Interview with JoAnne Myers
I have been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paint.
When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dog Jasmine, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams. My original canvas paintings, can be found at: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com
You write in multiple genres and cross genres, such as true crime, mystery, fantasy and paranormal. What appeals to you about these genres?
I have a lot of interests.
With fantasy, you have myths, legends, fairy-tales, and your imagination to conjure up a story. With paranormal you have ghosts and the afterlife to play with, and I do believe in an afterlife. True crime is just that, factual details, that someone experienced. Writing mystery is fun because of the mystery and twists and turns involved. The writer must decide who are the good guys, the bad guys, and the type of mystery involved; whether that is a bank heist, a kidnapping, or a buried treasure to search for.
Can you tell us about bit about your books?
Murder Most Foul, is a detective/mystery. Wicked Intentions, is a paranormal/mystery. The Crime of the Century, is an actual homicide case from my area. Loves, Myths, and Monsters, is a fantasy anthology starring the Chupracabra, the Mothman, reincarnation, time travel, an Egyptian love curse, a demonic cellmate, a Quaker love story set in the 1700's, Werewolves, and a serial killer family from the 1870's.
You also write poetry. Do you find being a poet enhances your writing when penning a novel?
I think it might help with the romance within a novel. Poetry seems to bring out the passive side of a person, making them more receptive to love.
Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
My monster anthology stemmed from my love for monster movies when I was a child; Count Dracula and the Wolfman. The paranormal anthology came from my watching real life paranormal stories on television, and from a newspaper article. Stories from others who claimed to have experienced ghost encounters and psychic dreams. I don't have a certain writing routine. I just write about what tickles my fancy at the time. Some of my stories took years to complete, others took a few months. I find true crime stories more difficult and time consuming. The writer must scour court documents, newspaper clippings, interview those involved with the case, which I found to be exhausting. With true crime the writer must get the facts straight, not just make up things as he goes along like I often do with fiction stories.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Becoming successful.
Who has inspired you as an author?
I have always been able to write and paint, even as a child. I love books by Gregg Olsen, Ann Rule, Ann Rice and Aphrodite Jones.
You are also a painter. Do you find that being an artist helps your writing, in ways such as being able to visualize scenes?
Yes I do believe my painting helps me as a writer. While I paint a scene, whether that be a beach or landscape scene, I often think “wouldn't this be a nice place to write about?”
What’s next for you?
My biography true crime anthology, Twisted Love, is being released May 10, by Black Rose Writing. Later in 2014, Flagitious, a detective/mystery novella anthology will be available through Melange Books.
You can find out more about JoAnne at her website: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com
or follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/scooterismine/
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