The Pivot Principle: Finding Joy in Despair

by Janine Turner

“Janine takes the reader on a roller coaster emotional journey, from crawling on the floor to rising like a Phoenix. Her prose moves the mind, her poetry moves the heart. What a novel combination for a book—an inspiration.”
Peter Guber, Filmmaker, Author

Despair touches everyone, young or old, rich or poor. There is no escaping its eventuality, but how does one repair from despair? In this one-of-a-kind, jewel of a book, Janine Turner invites you into her ultra-private, survival journey where she walks through heart-wrenching emotions eventually finding joy. Whether for pleasure or to heal from your own pain, Janine’s “read, meditate, apply” format—Pivot Principle prose, passion poetry, and personal reflection—is a rich, riveting read culminating in her personal Don’t give up before the miracle!

“Janine’s poems emanate from a fiery soul seeking beauty and meaning. They swoop in and capture the ear, then heart, and then head—in that order. Her unrelenting curiosity and romanticism make these a pleasure for anyone to read, and a comfort for those seeking a path. There is a yearning and triumph in the words.”
Rob Morrow, Actor, Director, Producer, Musician

“Janine’s writing dances on the page in her beautifully evocative prose and poetry and reminds us all that we are not alone.”
Dr. Raina Murnak, Professor University of Miami

“Janine Turner takes the reader by the hand, and leads them through their tunnel of darkness into the light. I loudly Brava!”
karla k. morton, 2010 Texas Poet Laureate

“Janine’s book celebrates humility, which is sorely needed in this time of social media and instant gratification.”
Amy Kris, Photographer Poe t

“Janine’s immense bravery is evident here as she’s willing to share with us her most personal thoughts and moments.”
Kim Gatlin, Author, Producer

About Actress/Author Janine

Janine Turner is a three time Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actress for Best Actress,
known for the hit CBS television series Northern Exposure , the blockbuster movie,
Cliffhanger , with Sylvester Stallone and Universal’s Leave it to Beaver . She has also starred
in many Lifetime’s (with Whoopi Goldberg) Strong Medicine , and NBC’s, Friday
Night Lights , among others. She has co-starred in movies with Richard Gere, Tom
Wilkinson and Anthony Hopkins, and recently starred in, Patsy & Loretta , for Lifetime,
Taking the Reins , for Hallmark and Birthright , for Sony/Affirm, due for an October release.
Northern Exposure is currently in re- release, distributing worldwide in countries such
Spain, Asia, Australia, Canada and Malaysia, with an imminent re-release in USA.
Cliffhanger is poised for a sequel. Janine is currently living in NYC and is Broadway bound
with her musical Just Call Me Belva! for which she is the playwright/ lyricist and also the
star. Just Call Me Belva! has had successful performances in N.Y.C. at Pearl Studios.
Janine is a prolific writer. She has five published The Pivot Principle , Finding Joy in
Despair , (CES) Holding Her Head 12 Single Mothers Who Championed Their Children
and Changed History , (Thomas Nelson), " A Little Bit Vulnerable ," (Putnam Books), Wisdom
for Each Day , and Artificial Intelligentsia vs Primal Sense . (RSP) In addition, Janine has
written several dozen published editorials, and has given over 600 speeches nationwide as a
motivational speaker. For more visit Janine's website www.janineturner.com

288 pages, Hardcover

Published August 21, 2023

About the author

JANINE TURNER, a native Texan, is probably best known for her role as ‘Maggie O'Connell' in the Emmy Award-winning CBS series, “Northern Exposure”. She also appeared in the Lifetime series, “Strong Medicine” and more recently produced and directed the short film, “Trip in a Summer Dress,” which starred her young daughter, Juliette. She currently stars in the Lifetime Television film “Primal Doubt”. Additional credits include, Christoga, which combines yoga moves with Christian meditation, in which she starred, co-produced, and sang an original song.

Turner can now add author to her resume. A single mother since her daughter was born, she spent the last year researching twelve extraordinary single women from history and has chronicled them in her new book Holding Her Head High. The book is published by Thomas Nelson and is scheduled to release in March of 2008.

Janine developed a love of the arts at a young age. When she was three, her family moved to Euless, Texas, where Janine studied acting and dance. In junior high, she began an apprenticeship with the Fort Worth Ballet and established a successful modeling career in Dallas, which in-turn led to her signing with the well-known Wilhelmina Modeling Agency in New York. At the young age of fifteen, Janine was the modeling agency’s youngest client.

While continuing to model in New York, she also attended the Professional Children’s School. One year late, she moved back to Texas and landed a recurring role on the hit television series, “Dallas”. At that time, Janine made the decision to graduate from high school a year early, give up modeling, and move to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career.

New to Los Angeles, she landed a starring role on the late-night soap “Behind The Screen,” spent a year on the long-running, “General Hospital” as 'Laura Templeton,' and appeared in the feature film, “Young Doctors in Love.” After leaving “General Hospital,” Janine traveled to China for ten weeks for a co-starring role in Dino DeLaurentis' “Tai-Pan,” and upon completion of the film, moved back to New York City to continue her theatrical studies.

In New York, Janine studied with Marcia Haufrecht of The Actor's Studio and began working off-Broadway. She starred in The Ensemble Studio Theatre production of “Full Moon” and “High Tide in The Ladies Room,” and performed with the avant-garde theatre group, The Common Ground Theatre. During this time, she also held a supporting role in George Romero's “Monkey Shines,” and had a memorable turn as Olympia Dukakis' niece, 'Nancy Beth Marmilion,' in the acclaimed feature film, “Steel Magnolias.”

Janine then made a return to television with a co-starring role as “Maggie O’Connell” in the hit CBS series, “Northern Exposure” where she earned an Emmy nomination and three Golden Globe Award nominations for best actress in a drama series. During this time, Janine was named one of People magazine's “50 Most Beautiful People,” and one of Esquire magazine's “Women We Love.” In 1992, she received the Women At Work Award from the National Commission.

During a season-long hiatus from “Northern Exposure,” Janine flew to the Italian Alps to play a starring role opposite Sylvester Stallone in Columbia Tri-Star's international blockbuster, “Cliffhanger.” Additional film credits include a starring role in “Curse of the Inferno,” as 'June Cleaver' in Universal's “Leave It To Beaver,” and in Robert Altman's feature film, “Dr. T and the Women.”

Turner has also starred in a number of highly-rated films for television. She starred opposite Jamie Sheridan and Hal Holbrook in the CBS telefilm, “Beauty,” a CBS movie “Stolen Women,” “Circle of Deceit” for ABC, “Fatal Error,” a TBS original film, and “Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Secret Affair.”

Turner recently relocated from her ranch in Texas to New York City with daughter Jul