Check Out Joanna Nisbet’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Nisbet

Hi Joanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since I was a little girl I’ve always had a fascination with creating, making something where nothing once was. Through the years drawing and painting occupied my spare time, as a hobby. As most crafts are, they were put aside to raise a family and have a career. Now that my children are grown, I have renewed my artistic imagination. It began with a series of drawings that I turned into a children’s book. When I submitted it to a publisher, they agreed to publish it via hybrid, however they wanted to hire an illustrator. I declined the offer, but it was inspiring to me that they wanted to use my words. So after putting pen to paper (so to speak) I started to make notes about a story that had been mulling through my mind for years. I was going to search out an author to write my book. However, once I started I couldn’t stop. I wrote the full manuscript within two months, most of it on my cell phone in the notes section. I sent it to the same publisher, and was offered the hybrid deal and this time I accepted. While waiting for my manuscript to be published, more stories surfaced. I have four fully finished manuscripts ready to be published. I’m excited to see what else is in store. I find such peace in my crafts, maybe that’s why I have so many. I love writing, painting and drawing. There’s also a steady joy I get when I crochet. It’s a perfect performance of showing others what’s in my mind, and bringing my imagination out in the open,

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Creating is always smooth, for instance when I write I have a spell check and delete. When I paint, I can paint over an imperfection. I can erase when I draw, or pull the string of yarn to unravel when I crochet. There’s always room for errors and ways to correct them. The difficulties I have experienced aren’t what I’ve created, it’s how to get them out there. I previously mentioned that I have four finished manuscripts, all of which are in limbo. Finding a publisher that doesn’t want an expensive hybrid deal is tough for a new author. It seems as if that’s the only response I receive. Finding a literary agent is next to impossible these days. However there will always be obstacles to face and I won’t let it detour me, I will one day (I pray) have all of my novels published, and possibly some art to sell as well.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
By day, I’m a dermatology tech in a busy dermatology office in eastern North Carolina. In the evening I’m engaged in one of my many crafts. Depending on my mood I may be crocheting, while watching a favorite show. At other times I’m nose deep in my computer throwing words down as quickly as they come to mind, while listening to soft music. I’ll paint or draw if that’s what I’m visioning at the time. My imagination is vivid, firing on all cylinders. I’m not sure it truly quiets down, sometimes that’s not always a blessing (however, it’s very convenient for writing). When all is said and done my proudest moment is when I found my faith in the Lord. My courage to pursue these dreams stems from that hope. He’s given us all unique gifts, just waiting for us to discover them. I’m honored to have a strong marriage of over twenty five years, and my two grown children, a son and a daughter. My son and his wife are expecting a son at any moment, I can’t wait to meet him.
What sets me apart? It’s nothing and everything- all at the same time.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned never to take anything for granted. It was a horrific and terrific time, maybe that doesn’t make sense so I’ll explain. It seemed as if the world had been undone and one day I turned and saw my grandmother’s Bible. So, I picked it up and started reading. It completely changed my life. My focus turned inward and that’s when I discovered all these talents. Some old like drawing and painting. However, I learned to crochet, which was comical at first. Then I started writing and continued writing.
“Sometimes bad things fall apart, so better things can be put together” I’m not sure who quoted that, but I always loved it. I have found so much truth in those words.
To be honest, I didn’t mind staying home. It’s where I’m happiest.

Pricing:

• ‘In the Heritance’ $18.99 on Amazon

Contact Info:

• Instagram: joanna.nisbet