See this sublime creature? She writes about the most unhinged stuff, but she’s pure walking sunshine in human form. Wickedly funny and clever, meet my fabulous friend January. Let’s see her take on The Proust Questionnaire:
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
Both of my children in good moods, not actively trying to kill each other, and not forming an alliance against me. I have yet to experience all three simultaneously, but I remain hopeful. Suspicious, but hopeful.
What is your most treasured possession and why?
My e-reader. A while back I made a deal with myself to read a few pages whenever I’d normally reach for my phone in the general purgatory of modern life. It’s probably the best ‘life hack’ I’ve ever committed to.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I have the Capricorn goat’s instinct to put its head down and climb, regardless of conditions, visibility, or whether anyone else thinks reaching the summit is advisable. It’s either my greatest strength or a diagnosable condition. Possibly both.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Dexter. And before you say anything, I write gothic murder mysteries. Make of that what you will.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Honestly? Anyone who read The Final Chapter and still decided to follow me on social media. But the truly heroic ones are those who became my friends knowing they might (definitely will) end up in a book. Not all heroes wear capes!
A bonus non-Proust question: What is your story? aka your bio, your books and the best place to find you
January Gilchrist holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts, majoring in Literature and Performing Arts, longlisted for the 2019 Richell Prize, and won the Kerry Greenwood award at the 2025 Scarlet Stiletto awards.
Balancing her time between writing, running a Pilates studio, and raising two sons in sweltering Brisbane, January draws on her varied life experiences to create authentic, nuanced characters. Fascinated by puzzles, especially the mysteries of human behaviour, January explores the stories we tell, the secrets we keep and the truths we hide – even from ourselves.
Find her hiding from her kids in the pantry (hers, not yours) or online at januarywrites.com or january_writes on IG and threads.