1.) When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
When I was 7 I saw the movie, Home Alone in the movie theater. I was completely transported by the experience, and from then on I wanted to tell stories.
2.) What do you love most about the writing process?
I love the surprises! I never know where ideas will come from, or when a piece will suddenly open up to me. Those breakthrough moments are magical.
3.) What do you love most about teaching writing?
I love helping people find the fun in what they are writing. Seeing someone get unstuck is incredible.
4.) What are you reading right now?
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
5.) What’s your favorite writing quote?
“If the answer to a question doesn’t come easily, but seems very important to find out , you have probably entered the beginning stages of the creative process”.- Betty Edwards, Drawing on the Artist Within
**Joanna will be teaching a new workshop with us on Wednesday afternoons this winter, called Finding Your Story
