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Creative Spotlight on Author Joanna Vlugt
Tell our readers briefly about yourself.
Joanna Vander Vlugt is an author and illustrator. The Unravelling, her debut novel, featuring the sister duo, Jade and Sage, was a Canadian Book Club Awards finalist as well as its sequel, Dealer’s Child. All novels take place in Victoria, where Joanna lived for 20-plus years. Joanna draws upon her 13 years of experience working in the prosecutor’s office and 10 years working in the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner for inspiration for her novels. As well as the 10 years she spent being a fitness instructor and personal trainer. Joanna is currently working on book three in the series, Spy Girls, which will be released in September.
Joanna’s motorcycle illustrations have been purchased worldwide and her Woman Empowered motorcycle art series has been featured in online art and motorcycle magazines. In 2006 her short mysteries Egyptian Queen and The Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing were published in the Crime Writers of Canada mystery anthologies. Her personal essay, No Beatles Reunion was published in the Dropped Threads 3: Beyond the Small Circle anthology. Joanna is proud of her podcast JCV Art Studio and the many artists and authors she’s interviewed
Can you tell us about your most recent release? Album? Song? Art piece? Etc.?
Dealer's Child in September 2021. Spy Girls is coming out September 2023
What is your creative work routine like? Do you balance it with another job?
I did write full-time but then I felt like every day melted into the next day. Now, I have found a job working at a bakery. I only work 16 hours max a week and it allows me to get out of the house.
Do you plan out your creations? What is your creative process like?
I'm a pantzer. Now, that I'm working at a bakery, I do have ideas floating around for a cozy mystery.
Do you have a self-care routine or want to have one? What do you do or wish that you did to take care of your mental health?
Yes, I do. Having been a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I really believe in exercise. I run 4 times a week. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I like riding my scooter.
What does success look like to you considering your creative passion?
Writing a novel, or creating art for individuals to enjoy.
What has been one of the biggest lessons you've learned since starting this journey?
Just recently my husband bought me a retro-looking scooter, and I love riding that scooter.
What advice would you share with new or aspiring authors/singers/artists/etc?
Follow your passion, be responsible, and do no compare your success to anyone else.
Where do you get your ideas for world-building?
Ideas come from everywhere.
What genre do you prefer to read?
I really like thriller novels and women's fiction.
What hobbies do you have?
I really enjoy creating art. I've been in a few art shows. I've been commissioned to illustrate people's motorcycles.
Do you have any outside experiences that influenced your work?
I worked at the prosecutor's office for 13 years and then 10 years at the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.
Where to find this amazing author, Joanna Vander Vlugt.
Joanna is an author with a creative spotlight sponsored by Creative Edge Publicity.
