Tell us a little about yourself
When did you decide to become a writer?
I had wanted to be a writer when I was very young, but I listened to the older (and supposedly wiser) people around me who said that wasn't a practical occupation. I put the dream aside until I was in my mid-thirties. About that time, I underwent a major change in how I looked at life and the world and decided I wouldn't know unless I tried. The dream has grown into a goal over the past five years.
What was your first published work?
I have had a short story published in a Rocking Chair Reader book--this was my first print piece. The first I shared my writing was in in pieces I wrote for Bi-polarBears. Storm is actually my first full-length book.
What is your dream as a writer?
At the moment I have three books I want to get out. I want to see Storm reach the New York Times bestseller list. My ultimate goal, however, is to one day have someone tell me that something I have written has made a positive difference in their life.
Is there anything you wish you had been told earlier in your career?
I wish someone had told me to follow my dream--that being an author was hard work but possible. Practical isn't all it's made out to be :-)
I am a mother who homeschools, a writer and photographer, and genealogist. I was born and raised in PA and I share my home with my son and a whole host of critters. My background is in Psychology, which I believe helps in both my life and my writing.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I had wanted to be a writer when I was very young, but I listened to the older (and supposedly wiser) people around me who said that wasn't a practical occupation. I put the dream aside until I was in my mid-thirties. About that time, I underwent a major change in how I looked at life and the world and decided I wouldn't know unless I tried. The dream has grown into a goal over the past five years.
What was your first published work?
I have had a short story published in a Rocking Chair Reader book--this was my first print piece. The first I shared my writing was in in pieces I wrote for Bi-polarBears. Storm is actually my first full-length book.
What is your dream as a writer?
At the moment I have three books I want to get out. I want to see Storm reach the New York Times bestseller list. My ultimate goal, however, is to one day have someone tell me that something I have written has made a positive difference in their life.
What writing avenues are you currently pursuing?
I am currently working on Spirit of the Stallion, a non-fiction book detailing the life of a bipolar child and those in his life. After that, I have two additional books waiting to be written and published.
Is there anything you wish you had been told earlier in your career?
I wish someone had told me to follow my dream--that being an author was hard work but possible. Practical isn't all it's made out to be :-)
What advice can you offer writers just breaking into a serious writing career?
Don't give up!! Don't listen to the critical voice inside that says you can't do it. Keep constantly in mind that a rejection is on a piece of work, not you as a writer--and most of all, don't allow life to get in the way of your work--there is time to write, you just need to make people respect that time. If you take your writing seriously, others will too.
Don't give up!! Don't listen to the critical voice inside that says you can't do it. Keep constantly in mind that a rejection is on a piece of work, not you as a writer--and most of all, don't allow life to get in the way of your work--there is time to write, you just need to make people respect that time. If you take your writing seriously, others will too.
Anything else you want our readers to know?
Part of the proceeds of Storm will be going to a wonderful organization called Stop It Now. They deal with preventing childhood sexual abuse. I ask that everyone take a few minutes to visit their site http://www.stopitnow.org/ and see what you may be able to do to help the cause.
Part of the proceeds of Storm will be going to a wonderful organization called Stop It Now. They deal with preventing childhood sexual abuse. I ask that everyone take a few minutes to visit their site http://www.stopitnow.org/ and see what you may be able to do to help the cause.
6 Comments
Great interview, Joyce!
ReplyDeleteKristie Leigh Maguire
Great interview, ladies. I learned even more about Joyce and her writing career.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to both of you!
Cheryl M.
Good job to both of you! Having read Storm, I hope you will get a copy if you haven't done so yet. You'll never look at people the same way again.
ReplyDeleteSee you at "my place" (http://www.janetelainesmith.blogspot.com) tomorrow, Apr. 25.
Joyce this is a great interview.I know Storm is just going to be on top for a long timeto come.Great job andit is wonderful to have you as a friend.
ReplyDeletebabs
Keep going!!! If it doesn't make it to New York, then it will make it to Hollywood! This is still the absolutely the best book, ever!
ReplyDeleteRon
Joyce,things just keep getting better and better.May all your days be filled with sunshine and rainbows.
ReplyDeleteJay Hudson
JWW
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