Janet Burroway author page

Janet Burroway biography

Janet Burroway is an American author, playwright, and academic known for her work in fiction, drama, poetry, and creative writing instruction. She is the author of several novels, including The Buzzards (1969), Raw Silk (1977), and Opening Nights (1985). Burroway has also written children’s books, such as The Giant Jam Sandwich (1972), illustrated by John Vernon Lord, which has become a well-known picture book for young readers.

In addition to her fiction and children’s literature, Burroway is widely recognised for her influential textbook Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft, first published in 1982. This guide has been used in creative writing courses internationally and has seen multiple editions. Her work in drama includes plays such as Parts of Speech and Media With Child.

Burroway has contributed essays, short stories, and poems to various literary journals and anthologies. She has also edited collections, including Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft. Her academic career includes teaching creative writing at Florida State University, where she is Professor Emerita.

Janet Burroway’s picture book The Giant Jam Sandwich was first published in 1972 by Jonathan Cape.