Coffee Chat & Interview with Joanne Guidoccio

Welcome to this week's coffee chat!

Author Joanne Guidoccio has agreed to talk about her writing experience, and I bet if we ask nicely, she'll show us her mermaid book! :)
First, let's find out how she takes her coffee.

JOANNE:  Hot, black and sweet! Each morning, I enjoy several cups of Chatty Matty coffee, a delicious blend of light roasted and dark roasted beans. A bit more expensive, this certified fair trade and organic coffee is worth it.

Ally: No worry. My magic pot can produce anything! I'll pour while you show us your bio.
BIO:

In high school, I dabbled in poetry, but decided to wait until I had more life experiences before writing a novel. The original plan was to get a general arts degree and take a few years off to travel and write. Instead, I gave in to my practical Italian side and obtained degrees in mathematics and education.

While I experienced many satisfying moments during my teaching career, I never found the time and energy to write. In 2008, I took advantage of early retirement. Slowly, a writing practice emerged and my articles and book reviews started appearing in newspapers, magazines and online.

My debut novel, Between Land and Sea, a paranormal romance about a middle-aged mermaid, has just been released by Soul Mate Publishing.

I live and write in Guelph, Ontario. 

WHERE TO FIND JOANNE:

Website:   www.joanneguidoccio.com
Twitter:   https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/BetweenLandandSeaJG
Pinterest:   http://pinterest.com/jguidoccio/
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Guidoccio/e/B00FAWJGCG/

Ally:  You've had quite an academic type career. Is there an interesting tidbit that didn't make the official bio?

JOANNE:  I am a proud to be a Toastmaster. Earlier this month, I achieved the Competent Leadership and Advanced Communication/Bronze designations and am planning to reach Silver by the spring of 2014.

Ally: It sounds like you've always loved writing, but when did you decide to become an author?

JOANNE:  While sitting in Sister Maris Stella’s Grade 13 English class (circa 1973), I dreamed of writing the great Canadian novel. I followed the conventional advice of the times and pursued a career in teaching, but in my heart of hearts, I knew that someday I would resurrect that writing dream. In 2008 (35 years later), I took advantage of early retirement and devoted my second act to writing.

Ally:  Was publishing always your goal?

JOANNE:  After attending readings by Margaret Atwood and Irving Layton (late 1970s), I visualized myself reading in cafés and bookstores. I am grateful for the e-book, but look forward to holding a copy of Between Land and Sea in my hands.

Ally: Let's talk about this specific book, Between Land and Sea. How long did it take to write it?

JOANNE:  Ideas started percolating during January of 2011, but I did not put pen to paper until March of the same year. I devoted the summer months to completing the first draft and spent the autumn editing and polishing. After a few promising leads but mostly rejections, I put it on the back burner and took another look in late 2012. At the end of January 2013, Debby Gilbert of Soul Mate Publishing offered me a contract.

Ally:  Your book was published by a small press. With so many choices for writers today, how did you make the decision between traditional publishing with a large or small press and self-publishing?

JOANNE:  I considered all options and even attended several workshops on self-publishing. In the end, I gravitated toward a small publisher. At heart, I am very traditional and feel more comfortable with tried and true advice. On my own, I would never have come up with the eye-catching cover of Between Land and Sea.

Ally:  Before you actually show us the book, I'd like to try a few quick answers question. Ready?

Favorite After-Hours Drink:   Strawberry Daiquiri Last Vacation Spot You Visited:  Nova Scotia (Love that Maritime Magic) When and where was your last shopping trip?   I am long overdue. An item on your bucket list:  An extended vacation in Hawaii. I would love to just pack up and spend six months living there. Favorite T.V. Show:  The Good Wife
Ally:  And now for the big moment...  :)
BLURB:

 After giving up her tail for an international banker, Isabella of the Mediterranean kingdom is aged beyond recognition. The horrified banker abandons her on the fog-drenched shores of southwest England, leaving her to face a difficult human journey as a plain and practically destitute fifty-three-year-old woman.

With the help of a magic tablet and online mermaid support, Isabella evolves into the persona of Barbara Davies. Along the way, she encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, among them former mermaids, supportive and not-so-supportive women, deserving and undeserving men, and several New Agers.


Buy on Amazon:  http://is.gd/AVpoVs

YouTube (Trailer #1):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xipZ6quZDOs
(Ally Note: this is a great book trailer!)


YouTube (Trailer #2): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfiKOQe_yuU
Ally: I loved having you visit, Joanne. Thank you so much. I wish you the best of luck with your book!

                                       Thanks to all of you for joining us. Come back soon!
                     Be sure to check back on Sunday for an extra Coffee Chat!