Portobello Book Blog

Welcome Joanne. First of all, would you tell my blog readers a little about yourself?

Hello and thank you for inviting me on your blog. I am an author and former nurse. I spend my days writing contemporary romance. I’ve been married for 23 years and have two teenage sons. I love reading (my reading taste is quite eclectic), I crocket (badly and only squares) and I drink far too much coffee.

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always loved reading and writing. I studied English Literature and Drama with Theatre Studies at University. Although I went on to study and work as a registered nurse, I still continued to read and write. Writing has always been a form of escapism for me. When my youngest son was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of three, I found writing hugely therapeutic and a means of creating something just for myself. I never dreamed that my words would be read by others.

Tell me about your journey to publication

During lockdown we were all at home. My husband is a teacher and he had to teach online lessons, while my eldest son completed study independently, I had to structure my day around my youngest son and his educational needs. Mum School ran from 9 to 3 each day. During this time I decided to write a new story, a feel good romance with a happy ever after. So, I wrote every evening. This resulted in my submitting Escape to Little Bluewater Bay to Choc Lit.

In a nutshell, what is your latest book about?

Willow Jenkins travels to be with her grandmother, Annie, after the death of her grandfather. It is while here that she meets grumpy artist Noah Atkinson and the two of them find out that perhaps life isn’t so bad after all. It’s a story about how you can find love in the most unexpected of places. It’s about the importance of family and friendship and hope. It’s a feel good romance with a gorgeous hero. I dare you not to fall in love with Noah.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

My publisher tweaked my original title and I have to say I love it!

How do you plan to celebrate publication day?

I have nothing special planned. We’ll probably have a pizza for tea.

Do you have a work in progress just now?

Yes. I am always writing. I am working on a follow up to Escape to Little Bluewater Bay, although it will work as a stand alone novel. This one involves a new bookshop on the island, a waitress who loves 80s rock music  and a brooding man who always wears a shirt and tie. I am having so much fun writing it!

What’s your favourite book you’ve read in the past few months? Or favourite three if you really can’t choose!

1. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
2. Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
3. M Train by Patti Smith

What are you reading just now?

 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

If you were on Desert Island Discs, what one book would you take with you?

 The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s my go to happy book. I read it once a year.

Is there a book you’d love to see made into a film?

Piranesi. Now that would make a fantastic film!

How can people follow you or connect with you on social media?

You can find me on Twitter and Facebook. @JoBodenAuthor

And finally, if you could be a character in any book you have read, who would it be and why?

Jo March from Little Women because she is strong, opinionated, funny and a damn good storyteller.