Sunday, April 29, 2007

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.

MEASTORM is called a spiritual fantasy. How would you explain that?

JOYCESTORM 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.

8 comments:

JanetElaineSmith said...

Very nice interview, ladies! Great finish for your tour, Joyce. I hope it brings in huge sales for Storm. It is an absolutely awesome book. I do have it from a little bird that you are now an "international author" after a sale in England! Major congrats!
Janet Elaine Smith, author
http://janetelainesmith.com

Mary Emma Allen said...

Thanks, Janet, for visiting and giving your input. Congratulations, Joyce, for your international sale!

Anonymous said...

Great interview, ladies! Storm is one of those rare books that kept this reviewer glued to her chair until the last page was turned.

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Joyce, on the end of a wonderful month of blog tours! Glad I could be a part, too.

Cheryl said...

Well Joyce, you started with me and I've tried my best to follow you along on your month long tour. You've done a great job of promoting "Storm" and I wish you much success.

When your next book comes out I hope I'll get the chance to interview you again. I've learned a lot about you and your work, and I can't wait to see more.

Best of luck!

Cheryl

Anonymous said...

This, young lady, has been a fabulous trip, for a fantastic book!!!! You have done very well!! You have my congratulations. This was another good interview. I am very proud to say I know you.

Ron

Jay Hudson said...

Joyce,congratulations on all you have accomplished these past two years or so.I'm so glad you didn't walk away two years ago.
I hope Storm will exceed your wildest dreams.
Jay Hudson

Star Publish said...

Another great interview. I have really enjoyed this month long blog tour.
Kristie Leigh Maguire