Bio

I have been writing most of my life and my ‘day’ jobs have all contributed to the creative process: marketing and communications for two international corporations; teaching at the college level; and running a Mom-and-Pop adult daycare business with my husband. During those years I also published four books on eldercare as well as co-writing PARKINSON’S DISEASE FOR DUMMIES under my maiden name of Jo Horne.

Now retired and focused ONLY on writing, I split my time between Wisconsin and Florida. Having been raised in the hills of Appalachia in a town that is often not even a dot on the map, I went from being that small town country kid to being a big city adult — loving the noise and chaos and diversity of city life. But that small town girl is alive and well and has a tendency to show up in one character or another in my stories.

Thanks so much for stopping by — take a moment and follow me on BookBub and GoodReads. You can also sign up for my newsletter below, (promise not to share your info or inundate you with useless ‘stuff’), and do be in touch!!

Q & A with Jo - Click here

1. You are the author of over 40 novels and novellas. Is there a theme that runs through all your novels or a message you wish to communicate?

A: Empathy, unity, and power of diversity are our core strengths as human beings and these qualities are what I am constantly exploring in my novels.

2. Tell us about some of the people who have shaped your writing journey.

A: When I was a kid, my Dad managed a movie theater, so I went to the movies a lot. Even after we moved, and my dad went into another line of work, movies were our preferred entertainment. As I teenager I collected the cast recordings of every Broadway musical and then when I was a junior in college, I spent the summer in NYC at a theater program. I went on to get my masters in Theater Arts. As a result, I write as if my characters are actors on the screen or stage.

3. Can you provide us with some insight into your writing routine?

A: I am constantly writing. If there is one unique thing about my style, it is that I love doing research and for me everything is research — music, books, overheard conversations – it’s all fodder for the mill. Something else that is a bit unique to my ‘routine’ — I love chaos. I write in public places surrounded by people; I love the action and the voices and the snatches of conversation.

4. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

A: Read! Read! Read! And please, diversify your reading. Step outside your box!

Bio

Q & A with Jo - Click here

Follow Jo on:

Follow Anna on:

Get in Touch