Jo-Anne Vandermeulen is a Canadian, a writer, and inspiration. With two books out, including a novel, Jo-Anne has overcome her own obstacles to follow her dreams. An English major, graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, she had to give up teaching when she was diagnosed with an illness that forced her to get out of the classroom. Now, with the novel Conquer all Obstacles, and the non-fiction book Promotional Tips for Writers, Jo-Anne is inspiration for many.
What inspires you to write the way that you do?
Mostly, I write naturally. The words come to me from my thoughts. The thoughts come from prior experiences which is mixed with a highly and vivid imagination.
Many of the scenes are created from where I’ve been. The characters are completely fictional–created personalities evolve or grow as the story proceeds.
When I wake up, I cannot wait to get writing. It’s like reading a real good book…I cannot wait to see what happens on the next page, and how the character transpires.
The plot or story is pre-planned, yet the details are created as I write.
My muse rouses after I’ve read a good book, seen a great movie, or even listened to someone talk. My dreams are also another means of inspiration.
When did you start writing? What did you start writing?
I started writing when I was going to school. I remember back when I was in Elementary, I’d write poems and short stories. Quite often, mine were selected to be read aloud to the rest of my classmates.
I had pen-pals growing up. Gosh, I remember writing so many pages that I had trouble closing the envelope.
I wrote daily in a journal.
My book writing began in 2006. My first book was actually three. I wrote an inspirational trilogy.
Have you always wanted to be an author? Or was this career choice a surprise?
Like my illness, this career choice was a complete surprise.
I’ve always wanted to write a book, but never had the time. In 2006, when I got sick, I had the time to become an author.
Who was your favourite author when you were young?
When I was young, I only read what I had to. I hated reading!
I had a lot of trouble with the education system. In Grades 3-6, I failed the regular language arts program and was forced into a remedial reading program, because I was so behind. I never passed a spelling test.
And I had a difficult time catching-up as we moved around quite a bit.
Miraculously, I entered grade seven and things changed…I graduated from the remedial reading program and entered the regular English program. By the end of that year, I was rated top 1/3rd of my class and didn’t even have to write the final.
I never had a favourite author until I was in high school and had to read “The Stone Angel” by: Margaret Laurence. Suddenly, my attitude changed, and I began to enjoy reading. Looking back, I actually fell in love with writing before reading.
After high school, I was accepted in the University of Saskatchewan where I earned a four year Professional A Certificate and a Degree in Bachelor of Education. I majored in English. I loved to read! Since I could relate to reading difficulties, I wanted to help students struggling with language arts.
I taught school for 20 years. During the final decade, I taught grades 5 & 6 Language Arts. My favourite author was Gary Paulsen.
Can you describe your writing process on how to create a book (novel)?
Creating a novel, I first create a story outline– a beginning, middle, and an end. Then I add the ‘filling’. I write a rough copy. I try not to edit until I’m finished. I write a chapter a day, so within a month, the book is done….well, the rough copy is finished.
Once the rough copy is complete, I go back and summarize each scene/plot on sticky-notes. Each character has his/her own colour. Strewn down my hallway, looking like a valley, are coloured stick-notes of the entire story–the escalating scenes are posted higher like mountain peaks.
In my opinion, writing the story is the easy part…it’s the editing that is the most difficult. I must rewrite the first 20 pages about 35 times.
I sift through each sentence of the entire book for clarity and improved description and/or vocabulary. Sometimes, I’ll even add another scene; but mostly, I’ll cut and cut and then cut some more.
Less words rather than more is often more powerful.
The final stage of edits is the punctuation/grammar/spelling check.
After I read the novel aloud (from front to back), I hand the manuscript over to one or more critique partners. He/she will submit his/her evaluation which I’ll consider for more changes.
Voluntary people then read the ‘working’ manuscript and add their opinions.
I enter contests and have judges critique and write their suggestions.
Once I’ve taken in everyone’s opinions/suggestions, I revise the manuscript again.
Finally, I’m ready to hire a professional editor.
Together, we go through each chapter and discuss even more changes.
Once the book has been read over again for a final coherence, it is ready for publication.
Did you ever feel like you chose the wrong career? Or is the dream kept alive by the excitement that you are actually doing what you dreamed of doing?
Becoming an author actually found me rather than me choosing writing as a career. The dream of writing a book was just a start…it is my passion that keeps the career going. I love writing!
Since publishing my first book women’s fiction (suspense/romance), “Conquer All Obstacles”, many doors have opened. I’ve expanded and grown.
I let God lead the way. He’s with me as I enter these foreign rooms. After writing my first book, I began studying the business side to writing. Marketing became my new passion. Not only did this new journey help in selling my book; but also, resulted in my next book which is a nonfiction called “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers”.
When you write your novels, do you intend them for a certain audience?
I don’t target a certain audience when I write. It’s after the book is complete that I decide on who would enjoy or benefit the most.
“Conquer All Obstacles” is written for ages 18 and over and for those who are searching for an intelligent read. I don’t ‘spell’ everything out, it is up to the reader to make inferences. There are twists in the plot that challenge the reader…kind of like that ‘oh wow!’ feeling of total shock. I feel that the reader has to be prepared to ‘think for themselves’. Not the kind of book to skim…the details are there, but are only presented once. I have written “Conquer All Obstacles” so the reader becomes the characters and live the story. Definitely filled with roller coaster emotions with growth happening in each character…so a learning book for themselves, if one can relate to the drama.
Why did you choose to self publish?
My first choice, at the time (almost 3 years ago), was to go the traditional publishing route. I queried/sent submissions to a lot of different agents and had a lot of nibbles, but no real bites. It was then I realized that in order for me to ‘get in’ or accepted was going to be very difficult. The traditional publishers were very tight.
I took the rejections as a sign to explore other options to publish.
I looked into self publishing and small publishing firms. The process was achievable and very attractive. Self/small publishing allows me to attain the control of my book. I’m in control of the who, where and what is done with the final product. It feels more personal and my style.
Since the main obstacle to self or small publishing is the expectation of having full responsibility to market, I knew I could do it.
I must also add, that the time frame (going the traditional route) didn’t sit right with me. I didn’t want to wait 2 or more years to see my book in print.
If a big publishing house offered to publish another book of yours, would you?
No…but if a traditional publishing firm requested to republish a book I’ve already published, I’d probably take them up on their offer. For example, if a legit traditional publishing house offered to republish “Conquer All Obstacles” or “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers” I’d probably say yes.
When another new book becomes available and a big publishing house offered to publish it, I’d really have to think about it before I gave them my answer.
Can you relate to Tara in any way? Or is she completely the opposite of you?
I can totally relate to all of my characters. A writer has to be able to relate so they can crawl into his/her ‘head’ and write in their point of view.
I can even relate to my villain, Devin. In order for me to portray his ‘real’ malicious character, I had to go into his head. Now, because I cannot relate to an abusive perpetrator, I had to do a lot of research. It’s a real challenge to become a character you’re not. Reading books, interviewing people, and even watching the hour show ‘Criminal Minds’, helped me understand the insanity of an individual who turns to violence.
Another example of how I can relate to my characters is when I crawled into Josh’s head. I wrote the scene of him making love to Tara…and wrote it in his point of view. I could have written this passionate scene in Tara’s ‘head’, but wanted the readers to be able to relate and understand Josh’s feelings and emotions. Now for me to be a man in this intimate role, I had to really use my imagination and portray the scene in his perspective. I was so so thrilled when I presented chapter one to ‘men’ readers and they responded by telling me that I ‘nailed’ the scene perfectly.
In Conquer all Obstacles, who is your favourite character and why?
I have to say that Marvin is my favourite character. He is so likeable. Even though Marvin is an adult who is mentally challenged, he holds the story together like mortar in a brick building, and is often the smartest among all as he presents life in a simple fashion.
What is in the cards for your career?
Daily, I have been marketing on the Internet and building my author platform by targeting my audience and generating relationships.
Presenting my books to online distributors, writing guest posts, submitting articles to magazines, responding to interviews, and adding valuable content to my blogs where my followers can take away, are all part of the marketing tactics.
I read for new marketing strategies and share my knowledge with others. It is important to supply ‘information’ so new friends will be attracted and initial followers will keep coming back. Friends become followers, followers become fans…and it is the fans who’ll most likely purchase my books.
I’m in the process of expanding my viewing audience. Instead of just sharing practical marketing tips for writers, I’m in the process of generalizing these ideas and targeting entrepreneurs, musicians, marketers, and all those who are selling products online and need more exposure. New editions for “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers” will most likely be written.
My next plan is to promote locally. In the Fall, I’ll contact the papers and other forms of media. I’ll be heading out on a physical book tour and attend my own book launching or signings. This is when the author becomes a publicist, marketer, and distributor…and all at the same time.
Any hints to aspiring writers?
New authors need to write the entire story before thinking about the ‘work’ that goes into publishing. Enjoy the journey and really spill everything out. Don’t worry about mistakes or whether what you’ve written makes sense…just get it down.
If your goal is to publish your book, be prepared to persist, persevere and have a lot of patience.
Keep your goals attainable. It’s okay to plan, but try not to plan the outcome. Keeping your expectations in tact is HUGE!
I often tell new writers to start a blog. It’s free and simple. By creating short articles (the topic should be something you’re passionate about…it shouldn’t be a chore) in your blog is the first taste of publication. Reactions and responses from your viewers will most likely guide and encourage you to write some more….and the key to become a better writer is to write every day.
Thanks to Jo-Anne for doing this interview, and giving time to this. For more information on her novels as well as herself, visit her website at http://joconquerobstacles.com/.
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