Tama Janowitz facts for kids

Tama Janowitz (born April 12, 1956) is an American novelist and short story writer. She became well-known as one of the "brat pack" authors in the 1980s. Other writers in this group included Bret Easton Ellis and Jay McInerney. Her book, Slaves of New York, was made into a movie in 1989.

About Tama Janowitz's Life

Tama Janowitz was born in San Francisco, California. Her parents were Julian Janowitz, a psychiatrist, and Phyllis Janowitz, a literature professor. They divorced when Tama was ten years old. She and her brother, David, grew up with their mother. They lived in Massachusetts and also spent two years in Israel in the late 1960s.

Her Education and Early Career

Tama Janowitz studied at several colleges. She earned a bachelor's degree from Barnard College in 1977. Later, she received a master's degree from Hollins College in 1979. In 1985, she earned another master's degree from the Columbia University School of the Arts.

After finishing her studies, Janowitz moved to New York City. She began writing stories about life in the city. She soon became a well-known figure in the literary and social scene of Manhattan. She also became friends with the famous pop artist Andy Warhol.

Her Famous Book and Movie

Janowitz's collection of short stories, Slaves of New York, made her very famous in 1986. The book describes the lives of young people in lower Manhattan. It mixes funny moments with challenging situations. Andy Warhol wrote in his diary that some characters in the book were based on Tama and her friends.

The book was later made into a movie in 1989. James Ivory directed the film, and Bernadette Peters starred in it. Tama Janowitz wrote the movie's script herself. She even had a small role in the film, playing a friend of Bernadette Peters' character.

Later Life and Writings

Tama Janowitz has written seven novels, one collection of stories, and one nonfiction book. She moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn with her husband, Tim Hunt, and their daughter. Tim Hunt owned an art gallery. Today, she lives near Ithaca, New York.

In 2016, she published her memoir, Scream: A Memoir of Glamour and Dysfunction. A memoir is a book where an author writes about their own life. In her memoir, Janowitz shared stories about her childhood and her adventures as a young adult. She also wrote about her career and her later life caring for her mother. The book also touches on her experiences hanging out with Andy Warhol and dancing at famous places like Studio 54.

Awards and Recognition

Tama Janowitz has received several awards for her writing. These awards recognize her talent and contributions to literature.

• 1975 Bread Loaf Writers fellowship
• 1976; 1977 Janoway Fiction prize
• 1982 National Endowment award