Cicily Janus is a musician turned writer who got lost along the way and turned into a nurse somewhere in the middle.  Now a full-time writer, she's bent on grabbing the voices of today so that the generations of tomorrow will have something to hold on to.  Cicily also runs a successful writer's retreat twice a year in the mountains of Colorado.  These retreats attract a gaggle of industry professionals including editors and agents from Harper Collins, Folio Lit. and more.  Her book, The New Face of Jazz, which is an intimate look at the state of jazz in America today, is due out through Random House in the Fall of 2010.   My children's book, Giraffe's Always Speak in Rainbow, is currently being shopped around by my agent, Gary Heidt.   My major infuences in writing include Studs Terkel, Quincy Troupe, John Irving, Richard Russo, Ashley Kahn, Shel Silverstein, Thomas Harris and Ben Ratliff.  My major musical influences, living and dead, include: John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Rene Marie, Sonny Rollins, Jeremy Facknitz, Doug Wamble, Adam Levy, Umphrey's McGee, Ron Miles, Ron Carter, John Patitucci, all of those that participated in my book have undoubtedly influenced me with their kindness, words and wisdom.