Local Author Bashman Journeys into the Unknown

Author Janice Gable Bashman, of Dresher, just published her first nonfiction book, writes for various trade magazines, writes short stories (a couple of which are being published in various anthologies coming out later this year), is editor of a thriller newsletter and ezine called “The Big Thrill,” and just finished writing a young adult novel.

Not bad, considering that Bashman had never published a single word before 2006.

“I only started writing for publication about four or five years ago," Bashman said. "Before that I was doing other things. I’ve come a long way in a short period of time, which I’m very grateful for.”

Bashman always had an interest in writing. As a child, she loved to read.

“One of the experiences I remember most as a child is every Saturday, my mom would take us to the library, and I would come home with huge piles of books. I would then spread them out all across the floor and try to decide which to read first. I think the writing came naturally as a result of that,” Bashman said.

In high school, she became involved in the literary magazine and even minored in English in college.  She did not start writing short stories until later, when she was living in New York.

“I always wrote just for fun and kept everything in a folder, but I never did anything with it," Bashman said. "Then, about four years ago, I started writing part time for some trade magazines in addition to my regular job. Then, about two years ago, I started writing full time and left my job. I’ve been doing that ever since."

Bashman started her professional career working in the film industry. When that life became too hectic, she went back to school and receieved her master's in clinical psychology.

After working in the psychology field for 15 years, Bashman went back to work in the film industry part time for about 10 years.

Then came the writing itch.

“One day, I just decided that 'Hey, I like to do this, and why not see if I can actually do something with it?'" Bashman said.

Bashman had no idea how the business of writing worked.  She met up with other writers in the area, and through them she started to learn how to send her writing out. She broke through with a few published stories, and everything took off from there.

Now, four years after she began writing, her first nonfiction book, Wanted Undead or Alive: Vampire Hunters and Other Kick-Ass Enemies of Evil, co-written with Jonathan Maberry, a multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author, came out in September.

“It’s a nonfiction book about the struggle of good versus evil in film, comics, pop culture, literature and the real world. We covered everything from ghosts to vampire slayers, to paranormal investigators to FBI serial killer profiles,” Bashman said.

Most recently, a lot of Bashman’s work has been in the horror genre, but she is not tied down to any particular subject.  She enjoys writing anything she can.

“I would love to write a children’s picture book or a thriller. It doesn’t matter.  I enjoy doing it all,” Bashman said.

Bashman’s next step in her writing career is to become more involved in fiction writing.

“I just finished the final draft of a young adult paranormal thriller, which I will be sending out shortly," Bashman said. "I want to move more into the fiction area, although I’m still doing nonfiction.  I enjoy doing both.  I think it keeps you on your toes doing a little of each—it keeps your mind going"

Bashman has no regrets about leaving her old career behind and taking a leap into the world of writing.

“I find now that I’m writing, this is the most rewarding of anything I’ve ever done career wise. Every day, I find myself fulfilled by what I’m writing.”

For more information about Bashman, visit her website janicegablebashman.com.

Know of someone in Upper Dublin that's doing amazing things? Email editor Kyle Bagenstose at Kyle@Patch.com with the tip.