Joanna White is a Christian Author and fangirl. Hunter and Shifter are the first two books in her debut series, called the Valiant Series, published by Christian publisher Ambassador International and there are more to come. In December 2019, one of her short stories was featured in Once Upon A Yuletide, a Christmas fairy tale anthology by Divination Publishing. Dark Magi, Book One of the Republic Chronicles came out in November 2019. Glimpses of Time and Magic, a historical fantasy anthology, also featured one of her stories. The Crystal Heist was her most recent release, in August 2020.

She graduated from Full Sail University with a BFA in Creative Writing For Entertainment. Ever since she was ten years old, she's been writing stories and has a deep passion for writing and creating stories, worlds, characters, and plots that readers can immerse themselves in. In 2020, she reached her personal goal of writing a million words in a year. Most of all, Joanna loves God, her family, staying at home, and being a total nerd.

To stay updated and find out more about her novels, where her inspiration comes from, games, giveaways, and more, visit her website at: authorjoannawhite.com.

Interview:

1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?

Volcano will be released on March 23rd and is the first book in my new Calamity's Hope Series. It's a story about a famous YouTuber named Liam who lives his live recklessly. His channel is based on thrill-seeking, which is what he lives for. But a recent injury has kept him from doing the things he used to and now, his views are down. So, his best friend Julia decides to take him on a vacation in Hawaii to try to help him. But neither of them expect the volcanos there to erupt - let alone to face the worst eruption in history and it's heading right for them.

2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?

I have a huge problem feeling insecure in myself and my work. I always write the kinds of books I want to read, but sometimes, I feel insecure that anyone else wants to read them. It's hard to market as an author as well and get readers in front of my books, which is the area where I struggle the most. Marketing is harder than people would think.

3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

For me, it's definitely pressuring myself to get things done. You always hear about how authors have problems with procrastination, but I kind of have the opposite problem, especially since I did the million word challenge in 2020. It's like I constantly have to be writing and putting out books, and when I don't, I feel... inadequate almost.

4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Money and a social life, haha. Even though I've pretty much already given those things up, lol!

5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

Well, Hunter, my first published book, was published years after I wrote it. So, it didn't really impact my writing process directly, but I did learn that I really prefer to have book series' fully written before I publish them. The stress and pressure of having to write books that readers are waiting on is a bit too much for me to deal with.

6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?

Oh goodness, a TON! I have been writing since I was ten years old, so I have 65 fully written novels. I have only published five of them. Some are fanfictions, others are terrible that I wrote when I was younger and will never see the light of day. I used to write contemporary Christian novels - basically a character is going through something tough. Through it, they would fall in love and discover God and He would help them through the hardship. Then, I wrote the Valiant Series which had 17 books in it and started delving into Christian fantasy.

7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Yes, I read all my reviews. I think reviews are a great way to learn about what does and does not connect with readers. Bad reviews are an opportunity to learn.

8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Yes, probably. Personality quirks of mine or my close family members that I throw in there. Details about my hometown or aspects that I've experienced. Maybe a few easter eggs from my Valiant Series to my Republic Chronicles - and there will be more to come in the Republic Chronicles.

9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I am friends with many authors - Ariel Paiement is one of my oldest author friends and she pushes me to become a better person, not just a better author. Allen Steadham is a Christian author that I admire because he adheres to his beliefs and really ingrains his stories with the truth of God and who He is and I hope to achieve that with my own writing, so I look up to Allen a lot. Then, there are my critique and idea buddies - Joshua Reid and Michaela Baker. I have so much fun chatting and working ideas with them. Then, of course, last but certainly not least is Daphne Self. I would not be where I am without her and the Valiant Series wouldn't be what it is without her help and hard work.

10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Take it more seriously and keep on writing. Don't give up or get discouraged when things seem to slow down on reads on wattpad or with sales. God will work everything out in His time according to His will. Always, always, always follow God's inspiration because your stories are nothing without Him.

11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Procrastination is the number one. There are some days I have to sit my butt down and just force myself to write. Sometimes, I'll get into the scene and other times it feels like a drag. But if any writers actually want to get any writing done, then they need to sit down and actually write.

12. What’s the best way to market your books?

Stay updated on what currently works. Right now, it's Facebook groups and ads if you can afford them (which I can't) but that is bound to change, so just stay updated on the market and what works and what doesn't.

13. What is your favorite childhood book?

I have so many, haha. My Heart Is In The Ground: The Diary of Nannie Little Rose is one because it's the touching story of a Native American girl forced to go to a white man's school and it broke my heart when I was younger and made me want to impact people the way that book impacted me. After that, I absolutely loved The Mortal Instruments Series by Casssandra Clare and it remains my favorite fantasy series to this day.

Social Media:

My website: authorjoannawhite.com

My facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/jwwarriors

My Instagram: instagram.com/authorjoannawhite