There’s a smaller audience for adoption stories, but it’s important.”

Jan Rossing

For more information about Rossing’s books, visit her Amazon page or check out local shops carrying her titles.

Jan Rossing, a first-time author and former childcare provider, is quickly making a name for herself in the world of children's literature. Since beginning her book writing journey just this year, the Hastings resident has already published three children's books, with her latest, Twizzle the Christmas Elf Tricks Santa, receiving enthusiastic praise.
Rossing has been a part of Glass Etching Fever in Hastings with her husband Jim for almost three decades. Her experience in writing verses for the perfect gift has helped her cross into writing children’s books. Her book writing journey began unexpectedly in January 2024, when a long-forgotten manuscript resurfaced while she was cleaning out a warehouse. The story, written in 1996, was about a young boy coping with the death of his father in a farm accident. The emotional subject matter was heavy, but the timing felt right.
“I had completely forgotten I’d written it,” Rossing recalls. “But when I read it again, I thought, ‘Wow, this is bad.’” Despite the story’s raw emotion, her partner Jim encouraged her to do something with it. Inspired by his support, she began her journey into publishing, starting with the book about kindergarten friendships instead of death—an easier entry point for her first work.
“I thought, starting out as an author with a book about death might be a tough way to begin,” she admits. “So, I went with the kindergarten book. It seemed like a good fit for a debut.”
The first book, titled Are You Still My Friend? Learning how to make friends in preschool and kindergarten focuses on the challenges and joys of making friends in a new school environment. It has been well-received, and Rossing’s second book, Whiskers and Her Adopted Child, Splash, which addresses adoption, is also finding its audience, though she acknowledges that it requires more targeted advertising.
“There’s a smaller audience for adoption stories, but it’s important,” Rossing explains. “I’m proud of that one too.”
With three books now published, Rossing reflects on the lengthy and sometimes frustrating process of turning an idea into a finished product. Once the story is written, it’s sent to an editor for refinement. She then searches for an illustrator, which is often the most time-consuming part of the process.
“The illustrator I worked with has done all three of my books so far, and he’s amazing,” she says. “Then there’s the process of copyrighting the book, finding a publisher, and deciding how you want to distribute it.”
Although Rossing initially considered going through a traditional publishing house, she was advised to try self-publishing instead. After some research, she chose Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform, which allows authors to publish and print books on demand.
“I didn’t know anything about publishing, but Amazon made it accessible. The whole process is a learning curve, but I’m glad I did it,” Rossing says. “Now, my books are available online and in local stores like SC Toys and Vermillion Pump & Market.”
The production timeline for each book took roughly three months, from writing to publication. After the book is finished, Rossing orders a batch for herself to sell locally, while Amazon prints individual copies as needed when customers purchase through their website.
“I order in bulk, but if someone orders online, Amazon prints and ships it directly to them,” she explains. “It’s an amazing system. It really works.”
With three books under her belt, Rossing is not slowing down. Although she’s taking a break from children’s books for now, she recently ventured into songwriting. Her new project, a contemporary romantic love song, is in the works for publication.
“Writing this song was a bit of a departure, but I’m excited to see where it goes,” she says.
From childcare to writing, Jan Rossing’s creative journey has been anything but conventional, but her passion for storytelling continues to grow. With her books reaching readers across the region and beyond, it’s clear that this new author has a bright future ahead all while working full time creating beautiful glass etched gifts here in Hastings.
For more information about Rossing’s books, visit her Amazon page or check out local shops carrying her titles.