Janie Oosthuysen-Taylor

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"As a tutor I feel that every new writer possesses a unique talent that must be fostered with a mix of constructive feedback and positive energy. After all, if writing is not enjoyable and fun, then what is it about? However, the publishing environment often is secretive and uncaring, which causes many an aspiring writer to throw in the towel. To counteract this, and to help prevent a flood of self-publishing (often inferior), I developed a very effective online novel writing and critique workshop experience that leads to excellent results and student reviews of which I am exceedingly proud. What's more, I know how difficult it is for newcomers to find their feet in the competitive publishing industry - and it's not getting any easier. For that reason I freely share my knowledge and the contact base I built up over the years with my students."

Janie Oosthuysen-Taylor matriculated with six distinctions, studied at the University of Stellenbosch, taught high school students and then lectured English at tertiary level. About twenty years ago she started to write fulltime. To date she has written, translated and edited more than 300 published books for a wide range of publishers, e.g. Oxford University Press, Heinemann, Pearson, Zebra Press, Shuter & Shooter, Nasou Via Afrika, Lapa Publishers, NB Publishers and Highlights (USA).

She has received several awards, including the SATI Award for her Harry Potter translations. Following this she was invited by UNESCO to attend the Harry Potter International Conference in Paris where she participated in panel discussions. She was also invited by UNESCO to a 4 day workshop in Namibia for African writers and illustrators. Locally she was involved in workshops for aspiring writers during the international SCBWI Retreat at Goudini. Janie has just completed the translation of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien on commission into Afrikaans. She is currently translating The Lord of the Rings by the same author.

We are proud to announce the launch of the Afrikaans version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, one of the best loved and read books of all time.

The translation by Janie Oosthuysen marks another milestone achievement in her successful career as writer, mentor, tutor, educator and translator.

Earlier translations include the first four of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling as well as a number of the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer and numerous classics such as Treasure Island by R.L. Stevenson, Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, White Fang by Jack London and Sherlock Holmes by Sir A.C. Doyle.

Janie has also produced numerous education books for publishers such as Human & Rousseau, Lapa, Oxford University Press, Maskew-Miller Longman, Via Afrika and Nassou. Anyone wishing to embark upon a writing career is guaranteed to benefit from her extensive knowledge and skills. 

So if you are still contemplating writing your story, be assured there is no better way than the WriteSmarter way. We look forward to helping you soon.

DON'T DELAY - ENROL TODAY!