Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Joanna White and I’m a Christian author who writes in fantasy, historical fiction, Biblical fiction, romance, and more. I’ve been writing since I was ten years old, so in total I’ve written over 50 novels and an uncounted number of short stories and novellas. Right now, I have two books that are published on Amazon, Hunter and Shifter, books one and two of my Valiant Series. My upcoming book, Dark Magi, will be out on Amazon on November 19th.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dark Magi was originally written as part of a writing competition structured like the Hunger Games. Writers got together, made characters, wrote tasks given to them by the hosts and each round, writers were eliminated until there was one winner left. I started being a host of these competitions and wanted to branch away from the Hunger Games storyline. So I thought, what if it took place in a world of magic, but instead of televised and stuff, what if an evil king captured mages to force them to fight to the death? That’s where Dark Magi came from.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I have to write in complete silence and other times I have to write while listening to instrumental music. Though, I’m not sure that’s unusual. I have to write every single day or I feel really antsy and usually I try to stick to a certain word count, but I think most writers do that.
I write what I want to read, which is part of why I don’t read too much anymore. As I’m writing the story, I can experience it just as much, if not more than I can when reading a story. I love that feeling and I enjoy experiencing all these stories I’ve created with God’s help.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
God is my first inspiration. Cassandra Clare is another huge inspiration because her descriptions and ideas are beautiful and exciting. I mainly get inspiration for stories from my favorite movies and TV shows, since I don’t read too much anymore.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I actually just finished writing a book called The Crystal Heist, about a group of thieves who want to pull off the biggest heist in the city of Kryston – to steal the Sky Orb – to make everyone of all social classes equal. Until I start whatever book I’m going to work on next, I’m working on a few short stories and novellas to pass the time. As I mentioned, I have to write every day or I start to feel antsy. Even when I finish writing a book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook. It isn’t perfect and it’s getting harder but I usually share about my books on a lot of Facebook groups. I know a lot of authors on there, so they are really supportive and then they also host a lot of author takeover events which gives authors a chance to share about their work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up and keep writing. Even if the idea or your writing isn’t perfect, the important thing is to get it down on paper or computer because then you can always come back to it later.
Also, being an author is hard but never give up on your dreams.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To rely on God. He has gotten me through and gotten me this far and helped my dreams come true. I’ve only gotten this far because of Him so relying on Him and trusting Him is the best advice ever given to me.
What are you reading now?
I actually don’t read much anymore and I don’t have much time but whenever I do, I really want to read Cassandra Clare’s new book Ghosts of the Shadow Market. That and I’m also reading a book of Fairy Tales for story inspiration and I really want to check out a book of story prompts to help with inspiration as well.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My plan is to keep writing and publishing. I hope to have book three of the Valiant Series, Samurai, out late next year, and hopefully a few more projects out between now and then.
Dark Magi will be released on Amazon on November 19th, so be sure to look for that.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible first and foremost.
Then I’d just bring a computer or pen and paper, to write my own.
Author Websites and Profiles
Joanna White Website
Joanna White Amazon Profile
Joanna White’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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