscoring her ability to connect with readers around the world.
Ms. Patterson’s educational foundation includes earning a diploma from a local high school, but she credits her success less to formal education and more to determination, boldness, and drive, qualities she often describes with humor as “a touch of insanity” and a refusal to accept limits. These traits have shaped a career defined by resilience and reinvention. Storytelling runs deep in her family’s history, with her grandfather publishing a small-town newspaper in the early 20th century and her father founding a journalism department during World War II. Inspired by this legacy, she began writing at a young age, penning and hand-binding her first book with her parents’ encouragement when she was only four years old.
Before becoming an accomplished novelist and publisher, Ms. Patterson built a multifaceted career that enriched her creative perspective. She worked as a talent agent and casting director with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, where she identified and represented performers in the entertainment industry. This experience offered valuable insight into character development and storytelling from a visual and performative perspective, skills that continue to influence her fiction.
Ms. Patterson’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident in her role as owner of Flintstone Jewelry, where she managed operations and guided the company’s creative direction. Running a small business taught her strategic decision-making and resilience, skills she would later apply to the publishing world. Early in her career, she also gained experience in visual communication as an artwork stripper at John May Advertising, a position that sharpened her eye for detail and deepened her understanding of creative presentation.
Building upon her diverse experiences, Ms. Patterson has also demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing the literary field through her involvement with professional organizations. She was a founding member of Romance Writers of America, an initiative that has supported countless authors in developing their craft and navigating the publishing industry. In addition, she served on the board of Mystery Writers of America for a decade, contributing to the growth and visibility of the mystery genre. As a member of the Authors Guild, she continues to advocate for the rights and interests of writers, reflecting her dedication to the broader literary community.
Ms. Patterson’s creative work spans multiple projects and platforms, including the publication of “Foreshadows Linger,” a novel that showcases her talent for weaving complex narratives. She also manages two author websites, JanisPattersonMysteries.com and JanisSusanMayAuthor.com, where she shares her latest writing, insights, and updates with a growing readership. These platforms serve as extensions of her storytelling, allowing her to connect directly with audiences and foster meaningful engagement with her work.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Ms. Patterson approaches life with the same energy and curiosity that define her writing. She remains committed to expanding her literary reach, with ambitions to appear on a major bestseller list in the United States and further develop her work as a public speaker. By sharing her creative journey and lessons learned, she hopes to inspire aspiring writers to embrace their voices and pursue their stories with confidence.