ABOUT JANINE

Janine Cammarata with her two dogs Zoey and Dakota

Janine De Tillio Cammarata has over 40 years of experience with personal journaling. She has kept a family journal for 29 years, which she refers to as a legacy of love. She currently teaches workshops in journaling, memoir, and dream guidance for adults. 

A certified Reiki Master (energy healing art), Janine practices Reiki Journaling™ at Reflective Harmony in Albany.

She is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose (‘88, ‘93) in English Literature with a concentration in Medieval Literature and a minor in history. She has always loved tales of dragons and time travel fantasy. When her boys were younger, she made up stories as she rocked them to sleep. 

Janine is the award-winning author of seven books ranging from middle grade and young adult to non-fiction. 

She’s an enthusiastic Manchester United soccer team fan, enjoys walking, practicing yoga, and riding her motorcycle with her family. She lives in upstate New York with her family.

Dakota Kenny (L) passed away on January 14, 2023. Zoey Shadow (R) passed away on November 16 2023. Both dogs are sorely missed.

Janine is a proud member of IARP.

 

Additional certifications include:

  • 2024 Level IV Teacher of Active Dreaming through Robert Moss mossdreams.com

  • 2023 Narrative Therapy Certification Program through Narrative Therapy Initiative

  • 2022 Reiki Level IV Master with Reiki Master Kelly Ballard kellymballard.com

  • 2022 Level III Teacher of Active Dreaming through Robert Moss

  • 2021 Reiki Level III with Reiki Master Kelly Ballard

  • 2021 Reiki Level II with Reiki Master Kelly Ballard        

  • 2016 Baptiste inspired 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher

  • 2010 Level II Teacher of Active Dreaming through Robert Moss

  • 2009 Level I Teacher of Active Dreaming through Robert Moss

  • 2008 Reiki Level I with Reiki Master Penelope Jewel

 

ARTIST STATEMENT – JOURNALING

Journaling has been a part of me since I was 12 years old and kept track of my daily life in what was then called a diary. Over the years it has evolved into a family history, a memoir to my sons, scrapbooks including photos and words. Over the past sixteen years, my journaling has been an anchor that has kept me afloat during great loss.

Journaling encompasses multiple art forms from daily events, junk journaling, goal setting, tracking, accountability, and calendar. But it can also be transformative, life changing, as well as life saving. Journaling helps us figure out what matters.

I provide the tools for others to become aware of their fears, blocks, life purpose, emotions, and ability to heal themselves. Creativity can be healing, and a journal is a sacred space where honesty and continual practice can help a person in any way needed. By sharing this art with others, journal practitioners can do more than write about what they did in their day. It creates the space where they can reflect, question, release frustration, and either change where they want to be the next day or validate that they are on the right path.

ARTIST STATEMENT – WRITING

I write middle grade and young adult fantasy that softens the harshness of reality and takes our youth on a journey toward deep friendships, strong values, and hope in their future. I come to my writing from a place of healing and the belief that words can transform a person’s life. A book may be pure entertainment that makes us laugh, cringe in fear, smile, and escape. If the time is right, books can also transform, heal, and soothe. A book that transformed me was The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. The dog, Enzo’s, words still echo in my mind. “What you manifest is before you.”

This resonated with me, because I had lost my son to cancer, and I couldn’t connect with the world any longer. My grief was too big, too much for me to carry. It’s a bit crazy that a fictional dog could break through to me, but his words made sense. I could let my grief slowly destroy me or I could bring good and healing into the world.

Through my writing, I open the door to my grief and share it so that others can connect and understand that hope is always an option. For others, it’s fantastic entertainment and that makes me happy to know people enjoy my books.

The need to heal as well as empower another to make a difference in their own life and the world is what drives my writing. It’s cathartic and is a connection to my son, no matter what I write.

Writing memoir has taken me on a journey of perspective and letting others into my world so they know that no matter where they are, there is hope.

HISTORY OF HIGHLAND MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING, LLC

Highland Mountain Publishing was created in 2006 as a single author independent publisher. Highland Road was where I lived most of my childhood in Greenville, NY. The Catskill Mountains were a glorious backdrop to our backyard and the outline of the mountains is captured in my logo.

Independent publishing or small press are terms used for publishers that are not part of large publishing companies. In addition to writing my books, I hire an editor, proofreader, and illustrator to ensure my books are high quality. A printer and binder prepare the book for its final product. I am also responsible for marketing and publicizing my book. I basically do everything a larger publisher would do except I don’t publish other people’s work.

I currently use Troy Book Makers to print my books and marketing material.   

When a book moves me I will work with other authors and ghost write, edit, or proofread their work.

Past projects:

White Wings by Claire R. Dwyer (The Troy Book Makers)

Gillinder & Sons Early American Westward Ho Pattern Glass by Leonard Farchione (Westward Ho Publishing)

A Master’s Path by Penelope Jewell (Adirondack Press, Inc.)

Generation Now by Brian McKenna (Northshire Bookstore)

No One Rises Alone by Scott Baker (The Troy Book Makers).

Highland Mountain Publishing Logo
 

 FAQ’s

Baby Janine holding stuffed animal