Joyce Anthony Stops at Potpourri of Writing on Her Tour

Today I’m visiting with Joyce Anthony, whose first novel, STORM, has just been published. She has been on a month long blog tour and is stopping by Mary Emma’s Potpourri of Writing as she wraps it up.

It’s a delight to have Joyce stop by, and I’ve asked her some questions that will let you know more about her, her writing, and STORM.

Thank you, Joyce, for taking time to visit. I’m sure my readers will find this interview interesting and informative and enable them to know you better.

MEA – STORM is called a spiritual fantasy. How would you explain that?

JOYCE – STORM is based on spiritual principles—especially of faith. However, elements of the story are completely removed from what is reality and that is where the fantasy comes in. This story weaves reality and fantasy together in such a way that you wonder at the chance of the events actually taking place.

MEA – Do you draw ideas from real life situations to develop your characters and your story?

JOYCE - All the situations of the individuals in STORM occur daily in every city and town in the world—homelessness, domestic violence, child abuse—all are real. None of my characters is based on anyone I know—yet each would be someone you know, I know, or the next reader knows.

MEA – So many people ask me, “Mary, where did you get the idea for your story?” Since this seems to be a universal question or curiosity, I’ll ask that of you.

JOYCE – The story is based on several different glimpses, thoughts, dreams. Each in and of itself would be meaningless, yet they build upon each other and eventually connect into a story.

MEA – Fascinating! The next question—what was your biggest challenge in writing this book?

JOYCE – My biggest challenge was actually my self-doubt. The story came so easily it made me wonder as to whether it was any good. I constantly battled with myself about sharing it with anyone.

MEA – What do you hope people will see about the world after reading STORM?

JOYCE – I hope people will take the time to get to know those they have ignored or judged. I want them to realize that everyone has a story behind how they got to where they are at this very moment—and they are much deeper than society gives them credit for. Judgment is not ours, as humans, to make, for we do not know the hearts and souls of those around us. Too often we don’t even take the time to try.

MEA – Thank you, Joyce, for sharing with us. You’ve given me interesting insight into your book and why you wrote it. I wish you much success with STORM and any you have planned in the future.