THE VARIANCE
A Trilogy
The Story Begins October 2026
Book One Pre-Orders Coming Soon
Sign up for pre-order news, exclusive behind the scenes, and updates.
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.
From the Blog
My First Blog Ever
So, I’m being told to write my first blog about my journey from teacher to author and a general introduction of myself, and… I might go f@#%ing puke instead. I’m so nervous and feel utterly clueless.
Plotters vs Pantsers
Writing is kinda like a sock drawer. Some of us need it organized through plotting, and some of us let it fly by pantsing. Maybe you’ve done this writing gig a while and know precisely where you fall, or perhaps you’re newer and have no idea what I’m talkin’ bout — either way, let’s take a closer look, shall we?
Top Reads
Top Tunes
Top Tools