It is my honor to introduce to you JoAnn Durgin! If you've never read her novels, you're going to want to!
JoAnn is
the author of the beloved Lewis Legacy Series, as well as the popular Wondrous
Love Series, and the Starlight Christmas Series. Her standalone novels include Catching
Serenity, Heart’s Design, Echoes of Edinburgh, and Perchance
to Dream. A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn now writes
full-time and lives with her husband and family in her native southern Indiana.
Joi: Why did you start
writing? How did you start writing?
JoAnne: I suppose it was inevitable that I’d become a writer
although I didn’t say, “I’m going to be an author one day!” I’ve always loved
to read and write. In college, I studied journalism and English. My studies
taught me the basic mechanics, but writing fiction is entirely different. Like
anything else, writing takes practice to become proficient, especially to
develop that unique writer’s “voice.” I first began writing novels when I was a
stay-at-home mom for six years in Philadelphia. My husband was a youth pastor, and
it was more financially feasible for me to stay home with our three small
children. I wrote a book in a week, and that’s when I seriously caught the
writing bug. Sent it to a publisher and got enough positive feedback to keep
going. I quickly drafted out a number of manuscripts but put the writing on
hold—but not the passion for it—for
over a decade when we moved to Boston. I feel the Lord honored my commitment to
my family when the first publisher to see the completed manuscript of my debut
novel, Awakening, accepted it for publication. The story behind
that—how I lost half of the story but the Lord gave it back to me—is on my
website (link at the end of this interview).
Joi: I've read Awakening, and I love it!
Joi: How did you select
your genre?
JoAnne: I think it’s more that the Lord called me to write Christian
romance, and I embraced the call. It wasn’t a conscious choice on my part to
write Christ-centered fiction. I didn’t need to think about it because it just
naturally evolved. When I first began to pen novels, there was never a question
in my mind that I would write stories of hope and grace that give glory to the
Lord. I love a good love story, but always, in addition to the love story between
a man and a woman, I incorporate the love of the heavenly father. And, without
fail, there’s always a happy ending!
Joi: What is your writing
day like?
JoAnne: Alternately fun, crazy, frantic, but always fabulous. I’m
blessed to be living the dream. Trust me, I realize how few authors can say
that! I’m not rolling in money, but that’s never been my motivation. The Lord
gives me exactly what I need, no more, no less. Writing is my passion, and He worked
through events in my life to pave the way and make that happen (a story in
itself; authors always have stories!). I was able to transition (I dislike the word “retire”) from my full-time
paralegal position in August of 2014, and I’ve never looked back. Yes, it was a
leap of faith, but it was also taking the step with the knowledge that I’m
doing what He’s called me to do.
Joi: How do you organize
your writing? (outlines/note cards/post-its)
JoAnn: Promise not to throw anything at me, but I don’t. Not
really. Let me explain. I print out and keep research notes in my file cabinet,
but I don’t otherwise plot or plan. The most important part is prayer. Every single time I sit down to
write, I ask the Lord to give me the words He
wants me to tell. And then I begin. And then I edit. And then edit some more.
Honestly? Nothing thrills me more than sitting in front of the computer and
allowing the words to flow. I don’t suffer from dreaded writer’s block, and I
love to see where the Lord and my imagination will lead. I’m blessed with a
highly organized mind, and I’m determined and disciplined (for the most part). It’s
been a thrill ride to bring each character and his/her journey to life.
Joi: What’s the most
surprising thing a character has “told you”?
JoAnne: Colin Young, a memorable character in the third book of my
four-book Christmas series, demanded equal time. He told me in no uncertain
terms, “I need my story told.” I adore that guy, and I couldn’t deny giving my
dear Colin his own happy ending. With that charming British accent, how could I
resist?
Joi: Love it!
Joi: Do you have a list of
characters that you’re saving for future use? What kind of information do you
keep on these characters?
JoAnn: I have a list in my head, yes. In a series, most of my
characters have already been introduced in a previous book, so I have an
existing story world on which to build. For entirely new characters, they come
to life as I write. I love exploring their backgrounds and getting into their
mindset. Call me weird, but I especially love writing from the male point of
view! To be fair, however, I do keep notes on professions and places where they
might live—newspaper and Internet articles, interviews, that type of thing.
Joi: What does your work
space/office look like?
JoAnn: Our oldest daughter moved out of the house recently, so now
I have my own home office! I splurged on a new computer, furniture, the works
(trust me, it was time). How I ever managed to work full-time and write books
in our bedroom is beyond me. Now I have a door to close! I’m also framing my
book covers to hang on the walls. Like my book manuscripts, the office is a continual
work in progress.
Joi: What is your go-to
snack when writing?
JoAnn: Triscuit crackers with cheese
wedges or Alouette garlic spread. Love it! I’ve also been known to go to the
movie theater just to buy a bucket of layered butter popcorn. It’s seriously
one of my favorite indulgences in life. I do love fruit, too, but it’s not
normally my snack of choice (perhaps it should be!).
Joi: Oh, dear one, you are hysterical!
Joi: If you could only
recommend one NOVEL, what would it be? Why?
JoAnn: My all-time favorite novel is To Kill A Mockingbird. Some might be surprised that I didn’t name a
Christian book. It’s difficult to name a favorite Christian fiction book, but I
love TKAM for many reasons, primarily because of the strong character of
Atticus Finch. The book is a commentary on racial injustice and good vs. evil.
However, it is the quiet honor in Atticus, combined with his deep, abiding love
for his children, which always impressed and impacted me. I worked for
attorneys for years, and I honestly believe it’s due in part to my admiration
for Atticus. We recently returned from a trip which included a stop in tiny
Monroeville, Alabama, home of Nelle Harper Lee, the novel’s author. While
there, we attended a local production of the play based on the novel. It was
something that I’ll never forget—a “bucket list” kind of thing, and—even better—it
was my husband who made all the plans. He knew it would be special for me, and
it was a memorable time.
Joi: If you could only
recommend one CRAFT book (writing, no crocheting), what would it be? Why?
JoAnn: I don’t crochet (I used to cross-stitch, though). There are
tons of good books out there geared for writers. Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass is one that has tons of
great advice and examples for writers. If you’ll allow me one more, I
personally learned quite a bit early on by reading Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin.
Joi: Is there anything
else you’d like to add?
JoAnn: Thank
you so much, Joi, for hosting me on the blog!
Joi: It was my pleasure! I enjoy your books! Thanks for faithfully writing them, bringing laughter and joy to Christian Fiction!
JoAnn: My
most recent release is Love So Divine, Book 2 in my
Wondrous Love Series. It’s the love story of an inner-city youth pastor and a
ballerina. His father is addicted to gambling and her father builds casinos. It’s
done incredibly well for me, and I’m especially pleased since it’s one of my
most evangelical books. I’ll be happy to give away a copy to a blog reader
(maybe more than one!) if they will leave a comment telling me why they enjoy
reading contemporary Christian romance.
Next
up is Abide, the next book in
my Lewis Legacy Series. It’s releasing in the next week, and I have a sequel to
Heart’s Design, called Gentle Like the Rain, releasing in
the Whispers of Love anthology in late June. For only 99 cents, readers will
get all-new, full-length novels from 12 Christian romance authors! You can look
under my book listing on Amazon and find the pre-order for this anthology. It’s
an incredible offer, and a great way to sample new-to-you authors.
Hearing
from satisfied readers is one of my favorite things in life. I hope readers will feel
free to contact me:
Website:
Facebook:
3 comments:
Thanks for hosting me today on the blog, Joi! Blessings.
Thanks for sharing about your life as an author. I've often wonder how you came up with your stories. I love how they flow nicely and I've always wonder if you have them planned out in advance or just go with the flow (or prayers). I love Colin's story and so many others. I feel like I can fully connect with your characters and they've become friends over time.
Wonderful interview, Joi and JoAnn. Since I love you both, it was an extra pleasure. <3
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