The Write Spot: Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to chapter four of The Write Spot, a bi-weekly author series spotlighting the many and varied places where writers write. 

This week, it's my pleasure to welcome Canadian author Joanne Guidoccio. In high school, Joanne dabbled in poetry, but it would be over three decades before she entertained the idea of writing as a career. She listened to her practical Italian side and earned degrees in mathematics and education. She experienced many fulfilling moments as she watched her students develop an appreciation (and sometimes, love) of mathematics. Later, she obtained a post-graduate diploma as a career development practitioner and put that skill set to use in the co-operative education classroom. She welcomed this opportunity to help her students experience personal growth and acquire career direction through their placements.

In 2008, she took advantage of early retirement and decided to launch a second career that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews were published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America, Joanne writes paranormal romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.

Joanne Guidoccio's Write Spot

Love the butterflies, Joanne! Now that you've shared your photo, tell us what makes it the "Write Spot" for you.

When I first retired, I assumed I would be writing in my den. Everything was in place: desk, new computer, book shelves crammed with novels and craft guides, and inspiring Monet prints on the wall. But after several frustrating attempts, I realized the den was too small. While the room could easily be a second bedroom, it was not spacious enough for my creativity to flourish. So, I relocated to a corner of the living/dining area of my condo. With over 900 square feet of space and easy access to my kitchen and balcony, I no longer feel constrained.

Other than your computer or laptop, what’s the one thing you couldn't be without in your "Write Spot"?

My swivel chair. For the most part, I am very focused on my writing, but I do need an occasional distraction. When I turn in my swivel chair, I am greeted by a beautiful view of majestic trees.

What are you working on now?

I’m alternating between Book 2 of the Gilda Greco Mystery Series and Book 3 of the Mediterranean Trilogy. I’m also getting ready to promote The Coming of Arabella (Book 2 of the trilogy).

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

Readers can visit me at joanneguidoccio.com and connect at the following social media sites:

Twitter:  twitter.com/joanneguidoccio

Facebook: facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio

Pinterest:  pinterest.com/jguidoccio

Goodreads: goodreads.com/Joanne_Guidoccio

Joanne's new book, The Coming of Arabella, is available for pre-order now and will be released on September 2nd. To celebrate, she's giving away 5 eBook copies of The Coming of Arabella. 

Click here to enter Joanne's Rafflecopter giveaway.

On the day of her engagement party, an ex-mermaid’s life is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of another mermaid—a sister she has never known. Under normal circumstances, Barbara Davies would be overjoyed, but her special day is already wrought with tension. While Barbara is not the first mermaid from the Mediterranean kingdom to settle in small town Ontario, she has yet to reveal her origins to her fiancé. So when Arabella, the gorgeous sister whose disturbing black eyes banished her to the island of Crete, saunters into her life, clutching the arm of Barbara’s discarded lover, a powder keg of emotion is released.

Relationships falter and careers stall as envy stirs in the hearts of the sisters. On the verge of meltdown after her fiancé leaves Canada for a teaching job in Vermont, Barbara flees to Arizona hoping for a reprieve. There, she finds solace at a retreat for ex-mermaids and a second chance at love with a charismatic preacher. As she contemplates a new life in the desert paradise of Sedona, shocking secrets emerge and tragedy strikes. A stronger and wiser Barbara rises up to face these new challenges and embrace the best parts of her mermaid heritage.

Purchase links:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (Canada)| Amazon (UK) | Amazon (Aus) 

About The Write Spot:

I've always been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. Whether it's backstage photos from my favourite play, a peek into the kitchen where a chef is working her culinary magic, or simply a glimpse through an uncurtained window into a stranger's private world, there's an undeniable thrill of discovery, a sense of secrets shared. It's no surprise, then, that I'm immensely curious about where other writers do their work. I've blogged about it before in this post about my own 'write spot' and so enjoyed the comments, I was inspired to launch a regular feature here at Stillpoint. Watch for The Write Spot every other Wednesday and join me as I discover the many and varied places where writers write.

Stillpoint is the blog of Canadian author Cheryl Cooke Harrington.

   

The Write Spot: Heidi Ashworth

Welcome to the third edition of The Write Spot, a bi-weekly author series spotlighting the many and varied places where writers write.

This week, I'm delighted to welcome best-selling and award-winning Regency romance author, Heidi Ashworth to The Write Spot.

Heidi lives in the San Francisco bay area, but says she lost her heart across the pond when she was very young. She read her first Regency romance when she was four years old (just a few words, but it was enough) and wrote her first at age ten. Since then she has sharpened her skills and garnered a few accolades. Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind hit the number one spot on several of Amazon's Regency romance lists in both the U.S. and England, while its sequel earned a finalist position in the Whitney Awards. Both books are now available from Montlake Romance. When she's not writing or busy with her young family, Heidi dabbles in the antiques and collectibles market and works in her flower garden.

Heidi Ashworth's Write Spot

What a pretty desk, Heidi! Now that you've shared your photo, tell us what makes it the "Write Spot" for you.

This is my "write spot".  My computer sits on the desk I bought for myself when I was 19 in anticipation of penning the great American novel.  All of my books, novellas, short stories, journal entries, love letters to my husband and musings on dream interpretations have happened at this desk.  It is currently three feet away from the family T.V. (a whopping 40 incher) and I often write surrounded by the mayhem of a husband, three kids and two dogs, but I console myself with the fact that Jane Austen wrote in similar circumstances (minus the T.V.) (and the husband) (and the dogs) (probably).

Other than your computer or laptop, what's the one thing you couldn't be without in your "Write Spot"?

One thing that I cannot be without when I am writing here is chocolate. I have tried to be creative without it but, alas, it is my muse.

Mmm. What are you and your chocolate muse working on now?

Currently I am working on a novella that comes out in an all-Regency anthology, A Midwinter Ball, via Mirror Press in December, along with a supersize British-made Cadbury chocolate bar that I went all the way to England to purchase.  It was kind of pricey but I have no regrets.

Never regret the chocolate! That's my motto, too. ;-) 
Where can readers find out more about you and your books? 

You can read more (as well as view copious photos) about me and my books, as well as my adventures in decorating my romantic home, my travels overseas with my incredible daughter, my musings on life with my disabled son, my roses (I'm obsessed) and lots of other things which I cannot seem to stop talking about on my blog, Dunhaven Place and my website heidiashworth.com. You can also find me on social media at the following sites:

Facebook: facebook.com/authorheidiashworth

Pinterest: pinterest.com/ashworth0763/

Instagram: instagram.com/heidi.ashworth

Twitter: @AshworthHeidi

Heidi's current release, Miss Armistead Makes Her Choice, is a RONE Award Finalist for Historical: Post Medieval and the recipient of InD'tale Magazine's 4.5 star review and coveted Crowned Heart for excellence! Get it now.

Miss Elizabeth Armistead, India born and raised, is happily betrothed to British soldier, Duncan Cruikshank. When she arrives in London a month prior to the wedding she meets Mr. Lloyd-Jones and soon finds that he has invaded even her dreams. Besides Duncan, Mr. Lloyd-Jones is the only man who makes her feel as if he sees past her exceptional beauty to the person within. Her mother would prefer Elizabeth marry the rich and well-connected Mr. Lloyd-Jones while his sister is ecstatic that he is now free to woo Miss Armistead since he has broken off his engagement to the disgraceful Cecily Ponsonby. However, Elizabeth's commitment to the man she promised to marry is at odds with the likes of Mr. Lloyd-Jones who has cried off from one engagement already. How can she betray the man she believes to love her for her virtues so as to indulge her love for a man she fears she cannot trust? 

Thank you for visiting with us at The Write Spot, Heidi!

About The Write Spot:

I've always been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. Whether it's backstage photos from my favourite play, a peek into the kitchen where a chef is working her culinary magic, or simply a glimpse through an uncurtained window into a stranger's private world, there's an undeniable thrill of discovery, a sense of secrets shared. It's no surprise, then, that I'm immensely curious about where other writers do their work. I've blogged about it before in this post about my own 'write spot' and so enjoyed the comments, I was inspired to launch a regular feature here at Stillpoint. Watch for The Write Spot every other Wednesday and join me as I discover the many and varied places where writers write. Check the sidebar for links to previous Write Spot author features.

Stillpoint is the blog of Canadian author Cheryl Cooke Harrington.

The Write Spot: Fran McNabb

Welcome to the second edition of The Write Spot, a bi-weekly author series spotlighting the many and varied places where writers write. 

Today, I'm pleased to welcome romance author Fran McNabb to The Write Spot. As a retired English and journalism teacher, writing has always played a big part in Fran's life. Her novels have been published by Avalon Books, Montlake Romance, and The Wild Rose Press. Her historical romance, ON THE CREST OF A WAVE, was a finalist in the 2010 National Readers' Choice Awards. 

Fran grew up along the beaches and islands of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After spending the first years of her marriage in Germany, she and her husband returned to the coast to raise their two sons. Whether it's sparkling waters or snowy mountains, setting plays an important role in her books. 

Fran McNabb's Write Spot

What a beautiful spot, Fran - so peaceful and comfy!
Now that you've shared your photo, tell us what makes it the "Write Spot" for you.

I think my writing space says a lot about me. I live on a quiet bayou harbor on the Gulf Coast, and I do most of my writing from a chaise lounge in a sunroom that overlooks the harbor. From there I can watch the activity on the water as I find inspiration for my writing. We all have our favorite spots where we put our thoughts onto paper (or should I say the computer screen). I do have a really nice office, but from those windows I can’t see the water. I prefer to sit on my chaise where the calm harbor waters take away my life's worries, and I can lose myself in my stories.

Other than your computer or laptop, what's the one thing you couldn't be without in your "Write Spot"?

I wouldn't want to be without the view, but other than that, I "need" the candy dish filled with fun-sized chocolates!

What are you working on now?

I'm starting a new book set in St. Augustine during the 1800's. It's an entirely new project so I'm not even sure it will come to fruition, but it's exciting to start something new. I'm also waiting on edits from The Wild Rose Press for a book that picks up where SAVING THE CHILDREN ended and follows the life of Max, one of the characters who helped rescue the children. I think it will be named KEEPING HOPE ALIVE.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books? 

Readers can visit me at FranMcNabb.com and connect at the following social sites:

Facebook:  Fran L. McNabb
Twitter: @FranMcNabb
LinkedIn: Fran McNabb

Fran's latest book, SAVING THE CHILDREN, is a romantic suspense set in the jungles of South America and published by The Wild Rose Press. Get it now.

After losing her husband and unborn baby in a car accident for which she blames herself, Victoria Lafferty had devoted her life to helping South American children find homes in the United States, but her plans are thrown into chaos by a rebellion in the country. After his mission is compromised and he is shot and captured, Major John Dawson is kept alive so the rebel leader can "take care" of John himself for killing his brother. Together Victoria and John face the hostile jungle and the rebel leader, but will deep-seated guilt and a desire for revenge stand in the way of their life together? 


Thanks for sharing your Write Spot with us, Fran!

About The Write Spot:

I've always been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. Whether it's backstage photos from my favourite play, a peek into the kitchen where a chef is working her culinary magic, or simply a glimpse through an uncurtained window into a stranger's private world, there's an undeniable thrill of discovery, a sense of secrets shared. It's no surprise, then, that I'm immensely curious about where other writers do their work. I've blogged about it before in this post about my own 'write spot' and so enjoyed the comments, I was inspired to launch a regular feature here at Stillpoint. Watch for The Write Spot every other Wednesday and join me as I discover the many and varied places where writers write. Check the sidebar for links to previous Write Spot author features.

Stillpoint is the blog of Canadian author Cheryl Cooke Harrington

The Write Spot: Sheila Seabrook

I've always been fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. Whether it's backstage photos from my favourite play, a peek into the kitchen where a chef is working her culinary magic, or simply a glimpse through an uncurtained window into a stranger's private world, there's an undeniable thrill of discovery, a sense of secrets shared. It's no surprise, then, that I'm immensely curious about where other writers do their work. I've blogged about it before in this post about my own 'write spot' and so enjoyed the comments, I was inspired to launch a regular feature here at Stillpoint. Watch for The Write Spot every other Wednesday and join me as I discover the many and varied places where writers write.

I'm delighted to welcome my first guest of the series, Sheila Seabrook. Sheila writes contemporary romance and humorous romantic women’s fiction from her home on the Canadian prairies. Her emotional stories are filled with smart, sassy heroines, hot heroes who make them laugh, and a wild assortment of family members guaranteed to try to steal the show. Needless to say, Sheila has decreed that every hero and heroine’s journey must end on a happily-ever-after note. 

Sheila Seabrook's 'Write Spot'

Welcome to The Write Spot, Sheila. I envy your spacious desk and comfy chair - you do things BIG out west! Now that you've shared your photo, tell us what makes it The Write Spot for you.

No one who ever worked at the day job with me would ever believe this desk was mine, but I actually didn't even have to tidy up to take this picture! In my "Write Spot", the morning sunlight shines through the window which, during the spring and summer months, is wide open. Outside, the birds sing, the fountain in the pond splashes gently, and with only a farmer's crop on the field behind the house, I write in total peace and quiet.

Sounds perfect! Other than your computer or laptop, what’s the one thing you couldn't be without in your Write Spot?

Sticky notes! All over the place! I use them for reminders, to plan out scenes, to catch random ideas…so many colors, so much joy!

What are you working on now?

I just released book two in the Caught Between romance series, and now I'm working on book three. This book starts out on Serendipity Island, takes a detour (make that a shipwreck!), then returns to Serendipity Island for the final scenes.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books? 

You can find me at sheilaseabrook.com. Links to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads are all there for easy access.

Happy reading!

Caught Between a Lie and True Love  is a fun, romantic read featuring a family-phobic heroine, a hunky hero whose luck—and love life—are about to change, lies, humor, romance, chocolate chip cookies, nighttime shenanigans, a con-artist who swears he’s gone straight, and a battle-of-the-sexes secondary romance. 

This is book one in the Caught Between series and it's on sale for a short time only for $0.99. Get it now.

Cheryl here. Thanks so much for sharing your Write Spot with us, Sheila, and for helping to kick off this new series of author spotlights. Best of luck with your Caught Between books!