Q & A With Joanne

What made you want to be a writer?

I’ve always enjoyed reading and after spending some time at a variety of jobs, I decided I really wanted to explore my love of books. That led to a Masters degree in English and my decision to write a book of my own. One book led to another and another… it’s a great career for someone who enjoys reading and the independence of the job allows me to work from home, which is a great plus.

Do you have a critique group?

I work with a critique partner instead of a group, but she’s awesome and we’ve been together since I was working on book #3 (unpublished) and just had kid #2. Catherine Mann is the award-winning, bestselling author who has helped me stay on track and enthused about writing through over the course of one hundred combined published novels, and through the rejections that came before those exciting first sales. I could credit her with a zillion ways she’s helped me, but suffice it to say, I’m very grateful for her influence on my work and am even more grateful to have such a fantastic friend. Learn more about our approach to critiquing here.

Any tips for writers who are just starting out?

I've written a lot of articles about writing that you can find on my site-- just look for the "Articles" tab and check out the drop-down menu. A good place to start is a piece called Your Workout Regimen-- Exercises for Writers. I also enjoy speaking to writers groups, so I’m open to workshop requests! I’ve taught writing at the college level on and off since before I began writing romance, so the teacher in me enjoys sharing what I’ve learned.

What are you working on right now?

I’m thrilled to be writing my first domestic suspense story for Crooked Lane Books. I found myself reading a lot of suspense stories over the last few years and couldn't resist developing a story idea of my own. Sometimes stories insist on being told, and this was one of those instances. I can't wait to share more about this project as we firm up the title and release date. I've still got lots of romance in my heart, of course, and continue to work in this genre as well!