Date of Birth: October 27, 1944
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Biography
Judith Ann Jance, better known as J.A. Jance, is a prolific American author known for her gripping crime and mystery novels. Born in South Dakota, she grew up in Bisbee, Arizona, which later became the setting for many of her books. Jance holds a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in library science from the same institution. She initially faced resistance in her writing career; her first husband, a creative writing professor, discouraged her from writing, stating that “girls can’t write mysteries.” After their divorce, Jance pursued her writing career with determination and resilience. Her first novel, “Until Proven Guilty,” was published in 1985, featuring Seattle-based homicide detective J.P. Beaumont. She has since authored multiple series, including the Joanna Brady series, the Ali Reynolds series, and the Walker Family series, establishing herself as a mainstay in the genre. Jance’s novels are notable for their intricate plots, well-developed characters, and vivid settings. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, and her books have frequently appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list.
5 Interesting Facts about J. A. Jance
1. J.A. Jance was once a librarian before becoming a full-time writer.
2. She chose the pen name J.A. Jance to appeal to male readers who might be hesitant to pick up a book written by a woman.
3. Her first husband discouraged her from writing, claiming that “girls can’t write mysteries.”
4. Jance has written over 60 novels, many of which have been bestsellers.
5. She is an advocate for various causes, including literacy and the fight against domestic violence.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from J. A. Jance
1. “I think of myself as a storyteller. I write the kinds of books I loved to read when I was a kid.”
2. “There is no wrong place to write. The trick is to do it.”
3. “The best part of being a writer is that you can make up your own rules.”
4. “Writing is a solitary occupation, and one of its hazards is loneliness. But an advantage of loneliness is privacy, autonomy, freedom.”
5. “I think the characters in my books have a lot more to say about me than I do about them.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
J.A. Jance’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
J.A. Jance has two children, a son and a daughter, from her first marriage.
Relevant Links
1. [Official Website](https://www.jajance.com
2. [J.A. Jance on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4219.J_A_Jance
4. [J.A. Jance on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/J.-A.-Jance/e/B000APVZGA
5. [J.A. Jance at the Mystery Writers of America](https://mysterywriters.org/j-a-jance/
