“Our testimonies and our insight gained through experience can help others get through hard times. Sister, your books are making a massive difference in the lives of these brothers in here (Rimutaka Prison).”
Biography
Janet Balcombe writes from experience—for the rebels, the addicts and the broken-hearted. She spent her first three decades being part of the problem, not part of the solution, but she faced her demons and now enjoys full healing in her life from grief, meth-addiction and alcoholism. Janet’s been clean from drugs and alcohol for 20+ years, although her criminal record still reminds her that she is a convicted kidnapper.
In 2014, Janet published her memoir, Take a Walk on the Wild Side, which was 5th-equal in the 2015 Ashton Wylie, Mind Body Spirit Literary Awards. In 2016 it was re-published, The Wild Side. She went on to write 35 other inspirational New Zealander’s true stories compiled in Radical Lives Vol 1 and Vol 2.
Janet and husband, Ray Curle, founded Wild Side Publishing (WSP) in response to authors’ requests for publishing assistance. Wild Side Charitable Trust (WST) was formed in response to Janet’s readers reaching out for support in their recovery. See wildsidetrust.org for info on this new residential retreat in Northland.
Media: The Café Show. Radio Live. Radio NZ. The Edge. The Lip podcast: Back from the Abyss.
NZ Herald, 9 March 2018: Northland woman to speak on her descent into meth 'train wreck'
Stuff.co.nz, 31 July, 2015: Former meth addict finalist in literary awards
NEXT Magazine, 5 May, 2017: Meth addiction: One woman’s story of breaking the cycle
Blog Posts
God's Ways to Resolve Conflict
I had no idea how big the topic of dealing with conflict was. All I knew was that I didn’t like it – and I avoided it at all costs. I didn’t know that there was a good reason for this. Now it makes sense that I couldn’t handle the big rejection when I was a teenager – because I was already on shaky ground…
Dynamic word-based prayer
Praying God’s word hotwires prayer into the most powerful force in the universe. It is part of the armour of God. Combining word-based prayer with praying about everything is a formidable combination. However, to pray God’s word, we have to have it either in front of us, or in our hearts, ready to come out of our mouths. A time may come when the only word we have, is what we have stored up in our hearts.
The Sovereignty of God
“Don’t call me, I’ll call you!” I said to my fiancée, Ray, with no intention of calling him ever again. “I do not want to hear your voice, or see your face. I need space, and I don’t think it’s going to end well.” To say I was extremely annoyed was the understatement of the year. After 13 years of being single, it was just two weeks out from our wedding and I’d just hit a major red flag.
Above the storm on wings like eagles
True peace is not the absence of turmoil or trouble, it’s the ability to fly above the storm like the eagle. In the last few, tumultuous weeks, the world as we knew it has changed. What has been building for years in secret, has finally begun to surface. Whether we like it or not, whether we agree with it or not, whether we can handle it or not.
Book Reviews
“Janet is a brave writer. She obviously has been to hell and back. The Wild Side wouldn't have been an easy book to write, and yet Janet's eyes sparkle and she smiles readily and warmly. She is a survivor. Her story is a well written page turner.”
Freelance Magazine, December 2016
“This book has the power to change a generation. Please understand how far-reaching this book is and how encouraging it is for parents like us who love their troubled child so much and to actually know there is someone who knows how we feel.”