THE VARIANCE
A Trilogy
The Story Begins October 27, 2026
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Early Reviews
Jennifer Rees, former Senior Editor at Scholastic, described it as: “Gripping, fresh, and unlike anything I’ve read recently.”
About The Author
Janie M. Kurtz is a YA author, longtime special education teacher, wife, and mom who lives near the Rockies surrounded by several very real boys (even the dog), who lovingly share her with the crew of imaginary girls living in her head.
After years spent helping middle schoolers find books they actually wanted to read, Janie set out to write the kind of story she loves most: fast-paced, impossible to put down, and filled with characters readers can’t stop thinking about. Her debut novel, THE VARIANCE, is the first in a YA dystopian romance trilogy—and proof that sometimes the terrifying decision to chase a dream is worth making.
She’s traveled to all fifty states, lived in six of them, and now happily calls Colorado home with no intention of leaving. When she isn’t writing, you’ll likely find her working out at barre3, making yet another Costco run for her growing family, or taking a quick break to indulge in her all-time favorite food: cheese.
She still curses like a pirate. Some things simply do not need editing.
A few more things you probably didn’t need to know about me...
Coffee or tea?
Coffee…always more coffee. With several La Croix ‘bubble waters’ thrown in.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird. Annoyingly early.
First book you remember falling in love with?
Twilight. I was so obsessed that while rushing to clean my kitchen so I could run to Costco for the last book, I got zealous and shoved a pile of leftovers down the disposal. The plumber cost roughly half my young-teacher paycheck—but I regret nothing.
Where do your best ideas show up?
Barre3 class or the shower. Apparently my creativity fires up when I’m sweaty or wet…
What can you absolutely not do?
Keep a plant alive.
Something you irrationally love?
Dolly Parton’s laugh.
Adrenaline junkie or cautious by nature?
Both, somehow. I’m a worrier by nature, but I LOVE an adrenaline rush and will try almost anything once. Someday, I will skydive through a cloud.
Disneyland or Disney World?
I’ve actually never been to either! Lately, I tend to travel anywhere I can dip my toes in the ocean, but maybe someday I’ll make it to both
How many states have you been to?
All 50.
Sweet or salty?
Put ‘em together and I’m happiest!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Country singer until I discovered one must actually be able to sing. Then a veterinarian.
What’s next?
More books! But really, I’m very blessed and just looking forward to more time with the people I love, watching my family grow, and staying excited about the future.