Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello everyone. I am a Canadian writer from Toronto. I love following current events and the media. I originally wanted to be a journalist. I ended up becoming a library technician and I was employed for many years as a library and information specialist in the library of the Toronto Star newspaper. I assisted reporters, columnists and editors. During my years at the Star, I had six articles published on a freelance basis.
In 2010, I accepted a volunteer buyout from the Star. I then took a course on teaching English as A Second Language. I have been tutoring ESL one-to-one on a part-time basis. However, writing is still my passion. I keep two blogs – Number 16 and TV Banter – and I have written several poems over the years.
I am a movie buff and a political junkie. I am interested in history, trivia and collecting quotations. My favourite game show is “Jeopardy!” I also enjoy word puzzles, cards and playing board games such as Scrabble. Of course, I love a good book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I recently published my first novel as an ebook on Smashwords. It is entitled “Children of Dieppe.” I had worked on the novel during my leisure time for a few years. I finally completed it during this COVID-19 and self-published it.
I really became involved in the characters. I wanted to write something about friendship, family and the aftermath of war. The protagonist, Denise Nair, loses her father in the 1942 Dieppe Raid. The novel chronicles Denise’s life until the year 2012. Historical events are woven into the story. It not, however, an exceptionally long novel. On the contrary, it breezy, suspenseful and thoughtful.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write at night.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My taste in reading is very eclectic. I especially like to read biographies, classical novels and mysteries.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my second novel. It is full of mystery and suspense.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As an indie writer, the best chance you have to promote your book is through social media sites such as Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author myself. I have learned a great deal from writing my first novel. I can only repeat the advice that someone
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is from Shakespeare’s hamlet: “To thine own self be true.”
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading an old classic, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” I recently finished Rachel Maddow’s book about Spiro Agnew. It’s fascinating and I recommend it. I also have two other books lined up to read after “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” They are “Extraordinary Canadians” by former news anchor Peter Mansbridge and “Promised Land” by former U.S. president Barack Obama.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned, I am working on my second novel. I am taking my time with it and I am really trying to do a good job. At the moment, I don’t know when it will be finished. I am also working on my two blogs.
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?
I would bring the Bible and the complete works of Shakespeare. There are so many other books, I wouldn’t know where to start. It would be a very difficult decision for me because I like so many authors. Some of my favourite books include:
The Great Gatsby (by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
Crime and Punishment (by Fyodor Dostoevsky)
The Chosen (by Chaim Potok)
A Separate Peace (by John Knowles)
The Catcher in the Rye (by J.D. Salinger)
The Portrait of A Lady (by Henry James)
Pride and Prejudice (by Jane Austen)
To Kill A Mockingbird (by Harper Lee)
Anne of Green Gables (by L.M. Montgomery)
Life of Pi (by Yann Martel)
Wuthering Heights (by Emily Bronte)
Author Websites and Profiles
Joanne Madden Website
Joanne Madden Author Profile on Smashwords
Joanne Madden’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
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