Celebrating 19 Years of Hard Work, Support, and Growth

By Allison Chudina

Over the course of 19 wonderful, unpredictable, and incredibly productive years, Voice Magazine for Women has blossomed into something beyond our wildest dreams. We felt compelled on this exciting anniversary to thank all of our extraordinary contributing writers throughout the years. Without all of your help, we couldn’t have made it this far. Thank you from the Jan-Carol Publishing family.

To highlight our current contributing writers, we decided to ask them a few questions about their journeys with the magazine.

Pam Blair

Pam became a contributing writer for Voice Magazine in 2016 and has authored articles on a variety of topics, including health and fitness, decorating and home improvement, antiquing and repurposing, stories about family and friends, cooking classes and recipes, national holidays, and articles that highlight the work of local nonprofit organizations.

“I try to look at national women’s magazines to see what subjects are popular or trending and go from there,” she says.

Pam has always loved to write. “I had many opportunities throughout my career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, with communications directed to veterans service organizations, employees, the media, and congressional staff,” she says. “But now I am enjoying writing articles that are informative, thought-provoking, or humorous.”

Pam says Voice Magazine has helped her find her own “voice” by allowing her to write about any subject of interest to our readers. “That freedom has allowed me to stretch myself and grow as a writer,” she says.

Pam’s favorite article she’s written is one she wrote about her 107-year-old grandmother, “Secrets of a Centenarian: Lessons My Grandmother Taught Me,” published in May 2020. Pam also loved writing “I Brake for Antiques” (April 2018), which included an amusing story about collecting antiques while on a trip to the quaint railroad village of Bell Buckle, Tennessee.

“It’s always my goal to make people laugh, learn, or think about new ways of doing things,” Pam says. “I do a lot of research for each article and thank my background as a medical librarian and communications manager for being able to share information that I hope is useful as well as entertaining.”

Ken Heath

When asked how long Ken has been contributing to Voice Magazine, he had the following to say: “To be honest, I’m not sure how long I’ve been contributing. It seems as though Voice has been a part of me forever!”

Ken first became interested in writing while in junior high school as a member of the school newspaper. “From there,” he says, “I found that writing was an outlet for all the stuff that runs through my head. I get something going, and if I don’t put it to paper, it haunts me until I do.”

Ken was later honored to bring a national award to his college newspaper (The Collegian at Wytheville Community College), and to bring home back-to-back national awards to his hometown radio station in his previous career.

When asked what he enjoys most about contributing to Voice Magazine for Women, Ken said he loves the outlet of being able to share his thoughts and ramblings with such a wonderful group of readers. “Each piece is special to me,” he says.

Ken’s favorite articles, however, have to be those that include his wife and dogs. “I hope people get a chuckle from my writing most of the time, and occasionally maybe shed a tear along with me as I truly open my heart to our readers,” he says. “I sincerely appreciate everyone who takes a few minutes to read my ramblings each month—you all mean the world to me!”

April Hensley

April’s first article with Voice Magazine, “Fresh Homegrown Tomatoes,” was published in June 2014. She has proudly submitted a gardening article every single month since then.

April first got into writing when she joined her school newspaper, but she credits her sweet husband with always encouraging her to put her writing ideas on paper for others to read.

Regarding Voice Magazine, April says she loves being part of “such a great publication that helps women grow and have a better life.” Her favorite article she’s written is “Building a Fairy Garden” for our March 2016 issue.

April hopes some of the things she’s learned throughout her life can be passed on to others through her writing to help readers’ gardening experience become easier and more rewarding.

When asked if she had anything to say to our loyal readers, April expressed the following: “Thank you so much for reading! It is truly humbling. If there are any gardening topics you would like to see in a future article, always feel free to email me.”

Deanna Landers

Deanna has been contributing to Voice Magazine for three years. She says that using life experiences to inspire, encourage, and educate others is why she writes.

Deanna began writing in 1989 when Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina. “My husband and son went to help,” she says. “My son came home and told me stories of what people were going through and how we could help. I wrote it all on a napkin, and he turned it into a newspaper.” That was Deanna’s very first column, and she has been published in newspapers and other venues ever since.

Deanna says that, when she writes, she sometimes pictures the reader, where they may be sitting, and what they need in their lives. “I try to be a blessing with my words for them,” she says.

Regarding Voice Magazine , Deanna says that she adores the “simplicity and warmth” of the stories we share and how “valuable” they are. Her favorite piece she’s written for us is “Barefoot Summer.” She says that sharing stories helps us realize we aren’t alone. “It helps us realize that others have struggled, hurt, failed, and got back up and found their way,” she says.

When asked if Deanna had anything to impart to our readers, she replied, “I hope my stories make you think, laugh, and feel grateful!”

Cindy Sproles

Cindy has been contributing to Voice Magazine since 2018. She began while she was office manager for Comfort Keepers, and they ran monthly articles to advertise. Once she retired, those articles continued. “I write eldercare articles that hopefully call attention to the unique needs of the elderly and their families,” she says.

Cindy is a traditionally published author with three best-selling novels. “I’m a 20-year veteran of the writing world,” she says. “I am honored to have the opportunity to scale things down a bit and write on an informative level. I love writing for Voice because it allows me to bring awareness to the subject of eldercare and the ongoing needs I see with our elderly. The magazine has allowed me to educate and encourage families.”

When asked what her favorite article she’s written is, Cindy named “Give Them Dignity”—an article written from the comparison and perspective of an aging senior to their children if the roles were reversed.

Cindy hopes that, through her writing, people see the value in our elderly and learn how important their inclusion is into our lives. “I hope readers see the need for patience, compassion, and quality time.”

Cindy wishes to express the following to our wonderfully supportive readers: “Thank you for continually reading my work. Thank you for your kindness and faithfulness to the written word and the value found within the pages of this magazine. I am personally very grateful!” with

Janie Jessee EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

By Janie C. Jessee

Establishing Jan-Carol Publishing/Voice Magazine for Women in 2003, I never saw the obstacles that were going to be thrown my way. I was blindsided by the harsh realities of running a business. I tried to keep my focus and my vision on providing a fun and informative magazine to women in the region, but sometimes my disappointments clouded my focus with tears and more questions than answers.

However, when I have been at my lowest points, there have always been friends and strangers telling me how much they “love the magazine!” Hearing that never gets old, and that never-ending support keeps me motivated and uplifted!

I am amazed at the number of readers who tell me that they have every copy published. These women remind me how the magazine has changed through the years. Change is an understatement! Just as there have been growing pains and hard knocks, there have been many exciting times and more happiness than sadness. How do you show appreciation to the thousands of people in your corner every month? Our readers and their unwavering support have continued to stay with us throughout the pandemic! Thank you! We could not be here without all of you.

Through these years, I have met so many super people! From the advertisers, to the readers and the authors, my JCP team, and the contributing writers—the list could go on and on. I never, in my wildest vision, could have imagined the never-ending joy and support! This encouragement is a small backdrop to each month’s copy of Voice Magazine for Women and the company’s growth over these 19 years.

When JCP stepped out into the book publishing arena 10 years ago, Voice Magazine for Women grew even stronger as a voice of women and the region. It was another challenge that has proven to be an exciting road to travel each and every day.

With blood, sweat, and tears, JCP accepted another challenge and, in April 2022, moved our offices from the Johnson City location to Blountville, Tennessee and opened a storefront for our books. Our offices are in the back of the small storefront. The move has proven a success for us!

As we march into the New Year of 2023, there will be unforeseen challenges and surprises. It is the plan to expect the unexpected, but to continue to move forward. Our faith will keep us strong, and your support will keep us thriving! Thank you many times over!

Here are some frequent questions I am still asked:

Are you from the region?

Yes—With roots in Russell County, Virginia, I was raised on a farm in a God-fearing, hardworking family. My Dad was a blue-collar worker and worked on the farm as well. My mother worked at home and took care of her family, which was Dad, my brother, and me.

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Honaker High School, in Honaker, Virginia, and attended Southwest Community College, but ultimately received my BS in Psychology/Social Work from East Tennessee State University. I was accepted in the Master’s Program to go into counseling, but decided it was not for me.

What did you do before establishing Jan-Carol Publishing?

Most of my background has been in banking, retail, and sales, including real estate. I lived on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for about seven years selling real estate. When I moved back to the region, I worked for a local newspaper, a direct mailing company, and also owned a ladies consignment shop in Elizabethton, Tennessee. My resume would be pages long and would make a large book with the number of jobs I have had. I feel that all of my previous jobs provided experiences that have built the foundation to where I am today.

How did you get started in the print industry?

In 2003, the corporation of Jan-Carol Publishing was formed to start the local women’s magazine, Voice Magazine for Women. It started on a wing and a prayer, and today, through the pandemic, the magazine continues to move forward. I have acquired many fans and supporters of the magazine because it was the first of its kind in the region. It has grown and taken on its own personality. 10 years ago, JCP purchased a local book publishing company, Mountain Girl Press, and another small press based in Florida. The book publishing has exceeded all of my expectations. There is so much local talent in our region, and being able to publish local authors has provided a pathway for them to see their works in print and have their books offered globally. And now, they can see their books in a bookstore for sale. It is very exciting!

What are some of your hobbies?

I love my work—more than a hobby, it is my livelihood. But I do enjoy the outdoors. I enjoy tennis; flying; golf, which is not my best sport; and traveling. I completed the ground school flying classes, and my significant other is a pilot. He and I enjoy flying. In quiet times, I enjoy drawing, painting, and writing. And I love shopping, especially at consignment and thrift stores.

What does 2023 hold for you and your company?

Being very goal oriented, I do have many goals this year for the company. I am concentrating on building a stronger online presence with our books and magazine. Some ideas include broadening our audiobook library, reaching out to different markets in selling JCP books, and developing new resources. With our new book blog, I am looking to start a podcast this year, which is very exciting. On a personal level, I plan to do more speaking engagements. I have already published one book, which is an inspirational book for women, but this year, I am looking to publish my first book of a romance series. It is called Rainbow Romance, A Cozy Romance Series. The first of the series, Gone Before Breakfast, is projected for a release in September. But no one knows the future but our Creator, so I pray to God that He will always guide my steps and my direction.

Any last words?

Love what you do...and do what you love! And...don’t wait for the rain and miss the sunshine. Great words to live by!