Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan Novinsky.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up outside of Chicago, but in my mid 30s, my path drew me to Texas. I have a history of doing things late in life. Got married at 36, had a child at 42, adopted a son from Russia at 45, started college at 55… but better late than never, right? I have always been creative, so have tried a good variety of crafty things over the years. But it was a Creative Writing class in college that opened my heart and passion for writing stories. The first assignment was to write a character development story. So, I left class that day, thinking, hmm. Character… a kid? a dog? I don’t know! So, as I drove from the school, I gazed at the long row of oak trees lining the far side of a grassy field and decided then, that’s my character. I didn’t know how, but I would build a story around a tree. And as I started, and the thoughts began to flow, as well as the tears, “Heart of the Oak” came to be. My first children’s story was born. After that was published, I (very suddenly) got an idea for a second book. As I was going to bed one night, the title “Horace and Giselle” popped into my head. And that night, I pounded the idea into my iPad, and weeks later, another story was launched. Will there be another? We’ll see if inspiration taps my heart. Meanwhile, I’ll spend as much time as I can with my grandson. Almost time to teach him how to fish!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I was fairly independent as a young adult, but when my parents divorced when I was 18, life soured and I became angry, It took about eight years for me to accept and get past that scenario, and it helped when my dad remarried and our family grew by four more members. I had four siblings already, so get-togethers were loud and fun! Since then, life has had its challenges, but overall, it’s been generous and kind to me. I’m very blessed.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I don’t really call book-writing a business, it is more of an inspiration or a gift. And I really don’t call myself an author, though perhaps that’s the reality. The writing part, for me, is fun. It’s an adventure. And the books I’ve written have flowed easily. Getting published is the challenging, lengthy part of the process, particularly getting the illustrations done. I’m very picky about this since as I’m writing, I have images in my head. So, when I work with an illustrator, and he is not quite getting the same visual, it’s frustrating and time-consuming. But once it’s all done, and I have the printed piece in my hands, it’s like… wow! Beautiful! Now what? Through the publisher, my stories are made available at the usual online booksellers, in digital and hard copy format. But how do I get people to buy them? To love them like I do? Marketing is all up to me. So, I’ve participated in the Denton and Ft. Worth Book Festivals and prowled around the Austin Book Festival to plan for this year. And I can be seen with a table set up in Kroger stores, selling my first book, and soon my second. And you know, I love doing that! It’s long hours, in a chair, selling some or selling none. But I really enjoy talking to the folks that stop by, and when that’s slow, I just people watch. And in doing this, I’m doing my job!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I don’t know if there will be any other books. I enjoy character development, so we’ll see if any characters pop into my path! For now, I will market and promote, while also spending time with my grandson. He helps me deliver Meals on Wheels, and when I show up without him, the folks are like, oh it’s just you. Ha! Otherwise, I will be spending time with my husband, my dogs, my parrot, and in my gardens,
Contact Info:
- Email: jnovinsky@charter.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JL-Novinsky-296278224325085/?modal=admin_todo_tour
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