Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan Daniels.
Hi Joan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got a bit of a late start in general and with writing in particular. I was functionally illiterate until I was in my 30s when I discovered my reading deficits were due to dyslexia; my son’s diagnosis explained my struggles. That revelation gave me hope and that hope gave me incentive to crack the reading code. It took another few years and I finally became proficient enough to make up for the education that I failed before. I earned my Bachelor’s of Science and spent my spare time reading the classics as well as anything else I could get my hands on. My writing began in 2013. After I read a popular romance that had an interesting premise but I found lacking. That opinion inspired me to try my hand to see if I could do better. I finished a first book and researched publishers and publishing houses. That was eye opening. I started researching self publishing and loved the freedom it offered,During the first publication process I saw the advantage of having my own publishing company and TomJo Media was born. I have published 15 books, 12 of which are my own, I continue to write and currently have the first of a three book series complete. I’m anticipating a publication date for that series in 2026.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Finding the time to write is always a challenge. I am sure there are writers who are disciplined enough to dedicate a specific amount of time in a day to their writing project; that eludes me. I know enough to clear an entire day which sounds easier said than done. When I sit down to write I get lost in it. It’s not unusual for hours to pass, or even an entire day, before I realize the hours spent. It is typical that either my dogs’ bladders, or my own, alert me to take a break.
In 2018 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was extremely fortunate that it was caught early. Still, I’m sure I would have gone down the Google rabbit hole and stressed myself out more than I was already stressed out had I not had a committment to finish a series I was working on at the time. Writing was absoluetely critical to my outlook before and after the surgery. I haven’t written a character with breast cancer but I have used many of the experiences to form story lines and characters. The bottomline is that I’m cancer free eight years later, I got the series completed and have been able to use that experience to inform my writing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I write romance novels and novellas. A common theme is redemption and second chances. All my books heavily involve our under appreciated southeastern Michigan.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I once heard a comedienne explain her best performance happed when she was willing to show her underpants. Words to live by! And I do. In my case “underpants” equates to being authentic and vulnerable without being ill fitting or malordorous .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jellenstories.com
