Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Doctor Joanne Reid, a retired collegiate educator, scientist, entrepreneur and computer geek. I spent my early career in analytical chemistry. That’s the science that answers two questions: What is it?; How much is there?
After twenty years in the lab, I went into sales of analytical instruments such as (ready for this?) Infrared spectrophotomers, atomic absorption spectrometers and stuff like that.
After ten years in sales, I started my own company selling computer-aided design systems based on AutoCAD. I also taught AutoCAD for more than 30 years at community colleges.
After a while, I lost my cutting edge and went back to school where I picked up a Master of Science and and a Doctorate in Education.
Over the years, I’ve written many books, scientific papers and publications in professional journals. including more than twenty research papers in the areas of critical thinking and cognition. I wrote a brief history of ancient Scotland called Caledonian Chronicles. I published Jihad: World War in 2036, Oil Commission and Lake Aral, the World Union techno-thriller trilogy. Gilraën and the Prophecy is my first venture into Gamelit epic fantasy.
Joanne is married to her partner of forty-three years, who is a retired college professor. They refer to themselves as the Pair-A-Docs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Gilraen and the Prophecy Trilogy, a book set including I Came, I Saw and I Conquered.
I’m editing the first book of the four-book series named Return of the Queen, a continuation of the Gilraen and the Prophecy series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a unstructured writer. That is, I don’t do outlines or anything formal. I do have a mental image and basic plan for the book and the series. I know where it starts and where I want it to go. I have a basic idea of who is doing what. At the same time, I’m not locked into a plan or outline, so if something arises, I can add a character, change a venue, or make other changes. I don’t advise this technique to most people, because it could lead to writer’s block or panic. Instead, I plug along with the story, envisioning it as I trudge along. Later, when I’m editing, I can change details, introduce entire chapters and do other things I should have done or undo things I should not have done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been and avid reader of everything from cereal boxes to the thirty plus volume “History of the United States Navy i World War II.”
However, the Gilraen series is influenced by Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and Paolini’s Heritage Series.
What are you working on now?
In the Gilraen and the Prophecy trilogy, Gilraen returns to her previous life.
Of course, it can’t be left there. So, she returns to fulfill her destiny and to overcome the evil Adjudicars. So far, this series is four books of more than 400,000 words!
And, that’s not the end. As part of this series, Gilraen gets additional insight into the origins and intentions of the Adjudicars. This will be the subject of the next series.
And then,…. Well, we’ll all have to wait on that.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Frankly, I don’t have a good one. I’ve tried Amazon’s AMS, spent a lot of money and got nothing from it. I’ve tried BookBub, but got nothing. So, I’m exhausting Facebook sites. If it’s about books, I’m a active member. I post once a week on each site and I’m scrupulous about answering all comments on my posts. I think my open, friendly and humorous replies are a big part of my marketing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
First and foremost, you have to be able to write an engaging and readable story. The whole thing is the story. If you can’t tell a gripping and engaging story, you can’t write one either.
To learn what a story is, you must read, the Read, the READ! There are thousands of great stories out there in every genre. You have to know and understand that genre and who reads those kinds of books if you are to be successful.
Finally, show, don’t tell. People can ‘observe’ others doing things and place themselves in the character’s position. Telling readers what’s going on is boring! That’s part of the art of telling a story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show, don’t tell. I’m a researcher. Writing for technical journals is exacting, precise and boring! When I write novels, I put myself into the character and show the reader what I’m doing, what I’m thinking or feeling, my worries and joys,
Did you see the difference between the previous sentences?
What are you reading now?
I’m a reader for several authors,
The Prophesy by Amanda DeShane
Daughter of Winter by Corina Douglas
The Reckoning by D. M. Taylor
War with Black Iris by David Goodin
Wings of Fate by Skye Horn
The Silver Queen by Naomi Lastrucci
The Falling Star by J. A. Comly
Just to name a few
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I said, I’m writing the next in the Jaralii Chronicles series. Gilraen and the Prophecy is the trilogy that begins the story.
I’m playing with the title Gilraen and the Doom of the Adjudicars for the 4-volume sequel.
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?
Argh! Three or four? My personal library is more than 6,000 books!
I’d probably take compilations, such as ‘The Plays of William Shakespeare”, “The Works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle”, and the works of Agatha Christie. I realize that’s cheating, but I’m a writer, so it’s just author’s license.
Author Websites and Profiles
Joanne Reid Amazon Profile
Joanne Reid’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile