Interview with Joanne Wadsworth

NRR: Hi Joanne! Thank you for taking the time to join us! Could you share with us what inspired you to write Protector?

 Hi, thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m thrilled to be here. With Protector I was focused on writing a young adult novel that I hadn’t yet seen on the market. I began writing full-time in 2009 and Protector was the first book I completed. Over the next two years I worked hard at my learning my craft, and in 2011 with my skills on the rise, I decided it was time to return to the characters who’d stolen my heart from the very beginning. My only problem was it needed a complete rewrite. So, I set to work, and after five months was grinning proudly with my completed novel in my hands. I’m so excited for Protector’s release. As my debut, it feels like I’ve waited forever to share it.





NRR: What are your top three reasons for writing in the fantasy genre?

 1) Fantasy is incredibly refreshing to write. Then adding in the young adult genre allows me to take readers into that time where there is first-love and self-discovery.

2) I love world-building as well. There is nothing quite like weaving a story where imagination and magic soar.

3) The characters are definitely more cunning. The fantasy realm allows their personalities to shine in inspiring ways.



NRR: What would you say is the most challenging part of the writing process?

 The rewrites—there were so many of them. I didn’t realize how long it would take me to perfect every single sentence. But the end result is amazing. That’s when you sit back and sigh with delight.



NRR: Do you ever take real qualities of people close to you to craft your characters?

 Yes. In Protector, my heroine’s best friend looks like my younger sister. I just love her red-gold spiral curls and lively temperament. My sister’s read the book, and she’s laid claim to the best friend’s likeness being to her.



NRR: What is your guilty pleasure?

 Oh yeah, three things immediately popped into my head with that question. I’d say opening up a new bar of creamy chocolate, while relaxing in a bath, with Nalini Singh’s newest paranormal romance.

NRR: What specific element do you think pushes Protector over the edge?

 My heroine is a young Earth woman who discovers not all goes to plan when being soul-bound to a prince from another world. There is fast-paced intrigue which will keep young adult romance readers turning the pages.



NRR: What is one thing you want to caution readers before reading Protector?

 Be prepared for a feisty heroine with cheeky one-liners. Although, there’s nothing truly to caution. This book is suitable for all teens and adults alike.



NRR: What is next in the works for you?

 There is a lot more to come with Protector being the first book in the Magio-Earth series. “Warrior” is book two and is the adventure of Silas and Hope, one which I’m working hard to get to readers now.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I thoroughly enjoyed being here.