That Hippy Bag

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

I hadn’t planned on spending Day 1 of Life after Breast Cancer Diagnosis in a mall, but my friend Karen insisted. “Once those chemo appointments start, you’ll have no time to shop. Get everything now, and you won’t be scrambling later.”

As we walked through the mall, I mentally planned my shopping list: nightgowns, pajamas, a new robe, comfy day clothes. I was surprised when Karen pointed to my black, leather purse. “You’ll need a larger bag for when you start your treatments. Something more durable that’ll hold its shape.”

I started to argue and then stopped. After all, she was the seasoned warrior who had already traveled this path.

Continue reading on Vicki Batman’s blog.

Featured in Renaissance Magazine

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

renaissancejanuary I’m thrilled to be featured in this month’s salute to Creative Minds in Renaissance Magazine, a quarterly publication for RTO-ERO (Retired Teachers of Ontario) members.

You can read about my writing journey in “Revisiting the Dream” on Pages 30 and 31.

Download the magazine here.

Interview with Book Goodies

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m visiting the Book Goodies blog and chatting about my writing journey.

If you have a few minutes, drop by the blog.

Interview with Mariposa Cruz

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m visiting with Mariposa Cruz and chatting about my writing journey and A Season for Killing Blondes.

If you have a few minutes, drop by her blog.

My Word for 2016

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Joanne Guidoccio

2015 was a busy and productive year. Two of my novels, A Season for Killing Blondes and The Coming of Arabella were released within months of each other. In between edits and promotion, I started several new projects. By the end of the year, I had six storylines in various stages of completion and had succumbed to another bout of writers’ block. While many of my author friends can juggle several manuscripts at one time, I find my creative energy weakened whenever I throw too many irons in the fire.

The solution is a simple and straightforward one: Select one of the storylines and focus my time and attention on its completion. And say NO to new projects, regardless of how tantalizing they may appear.

For that reason, I am selecting FOCUS as my word for 2016.

focus

FOCUS ♦ MESSA A FUOCO ♦ CONCENTRER ♦ FOKUS ♦ FOCO

Have you selected a word for 2016?

In 25 Words or Less…

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Joanne Guidoccio

13857160_s After completing my novel, I attended a number of workshops where the facilitators stressed the importance of a hook or logline.

What is a hook/logline?

Very simply, it is a concise sentence that answers the question: What is your novel about? An effective logline provides enough interest to prolong the conversation with a prospective agent or publisher, encourages readers to pick up the book, and creates tweetable buzz.

At first, I found it a daunting task. How could I possibly condense 69,000 words into 25 words or less?

Continue reading on Marilyn Meredith’s blog.

On Podcast with Stephen Campbell

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Joanne Guidoccio

podcast Today, I’m live on Stephen Campbell’s Crime Fiction Podcast.

We’re chatting about my writing journey, food, NaNoWriMo, fantasy hen lit, cozy mysteries, and A Season for Killing Blondes.

You can listen here.

Interview with Sharon Bell Buchbinder

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m visiting with Sharon Bell Buchbinder and chatting about my writing journey and A Season for Killing Blondes.

If you have a few minutes, drop by her blog.

A Yoga Oxymoron

Posted on October 17, 2015 by Joanne Guidoccio

I collect oxymorons—or to be more technically correct, oxymora—and like to pepper my conversations with same difference, random order, and open secret. When I use less common oxymora such as planned spontaneity, controlled chaos, clean dirt, and pontificatory salvos, I enjoy watching the puzzled expressions on the faces of listeners who wonder whether they should laugh or not.