Op Eds & Essays
Pamela Jane is an author of over thirty children’s books, and an essayist whose work has appeared in The NY Times, The Wall Street Journal, The NY Daily News, Writer's Digest, The Independent, and The Writer. Pamela has also published humor in The Daily Drunk, Erma Bombeck, Brevity, The Satirist, and others.
Photo: The author in 1975 by Jun Kobashigawa
Jane Austen would have killed me off
Seriously, do you know anyone who admits to identifying with the tiresome Mrs. Bennet? Not to mention hypochondriacal Mr. Woodhouse in “Emma” or much-put-upon Mary Musgrove of “Persuasion.”
‘It All Began So Innocently’
It all began so innocently: snow falling at dusk, a crackling fire, an embrace between three old friends
The Drive To Publish and Other Existential Dilemmas
The only way I could prove that I existed, or at least increase the odds, was if others – thousands of others – acknowledged it
I envied kids on family sitcoms like Leave it to Beaver. No one could dispute the fact of their existence; it was right there on the television screen!
9 Reasons Why Everyone Should Be Grateful About Everything I Didn't Publish
People have accused me of publishing essays that are too intimate. How dare I, they say, write about my orgasms, massive therapy failures, or unsuccessful attempt to break up with myself?
People have accused me of publishing essays that are too intimate. How dare I, they say, write about my orgasms, massive therapy failures, or unsuccessful attempt to break up with myself?
A TV Dad Saved Me Growing Up. But Old Sitcoms Hurt Other Kids
One of the child stars of "Father Knows Best" debates with Pamela Jane whether the fantasy family life of old sitcoms were helpful or harmful.
One of the child stars of "Father Knows Best" debates with Pamela Jane whether the fantasy family life of old sitcoms were helpful or harmful.
The Perils of Publishing: A Hidden Gift
Rejections and Setbacks Hurt, But Given Time, They Make Great Stories
Rejections and Setbacks Hurt, But Given Time, They Make Great Stories
Are we back to the days of Jane Austen, when maternal death was a regular risk?
Beneath the opulent films and dazzling brilliance of Austen’s prose lurks a darker reality.
The Chelsea Dump I Wish I’d Held On To
Like thousands of Millennials and Gen Z’s, Annelise and her husband each work two jobs to save for a starter home in a real estate market with soaring prices.
Donald Trump is Obsessed With Me
I’ve thought a lot about how the former president became fanatically obsessed with me, an anonymous citizen. How did he even know I existed, much less get my cell phone number?
A Teacher’s Faith
I flunked Chem II, which was especially humiliating for the daughter of a renowned scientist. “I’m not worried about your grade,” my teacher said, smiling. “I know that someday I’m going to have your books on my shelf.”
My Long Recovery From Kindergarten
For a long time I puzzled over how I managed to go from a hopeless screw-up in school to a hardworking, disciplined writer as an adult.
My Husband Died, But I’m No Widow
I did not change my marital status on Facebook when my husband died. Whenever friends posted condolences messages, like “Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time,” I quickly deleted them.
Learning To Live With Myself
The truth is, I never got along with my selves that well, and each one of us blames the other.
A Disagreement Over The COVID Vaccine Kills A 30-Year Friendship
She saw in the specter of vaccine passports and mandates the menacing shadow of totalitarianism that had destroyed her family and plundered their land. I saw deliverance from destruction and heartbreak caused by the pandemic.
Good Grief – But Not Good Enough
Genuine, accredited grief must be accompanied by a grief diploma. Otherwise you’re undocumented.
5 Tough Tips For Surviving (And Triumphing Over) Really Rotten Reviews
What struck me as funny were the words that hurt most at the time.
My Most Hilarious Rejections
It's holiday time, and guess what editors do this time of year? They clean our their desks and send out rejections by the dozens; it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Just Wait! A Short Story Rejected In Grade School Becomes A Cause of Action
My eighth-grade English teacher was a malevolent-looking man with a low brow and small beady eyes. We joked that he moonlighted as an axe murderer. But he was even scarier as an English teacher.
8 Ways To Celebrate Pride and Prejudice Day
Tee-shirts, teapots, mugs, movies – the sky is the limit and your Austen-loving friend will appreciate your thoughtfulness! Or your mom, if she’s a Janeite, although the “temporary” Austen tattoo my daughter plastered on my arm months ago still hasn’t washed off. Not that I mind.
8 Deliciously Guilt-Free Writing Distractions
Writing distractions are fun, seductive, and wickedly addictive. And, as long as you’re doing research, indulging is guilt-free.