Interview with LJ Reitman, Author of Genwise

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Genwise – The Essential Planning Guide and Workbook to Protect Your Family, Finances, and Future?

I wrote Genwise because I lived through the confusion, stress, and emotional weight of trying to help loved ones without a clear plan in place. After losing two stepparents and helping each of my parents navigate life alone from over 1,000 miles away, I realized just how much we leave unsaid and disorganized. I couldn’t find one resource that pulled everything together, legal, financial, medical, and personal, in a way that made sense and felt manageable. So I created the tool I wish we had: a workbook that helps families get organized before a crisis hits. Genwise is for anyone who wants to make things easier for the people they love—with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Genwise – The Essential Planning Guide and Workbook to Protect Your Family, Finances, and Future, what would they be?

“Count on Me” – Bruno Mars, “My Wish” – Rascal Flatts, and “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love learning, whether it’s through someone’s personal story or a subject that’s completely new to me. Reading gives me perspective, helps me grow, and opens my mind to experiences I may never live myself. I enjoy both fiction and nonfiction, as long as I’m learning and thinking. That same spirit inspired me to write Genwise. I wanted to create something practical yet thoughtful; a book that helps people prepare, reflect, and protect what matters most, while learning about themselves and their loved ones along the way.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now, my TBR pile includes: Dana Perino’s I Wish Someone Had Told Me, Carol S. Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, and William Kent Krueger’s Lightning Strike.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The moment I described a family member stepping into a difficult situation, illness, a sudden emergency, or even loss, and realizing everything they needed was right there: names, contacts, instructions, passwords, medical info. No chaos. Just clarity. Writing that part reminded me why this book matters. It’s not dramatic or flashy—it’s quiet relief. It’s someone opening a binder and saying, “Okay, I know what to do.” That image stuck with me, and it’s the emotional heartbeat of Genwise.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I would love to tell you that I have well-thought-out outlines, but that’s not always the case. When I start to write, I write whatever is in my head and keep going until I’m satisfied. If inspiration and ideas come to me randomly (and they often do), I scribble them down on any free piece of paper to review later. That might be a bill, the back of an envelope, or whatever scrap of paper is around. I compile these notes and go back to them to create chapters.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

“Preparing now is an act of love.” It’s not just about documents — it’s about making life easier for the people you care about, so they’re not left guessing during a crisis.

LJ Reitman is the author of the new book Genwise – The Essential Planning Guide and Workbook to Protect Your Family, Finances, and Future.

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