As a child, Joanna loved to read and spend time living in 'another world' as an escape from the chaos of a troubled home. She also grew up hearing family stories and developed an interest in preserving family history. These two interests happily collided in her wildly successful book series about scrapbooking heroine Kiki Lowenstein, her wonderful friends and the scrapbook store where she works.
At the recent Great American Scrapbook Convention, we had a chance to sit down with Joanna to discuss her stories, scrapbooking and her inspirations.
How did you get started scrapbooking before Kiki came about?
I hold a degree in journalism and had a contract to write a book on family stories. The publisher had asked that I write one chapter of the book on scrapbooking. For research, I visited a scrapbook store with my sister, who was already a scrapbooker. I was shocked and amazed at what was available. My first purchase was just one 12x12 sheet of paper that I then folded and put in my purse! I had a lot to learn!
I started scrapbooking in 1998, so I am a scrapbooker who started writing Kiki and not the other way around. The books are respectful of the hobby; the fiction is not about scrapbooking, but about a woman who is a scrapbooker. It's relatable.
Your heroine - Kiki Lowenstein - what would you say is her most defining characteristic and what can your readers learn from her?
I would have to say her insecurity. Like many women, she tends to undervalue herself. She doesn't always think of herself as beautiful or capable. As the series progresses, she develops more faith in herself. But that's true of most women and many readers think they are like Kiki.
I hope that Kiki's experiences allow women a chance to think about themselves and learn to stand up for themselves. I hope readers see that and think it's maybe time to believe in themselves. I hope it's an empowering thought because it's something that most of us don't learn.
What do you enjoy most about writing your books?
Living in that other world. I am constantly thinking about people I've made up and other lives. I love the process of writing. I also love the reaction of other people when they come to me and say that the books have helped them forget about their troubles or helped them in some way. To give some sort of joy or relief brings a lot of satisfaction. I am also grateful for the fan devotion. It's through word of mouth and sharing with each other that has allowed the series to take off.
Thank you for your time, Joanna! The 5th book in the series, "Ready, Scrap, Shoot" is coming out in April 2012 and there is a contract for a 6th book. All of her books can be purchased on Amazon in hard copy and Kindle versions.
As a special for Crops Plus newsletter readers, you have an opportunity to win Joanna's 4th and latest book in the Kiki Lowenstein series:
Make, Take, Murder.
To enter to win this prize, simply click HERE and enter your name for the drawing, which will take place on August 15th!
Keep an eye out for next month's newsletter where we will review Joanna's journaling tips and tricks.