About Author
by Janet Thomas
I've been writing ever since I knew there were books. The result is a whole lot of words, manifesting as poems (in my early years), as plays (in the years before I remembered my life), as books (after I remembered my life, became aware of my voices, and became afraid of my plays), and in this book (after I remembered my self). I've done other things, too, all of them circling around this self that writes, including: being a mother to Colin; having many different jobs in many different places; loving my precious friends; traveling within and without; playing soccer; teaching; rediscovering my Welsh roots; holding fast to quiet, nature, solitude and appreciation of all that lives; and continuing my work at healing and recovering heart, body and soul.
As a writer and a citizen of Earth, The Battle in Seattle--The story Behind and Beyond the WTO Demonstrations is very close to my heart. It was written after an epiphany of being on the streets of Seattle with the rest of the working world where I discovered my global community. Researching and writing that book made it possible for me to write Day Breaks. You can find out more at: www.battleinseattlebook.com
Travel, too, saved my life. I wrote, At Home in Hostel Territory, and was the editor of SPA Magazine for five years. Both these writing jobs opened travel doors to everything from high-end international spa resorts to Coast Guard hostels on the coast of California. When I traveled to India, the path to Day Breaks Over Dharamsala opened up.
Teaching continues to save my life. Our stories are all we have and if we don't tell them, they can never be told. I am continually moved and inspired by the stories of others. And constantly reminded that writing grace is inside for all of us to draw from. It wants to write our stories. It wants our stories to become part of the tapestry of life. Learning this is what I am committed to teaching. The writing takes care of itself.
Lots of people have entered and changed my life. Lots of sacred synchronicity has paved my way. I am grateful for every moment. And to you, too, for reading. Thank you.
"This is the time for what can be said. Here is its country. Speak and testify." -- Rainer Maria Rilke
WRITING RESUME
Books & Publications
Day Breaks Over Dharamsala—A Memoir of Life Lost and Found (Nutshell 2010)
The Battle in Seattle—The Story Behind and Beyond the WTO Demonstrations (Fulcrum 2000)
A Road of Her Own—Women’s Journeys in the West. Essay (Fulcrum 2002)
SPA Magazine—Travel, Well-Being and Renewal. Editor-in-Chief 1995-2000
At Home in Hostel Territory—A Guide to Friendly Lodging on the West Coast (Alaska Northwest Publishing 1992)
Plays & Productions
Heads and Tails (1979) –Empty Space Theatre, Seattle, WA
Ten Minutes for Twenty-Five Cents (1981) –Empty Space Theatre, Seattle, WA; and ACT, San Francisco, CA
Newcomer (1982) –Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle, WA; Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.; Mark Taper, LA, CA; Denver Theatre Center, Denver, CO; and several other regional theatres.
The Longest Walk (1983) –Empty Space Theatre, Seattle, WA; and American Place Theatre, New York, NY
Sex Over Easy—The Aerobic Musical (1985) –Empty Space Theatre, Seattle, WA
Sound Off (1988) –The Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle, WA
Coming To Term (1989) –Empty Space Theatre, Seattle, WA
Plays commissioned:
Everybody But Me (1990) –Open Door Theatre, Everett, WA
Truth & Consequences (1991) –Alternatives to Fear, Seattle, WA
Retro-Articulations (1990) –Seattle Repertory Theatre/Garfield High School, Seattle, WA
Doing Time (1989) –Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bainbridge Island, WA
Hard Knocks (1986) –ACT Theatre, Seattle, WA
Remember Big Green (1985) –Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle, WA
Heidi (adaptation) (1982) –Seattle Children’s Theatre
Published in an array of magazines including, Sports Illustrated (soccer article), SPA (travel, health and well-being), and Ploughshares (poetry).
Writing Instructor (1985 – present): Workshops & classes in play-writing, memoir, travel, opinion/editorial at University of Washington, Skagit Valley College, Seattle-area high schools, San Juan Islands, WA, India, online, private clients.
Freelance editor, writing consultant, ghost-writer. (1995 – present)
