Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A member of RWA, I give presentations on writing, lead a critique group, a creative writing group, and belong to three writing groups including, The Las Vegas Romance Writers. I also co-host a romance readers group. I write short stories that are published in four Anthologies. My hobbies are playing canasta and dominoes. I also volunteer in a warehouse that provides medical equipment to seniors.
I read at least three books a month and like to keep up with the latest trends. My eBook, The Hidden Journal, Published by Tirgearr Publishing is available on Amazon. I have two self-published book, Broken Promises, and Don’t Dance on my Heart, also available on Amazon. I’m presently working on a series.
I live in Las Vegas, Nevada with my husband Tom and our teacup Yorkie.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, MISPLACED, was released July 15. I was inspired by a newspaper article and asked myself, what if?
It didn’t take long to plot out the book about a woman who witnessed her parents murder and the assailant shot her and left her for dead.
What if that privileged young woman’s assets were frozen? What if she was placed in a small town broke and for the first time in her life, had to work to support herself? What if she felt the entire community plotted against her?
I had fun writing about my character and her discomfort about being what she perceived as MISPLACED.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in the morning. I read email and play a few games of Spider Solitaire before I get started. When I begin a new novel, I use Dragon to dictate my every thought. I find it easy to put everything on the computer and edit later.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Deborah Coonts for one. Her Lucky Books are a hoot. I love books by the late Maeve Binchey, Debbie Macomber, and Robyn Carr. My favorite mystery writer is Harlan Coben.
What are you working on now?
I’m presently rewriting a series, The Women Of Rexford. These stories take place in a small town, much like the one where I was raised. I love writing about small town. Everything happens there and everyone is aware of what’s going on. I like the rumors and gossip that change my character’s lives.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I hope fans visit my page on Facebook. www.facebook.com/joycewrites romance/ I also write a blog , www.joycebrennan.blogspot.com/ where I post information about writing and sometimes include my short stories. I use Google+, Kindle MoJo and their many other programs. Tirgearr Publishing provides assistance with marketing. If course, Awesome Gang is one of the first sites I place my book information
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Read.Read. I can’t stress it enough. Don’t stick to the genre you write but expose yourself to everything. Join a critique group and writing groups. Spend time with other authors. Do an intense interview with your characters. Learn how they think, what they like and their inner emotions.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Put it down on paper. Write everything you think about your book and characters without worrying about editing.
What are you reading now?
Caught, by Harlan Corben
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a few ideas for new books. As soon as I finish writing the Rexford series, I begin plotting.
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?
Anything by Maeve Binchy, Gulliver’s Travels, the Bible and one of Deborah Coonts’ books.
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