About Janis Hutchinson

Janis Hutchinson is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction, graduated Summa Cum Laude with B.th and M.A. degrees in Theology, and was awarded "Writer of the Year" (2008) by the American Christian Writers Association. A former (very active), member of the mainline Mormon Church for 35 years and 2 years in Mormon Fundamentalist organizations, she is in demand as a speaker on Christian radio and TV, and lives near Seattle, Washington.

Website: www.JanisHutchinsonBooks.com
Blog: wwwjanishutchinson.blogspot.com (no dot after the www)
Email: janishutchinson@comcast.net. She loves to hear from her readers.

The following are more highlights about my background and what triggered the writing of my first book:

As a child growing up in Southern California, I devoured books--Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, the Oz books, Lassie books, and a zillion novels, plus was an avid movie-goer. I made my first attempt at writing when I was twelve. However, I was put down so drastically by a relative that I did not begin any serious writing until in my thirties. Then, it became my passion. In my early years as a Mormon, I sold articles to the Improvement Era (the official LDS Church's magazine), excerpts of which were used in their radio commercials on the family.

Regarding family, I married my husband (now deceased) in the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple. After seven years, he died. I remarried, and after six years that husband died. Later, I became engaged and he died. (I quit trying after that.) I had three children with my first husband, a daughter and two sons, one of whom was killed in a hang-gliding accident. My daughter Debra lives in Texas, loves to sing, is worship leader at her church, and President of the local chapter of Ignite your Life. My son, Blake, lives in California, works for the government, and is involved in my writing ministry. He works very hard to host an additional website at janishutchinson.com and I appreciate him very much. My grandson, Isaac, is head of the youth program in his Ft. Worth church and teaches a Bible class. He also wants to go on a mission to China.

In 1978 I secretly joined a Mormon Fundamentalist group while still retaining my membership in the mainline church. You can read my story on my blog of how the group held me prisoner for nine months in a small room after they discovered me sneaking away to a Christian church. Conditions were such that I nearly died, but God spoke to me and enabled my escape. I was, however, left with serious health problems. I had a severe hemorrhage requiring six blood transfusions, then surgery. I had crippling back spasms that required the use of a neck brace; had a completely paralyzed colon and was facing a colostomy, but was miraculously healed; all in all, I was a physical mess. Today, thanks to the Lord, I am in excellent health. My only problem? I am gluten and lactose intolerant, which is no big deal. To read my story, go to my website, www.JanisHutchinsonBooks.com and click on "My Blog," and then on the dashboard, "Escape From the Cult."

After I escaped, I requested my excommunication from the LDS Church in 1980 and entered Christianity. I knew I made the right decision, and that Mormon doctrines were unbiblical; nevertheless, I still went through twelve years of traumatic aftereffects trying to undo my mental baggage. The reason it took so long is that I didn't realize there were Christian ministries that could have helped me through the transition. I went to Bible College, then on to the University to earn an M.A. in Theology, which led to writing my first book. The reason? During the time I was going through the emotional aftereffects of leaving Mormonism there were no Christian books describing why I was having such repercussions. Other ex-Mormons were going through the same thing. I decided someone needed to write such a book, so I did.

In 1994, my first book, "Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and encouraging ex-cultists," was published by Kregel Publications. The book describes the emotional difficulties ex-cultists experience after leaving their cult and try to transition into a traditional church, and how Christians and pastors can help.

Then, in 1995, Kregel published my second book (1st edition), "The Mormon Missionaries: An inside look at their real message and methods". I self-published an updated 2nd edition in 2012 updating the information (dates and statistics) and included an extra chapter covering the new missionary manual, "Preach My Gospel" that Mormon missionaries now use. Kregel also published a Spanish version, "Misioneros Mormones."

I recently published my historical suspense novel, "Unfinished Justice," inspired by a true crime event of which I played a part when I lived on the salt flats of Wendover, Utah. It is a gripping and powerful story that probes the depths of one man's determination to fight for justice. Check out my Amazon page for the story line.

Throughout my years of writing, my secular employment was working as Administrative Secretary to corporate officers. The last twenty-three years I worked as legal assistant to an attorney. I retired in 2008.

Do I have any other interests? In years past I enjoyed oil painting and won many blue ribbons. I also played the piano and organ for funerals and weddings in the community; but have done none of these for some years now, as I prefer to spend my time writing articles for my blog, working on my next book, and teaching Bible studies at my church.