So Bookies - I had the chance to interview Joanne DeMaio Author of recent book Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes.
Author Bio
Joanne
DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling
author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family,
love and choices, while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea.
Her novels include the New York Times bestseller Blue
Jeans and Coffee Beans, Whole Latte Life, which was named a
Kirkus Reviews Critics' Pick, and most recently Snowflakes and Coffee
Cakes, now a USA Today
bestseller.
BooksBooksnMore:
What inspired you to
write your first book?
Joanne DeMaio:
Spending
time at a little gem of a Connecticut beach called Point O’ Woods. Walking the
high tide line there, seeing the seaweed and seashells and beach treasures all
interwoven and connected …well, it put life into perspective. I had freelanced
for local publications, but one summer, years ago, I felt a personal tide
shift. And I knew I wanted to wade out further in the writing waters and take
the plunge into novel writing.
BooksBooksnMore:
What books have most
influenced your life?
Joanne DeMaio:
I
have a small collection of illustrated classics that I love to thumb
through: Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and
Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind
to name a few. These are like the “blue jeans” of books … timeless staples.
BooksBooksnMore:
What book are you
reading now?
Joanne DeMaio:
I’m
actually in-between reads. Because I write full-time, my reading time is
primarily focused on research books—spanning topics from fashion design to
snowflakes. Now that I’m gearing up to begin writing a new story, I’m on the
lookout for some nonfiction to layer my research. Bookstore road trip, here I
come!
BooksBooksnMore:
If you had to do it
all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Joanne DeMaio:
All
of my books go through rigorous stages of research, writing, editing, and design.
It’s a very immersive process with my publishing team, and so I fully trust my
instincts and the decisions made throughout the stages. Once I make a decision,
I don’t look back.
BooksBooksnMore:
Do you recall how
your interest in writing originated?
Joanne DeMaio:
Through
photography, actually. Long before the pen, my artistic tool of choice was the
camera. Photography taught me so much, especially about seeing life through a
different lens. It’s amazing how that parallel carries over to my writing now.
BooksBooksnMore:
What was the hardest
part of writing your book?
Joanne DeMaio:
Reaching
“The End.” It’s always sad to say goodbye to the characters I’ve grown attached
to.
BooksBooksnMore:
Did you learn
anything from writing your book and what was it?
Joanne DeMaio:
I
learned that there are more to snowflakes than meets the eye. And that wishes
on snowflakes can be just as magical as on stars.
BooksBooksnMore:
Do you have any
advice for other writers?
Joanne DeMaio:
I
get asked this question a lot and my answer is always the same: Stay true. Stay
true to your writing, your style, your vision. There are so many voices out
there, but the one you need to hone in on and listen to for guidance is your
own. I never follow a trend; instead, like my characters do, I follow my heart.
Through living this writing philosophy, two of my novels this year alone have
gone on to become USA Today and New York Times bestsellers. I’m honored
and grateful to have reached these milestones, but it started with following my
heart. So ultimately, my advice is to commit to your own vision and pour your
heart into it.
BooksBooksnMore:
What is your favorite
kind of coffee and how do you drink your coffee?
Joanne DeMaio:
Any
mild blend, piping hot, with cream. Thank you and coffee cheers, Heather!
So now for the fun Check out my Facebook Page for an upcoming Giveaway of Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes. If you purchase a paperback copy of the book and would like a signed Bookplate from Joanne, Please comment with your email and Joanne's PR will be in contact with you to get them mailed!
Happy Reading and enjoy!
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