In some respects, releasing a new book is like birthing a baby. Of course I realize it’s not the same thing, but for an author, it’s about as close as it comes. We work hard, we labor, and we pray, in order to bring this new creation into the world. While people coo over a newborn baby, however, writers never know what type of response they’ll get to their new book. Beta readers and editors can be great, but it’s the reading public who are the true test.
I’ve always said I’m a rebel of sorts, but I’m also a paradox. How so, you may ask? For the woman who claims to suffer from the “Sally Field Syndrome—you know, the actress who made headlines with her “You like me! You really like me!” Best Actress Oscar acceptance speech more years ago now than I care to count—I’m also willing to go out on a limb and dare to do things most (i.e., sane) authors would not do.
Let me give you a few examples.
*BOOK COVERS. Many of my books covers show symbols which best represent the story or the characters. Instead of adopting the currently popular idea of “branding” book covers (similar features on book covers so readers can easily identify an author’s next book, especially in a series), I’ve always worked closely with my cover designers in order to create the best possible cover I can for each individual story. I like them to be different. As a result, I’m satisfied and more than content with all my book covers. Especially for my long-running Lewis Legacy Series, I prefer for the reader to visualize in her own mind what these characters look like.
I’ve recently begun to experiment with “people” on the covers, but only when I can choose the man and the woman separately. Meaning they will not be featured in a romantic embrace (which typically sells much better).
*SUBJECT MATTER. I’m not afraid to write about topics that some authors won’t go near—physical abuse, abortion, and sexual sin, among others. While writing a story that has elements of lightness and fun, I also reveal the darkness in today’s world and within the souls of certain characters. In so doing, and while not denying the existence of sin, I have the unique opportunity to show how Christians can face and deal with these issues in a godly way to better shine light on the goodness, grace, and mercy of our great God.
*MARRIED AND UNMARRIED COUPLES. I like to write about both married and unmarried characters. For the former, I show the playfulness in the relationship, but also the struggles of a couple, both big and small. For the unmarried couple, I don’t deny the existence of physical attraction, but I also seek to portray the relationship in a realistic yet godly manner. In both instances, I seek to write with a realism that resonates with readers.
*MY OWN UNIQUE NICHE GENRE. I write what I like to call “contemporary Christian romantic adventures.” For the purist and the hardcore realist, some of my books stretch the bounds a bit. “Yeah, like that would really happen!” But this is fiction, people. I want to entertain. Let’s face it, reading a book where the most important decision of the day is what to have for lunch isn’t exactly scintillating reading material.
*I DON’T ALWAYS PLAY IT SAFE. In other words, I am willing to go where no author should ever go…according to traditional publishing wisdom. I’m not talking about being gritty or edgy. I write sweet, traditional romances for Pelican Book Group, as evidenced by my Starlight Christmas Series and Echoes of Edinburgh. But in my independently published books, I have the freedom to go beyond the bounds of traditionally accepted material. What am I talking about here? For example, my latest release, Enchantment, Book #6 in The Lewis Legacy Series, features a two-week mission trip with my core characters and their group of volunteers in TeamWork Missions. Every single character—including couples, singles, children, and even one new character, are in New Mexico. Throw into that mix a few characters from the Native American church (TeamWork is helping to build their church building). Am I crazy? Probably. Would any traditional Christian publisher ever allow such a scenario? A resounding no!
Enchantment is the book the Lord gave me to write, and I’m proud of it. The entire purpose of TeamWork Missions is to serve the Lord by serving others and their motto is “Binding Souls for Christ.” This book is in the middle of the series, and I felt it was time for the team of volunteers to get back to the basics of their faith. There is still plenty of romance, adventure, humor and drama—all the same elements my readers are used to getting when they pick up one of my books.
I stand behind Enchantment every bit as much as my other books in this same series. Part of the beauty of publishing this series myself now is that I can write the book of my heart. I write the best book I can in each incidence, give birth to it, and then let it go and move on to the next.
I will always be an author who follows the Lord’s leading, first and foremost. If that means going against the grain of what’s popular, or what’s safe, or what sells the best, then so be it. I’m willing to be a rebel. So far, it’s working out pretty well. I value and appreciate my readers, and I’m so thankful for each and every one who’s willing to take the journey with me.
I’m giving away a digital copy of Enchantment OR any of my other books of the winner’s choice. In order to be eligible, please answer this question:
Have you read a book that stands out in your mind because of something you felt was different that you liked (it can be anything at all with a character, plot, etc.)? Feel free to share the title and author, if you’d like.
Blessings, friends. Until His Nets Are Full!
~JoAnn
Matthew 5:16
Patricia Hansen says
I was raised on a healthy dose of Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew with a dash of Little Women. When I read The Promise by Chaim Potok, it changed my thirst for reading. No longer satisfied with fictional fluff, I wanted to explore lives, religions, histories and immerse myself in learning new cultures. It truly opened my eyes to the this great big world around me.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
I love all your covers JoAnn. As far as different. Yes. I recall commenting to you personally about the first book of yours that I read. :)
Ginger Solomon’s book One Choice is another one that comes to mind because of the setting and the story line were so different from anything I’d ever read. I doubt I will ever forget that book.
leemcclain1234 says
Thanks for sharing, JoAnn. I love that you write the stories that are on your heart, and sometimes on the edge as well. Christians don’t lead charmed or problem-free lives. And Christians take mission trips! I think the way you’re bending the rules is great.
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Patti! Those were the same books I was raised on as well. I’m glad you’re continuing to pursue your passion with reading, and pray you always will. Thanks for stopping by InspyRomance and leaving a comment. Blessings.
JoAnn Durgin says
Thanks so much, Kimberly. I appreciate your support and encouragement, as always. Books that are different in some ways (although traditional in others, like my books and Ginger’s) can help stretch the imagination and open up a new world of reading possibilities to others. Blessings to you.
JoAnn Durgin says
Thank you, Lee! Great to “see” you here. I’d have to say “right back at ya!” in terms of writing the stories of your heart, as well. The Lord never promised us it’d be easy but that He’d be right there beside us. We just need to lean on Him more than on our ourselves and let others glimpse Him through our writing. A tough lesson to learn sometimes, but oh, I’m so glad He’s there! I appreciate your support and encouragement, Lee. Blessings! :)
Andrea Brooks says
I loved reading your blog.. very interesting. There are so many books that I can think of that have stood out to me… but I guess that I would have to say that “Coming Home”, by Karen Kingsbury stands out to me cause of the way the family came together to celebrate their father’s 70th birthday and they way to bonded together after some of their family members dies in a car crash.
Linda Phillips says
I like books that I can read over and over again and enjoy just as much the next time. One of my favorite books, other than JoAnn’s, is the Lord Nightingale series (Lord Nightingale’s Debut, Lord Nightingale’s Love Song and Lord Nightingale’s Triumph) by Judith Lansdowne. I still crack up laughing at the antics of the parrot in the stories, and am on my third copies of these books, because they are well read.
Sally BradleyS says
Isn’t it awesome to write what you want and be in charge of it all? So glad you’re finding your fans in the process!
Robin Bunting says
Hi, JoAnn. Just want to say “Keep up the good work” as I absolutely love your style and subject matter.
Valerie Comer says
I agree that it’s wonderful to write books that find a niche of readers. I’ve loved that aspect of indie publishing, too. The big houses were too nervous about the local food and environmental leanings of my books, and I’m so SO thankful now that they didn’t bite!
PS, Plum Upside Down has a mission trip in it, too!
Robin Bradshaw Bline says
Hi JoAnn, I have just in the last couple of years gotten into reading Contemporary Christian Romance novels. Out of all the books I have read in the past, these are the ones I love best. I love that your characters go through real everday problems and that they turn to God and their Christian friends for answers. I have learned so much from reading them. The main thing is that I am not alone. God has always been there for me and will never leave me. Keep doing God’s work!
Autumn Macarthur says
JoAnn, I love that you write what you feel called to. It’s the only way to go!
JoAnn Durgin says
Thank you so much for reading the blog and commenting, Andrea! I’m glad you found it interesting. :) I thought of Karen Kingsbury’s book with her large ensemble cast. I’ve always said that if she could write 15 books about the Baxter family of Indiana, then I should be able to write 12 books about my TeamWork Missions characters. Her books are very good, but I infuse my books with a bit more humor. Many blessings to you, and happy reading! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Linda! Always great to hear from you. Thank you for sharing. I know you’ve mentioned the books by Judith Lansdowne before; I’ll need to check them out! Blessings.
JoAnn Durgin says
Yes it is, Sally, and same to you! Blessings, and thanks for your comment.
JoAnn Durgin says
I love how the Lord always has it in His control! Glad those big publishers didn’t bite, either. You’ve got your own niche going, my friend. Looking forward to reading Plum Upside Down (cute title, as always, too!). Blessings! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Thank you so much for stopping by InspyRomance today and leaving a comment, Robin! Always happy to hear from you. I appreciate your readerhip and your kind words, as always. Blessings! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Robin, I’m so thankful you’ve found contemporary Christian romance and find that they can entertain and minister to you. I try my best to portray “real” relationships and the everyday trials, as you mentioned. Many blessings to you, and thank you for your friendship and your readership!
Ann Ellison says
Enjoyed the interview with JoAnn. I love her books. I have enjoyed every book of hers that i have read. In answer to the question, a book that I have read in the last year that was something different and compelling read was For Such a Time by Kate Breslin. It is the story of Esther but it is set in Nazi Germany during World War II and the character Esther is a Jewish young woman in a Nazi prison camp. Please do not enter me into the drawing because I already have my copy of Enchantment and I really am looking forward to reading it.
JoAnn Durgin says
Thank you, Autumn. The same to you! I’m thankful the whole arena of indie publishing has come so far from what it was even five years (almost) when my first novel was published. As you know, there are opportunities today that we wouldn’t have had even as recently as two or three years ago. Lord willing, we’ll both keep writing our passion for His glory! Blessings! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Thank you for stopping by leaving a comment, Ann! Always glad to “see” you, my friend. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about Kate Breslin’s book and need to read it! Thank you for the recommendation. I hope you enjoy Enchantment. Blessings!
Merrillee Whren says
When you publish your own book, it is freeing not to have to abide by publisher guidelines.
JoAnn Durgin says
Amen to that, Merrillee! :) Thanks for stopping by today. Blessings to you as you continue to write your books, as well.
Elaine Holt says
Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love got me hooked on Christian Fiction. But, JoAnn, your books and characters have endeared me to Contemporary Christian Romance. Enjoying them just as much the second time around. I wait anxiously for each new release. I can’t wait to read Enchantment. (Love your book covers!)
JoAnn Durgin says
Thank you, Elaine, and I am thrilled you’re reading them again in preparation of Enchantment! Glad to hear they hold up through a second reading. :) I’m working on Colin’s story for Christmas next and then you’ll see a second bonus Christmas novella this year from me. Back to it! Blessings, my friend. :)
Sarah says
Joanne,
This is my first trip to your blog. I have read several books that are different. The one book that stands out in my mind is called The Sinners Garden. It was very different than what I had anticipated, but I loved the mystery and uniqueness of the book.
Trixi O. says
JoAnn, I have all of your books in this series on my Kindle (I believe!), but have yet to read them! So many books, so little time….guess I should move them up on my reading list :-)
Gosh, it’s hard to answer that question….I guess the latest book I’ve read was a bit different from my “normal”. It is Sandra Byrd’s “Mist of Midnight”. It was my first Gothic themed story, but not in a dark or dreary way like I expected. She totally blew me away with it & loved every page. I did not want it to end!! I can’t wait to read more by her. :-)
JoAnn Durgin says
Sarah, welcome! Thank you for stopping by InspyRomance, and we hope you’ll come and visit us again often! We’re a rotating group of contemporary Christian romance writers who all share a common goal of sharing our faith with the world through our books. I’ll need to check out The Sinners Garden, and thank you for sharing it with us. Many blessings!
JoAnn Durgin says
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Trixi. We always love to “see” you here at InspyRomance. I’ve heard great things about Sandra Byrd’s books and will check them out. I’m glad you enjoyed “Mist of Midnight.” I hope someday you’ll be able to read one of my books! Blessings.
Andrea Brooks says
I also liek Nancy drew and trixie Belden!!!! I love mysteries
Narelle Atkins says
JoAnn, I’m glad you have the opportunity to write the books of your heart. Congrats on your latest release :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Andrea, I’m so sorry I missed your comment previously! I loved Nancy Drew, especially, but I only read a few Trixie Belden books (I enjoyed them, though). Thanks so much for visiting Inspy Romance, and we hope you’ll join us again soon! Many blessings.
JoAnn Durgin says
Thank you, Narelle! I appreciate your encouragement. Blessings.
Yuma Tatter says
I’d have to mention your book, Awakening, as an answer to you question. You made it different from many Inspirational novels, in that you weren’t afraid to show the “human” side of Sam, both in the scene where his temper gained control of his better judgement with Josh, and in showing his natural desires for Lexa. Very well handled!