Prolific author JoAnne Myers shares with The Write Way Café encouraging thoughts about following your passion.
For as long as I can
remember, I have had an artistic flare-whether that be for writing, painting,
sewing or drawing. I recall as a child how much I enjoyed drawing. The writing
came later. My seventh grade English teacher was Mrs. Henderson-a young mother
and wife. She gave us a writing assignment and after gifting me with an A+ told
me I should consider writing as a career. She meant as a journalist. I did not
take her advise and become a journalist (one of my many misgivings). My mind
went toward other things as many young girls dream of-a husband, home, and
family of my own. I put my love for writing and painting on hold for
years. I unfortunately married a man who
like my mother never encouraged me to be artistic. It was not until my children
were grown and I no longer had a husband, that I went back to my first
love-art. I got a late start, but always
encouraged my children and others to partake of artistic endeavors. I now have six books under contract with two
publishing houses. So my words to you all, is that no matter what road you
choose, never forget your passion, and always keep it close to heart. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from
enjoying your natural talents. You might
need to put art on a temporary hold, but never ever give up.
Blurbs for “Twisted Love”
12 cases of love gone bad
It’s a chilling reality that homicide investigators know
all too well: the last face most murder victims see is not that of a stranger,
but of someone familiar.
The End of Autumn-To keep from paying child support for his three
children, Rodney Williams, plots with his parents to kidnap his estranged wife,
25-year old Autumn, in broad daylight. This 2011 crime shocked the small
community of Logan, Ohio.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing-In 2011, 53 year old Russell Strothers, and his
teenage accomplice find their victims through Craigslist and strike with calculating
and deadly force.
A Senseless Killing-This 2010 case uncovers how a 40 year old likable
barmaid was lured to her death after she rejects her young admirers sexual
advances.
The Death of Innocence-This 2011 murder case involved 4 year old Marcie
Willis, and her evil stepmother 25 year old Cheryl, from the small bedroom
community of The Plains, Ohio.
The Girl Not Forgotten-This cold case took 26 years to solve, but brought
justice for 13-year-old Holly Buford, and put serial rapist, 40-year-old
Stanley Snead, behind bars.
The Possession-When 29-year-old Valerie Harris severs the penis of
her sexually abusive father, it makes national news in 2007.
Home Town Hero-When deaf students are murdered in the prestigious
Rose Brick College of the Deaf in 2008, everyone is shocked when discovering
the killer is one of their own.
The Spell Caster Murders-When 42 year old Fortune Teller Sally Vu and her
21-year-old daughter Veronica are discovered murdered and physically
desecrated, in 2001, evidence points to revenge and a spell gone wrong.
All For the Family-In 2003, as a way to erase her 22-year-old husbands
criminal past, 19 year old Molly Abbott devises a ghoulish and desperate
strategy.
Thicker Than Water?-When 52 year old Kim Michaels is found dismembered
inside her burned out home in 1996, officers find the crime more confusing than
a jig saw puzzle.
Mail Order Murder-The last thing the beautiful Russian mail order bride
Anna dreamed of in 2001, was being murdered by her controlling and older
American husband.
Where’s Christopher?-When four year old Christopher Ellis goes missing,
numerous excuses and an odd odor emanating from the backyard in 1991, raises
eyebrows.
Here is an excerpt from MAIL-ORDER MURDER:
Few
women find themselves in such a bizarre relationship, as did eighteen-year-old
Anna Tonkov, a Russian native. Speaking minimal and badly broken English, the
family expressed high expectations for their tall, voluptuous raven-haired
daughter. Anna was the only child of senior and ailing parents, and her mother
said she and her husband only wanted the best for her.
In a country where the average
yearly income was three hundred dollars per person, Mr. and Mrs. Tonkov,
believed that Anna’s future happiness lay with the United States.
Mrs. Tonkov recalled how Anna did
not want to leave. It was the parents’ idea for her to be a mail-order bride.
According to Mrs. Tonkov, Anna said, “‘what if I don’t find a husband? What if
you and papa waste your money?’”
Mr. Tonkov recalled telling her
daughter, that she was never a waste of their money. She was everything to
them, and they wanted her to have everything America offered.
Mr. and Mrs. Tonkov then took Anna‘s
photograph in a dress she had made, not like many of the other women posing for
the magazine-loose women, half naked. “No good man wants them,” they said.
Anna was a lady, explained Mr.
Tonkov-a good Christian girl. Hardworking and responsible. She was raised the
right way, they both said.
In the spring of 2007, Anna became
number M245 in a Russian mail-order catalog with a circulation of over twenty
million viewers. The magazine was bursting with dozens of glossy, full-color
photographs of young hopeful women, all looking for husbands to rescue them
from their poverty, stricken and unhappy lives.
It was not long before Anna had her
first letter from a perspective admirer. She returned to her small four-room
home from her part-time job at a nearby bakery, and her glowing parents greeted
her just inside the front door.
Mrs. Tonkov recalled how surprised
Anna was when she saw her and her husband smiling. She then handed her daughter
the pink envelope with trembling hands.
At first, Anna was afraid to open
the letter, said Mr. Tonkov, but he told her it was from an American man. He
said he and his wife watched as Anna read each word silently; her large dark
eyes wide with anticipation. They said she was hesitant to respond to the
sender. Maybe friendship would bloom. “If not you brush up on language skills,”
said Mrs. Tonkov.
That made Anna laugh, recalled Mr.
Tonkov. He still remembers her pretty laugh, “as if (she were) a small child
without cares.”
About JoAnne:
I have been a long-time
resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of
my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paint. When not busy with hobbies or
working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dogs Jasmine, and
volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International
Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance
Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's
Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and
Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family
values and following your dreams. My original canvas paintings, can be found
at: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com
Three fun facts about JoAnne:
1. What book influenced
your writing? Black Beauty and Charlotte’s
Web
2. What would your muse say
about you? That I am quiet and shy
3. Do you have any other
hobbies besides writing? I canvas paint
Other Available Books:
Murder Most Foul-a
detective/mystery
Wicked Intentions- a
paranormal anthology
Loves, Myths, and Monsters- a
fantasy anthology
The Crime of the Century- a
biography true crime
Poems About Life, Love, and
Everything in Between
Upcoming Books: Flagitious-a crime/mystery
anthology
Other places to find JoAnne
and her books:
Email: joannemyers@frontier.com
.png)
