One of the most frequently asked questions that I’ve gotten since the release of My Hope is Found, last fall, is when is my next book coming out. And I confess, I don’t yet know. It’s been a journey though. There has been hope, there have been tears, there’s even been laughter and lots of lessons in God’s graciousness. Laced through all of it has been the sweet outpouring of a few friends’ hearts and the wisdom and support of my agent. While I don’t know how long this particular season will last, I’m thankful for the way God has met me here.
And in the meantime? I’ve been writing. In a way, God has simply blessed me with free time.Ā Free, wide open time. And He moved greatly in the inspiration department…so I wrote books. Nearly four of them as I’m rounding the final chapters of my current work-in-progress.Ā
Would you like a little peek into those stories? Here are the main character inspirations (heroes and heroines) for each one. As you can see, one of them is a bit stacked with fellas as it centers around a trio of brothers. It’s actually the one I’m working on nowĀ and has been super fun to write! I’ve marked each character inspiration with a symbol that connects them to their story…
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā – screenshots ofĀ Pinterest
Each of these stories holds a special place in my heart and has kept me up at night at least a time or two or woken me up at 4 am to add more scribbles to my writing notebook. Each is an Appalachian romance and most are around the 85,ooo – 95,ooo word range…
One is a single title, one is the first in a two-book series and one is the first in a three-book series. Another is a shorter piece, topping out at 25,ooo words. That was my first shot at such a length and it was a delightful experience. In all of these stories, there’s laughter, even a bit of tears, ax swinging and pie baking and all kinds of in-betweens. And of course lots of guy-meets-girl *wink*. There’s also my heart. I poured it into each and every one and I’m blessed to say that I learned something new each time. Lastly, there are bits and pieces of you, dear readers. I keep you in mind always as I write and it’s those thoughts of you that often keep me marching onward. And sometimes even inspiring a scene or a piece of dialogue!Ā
So until that day…I thank you, my friends for being here. I thank you for your support and the encouragement that you’ve sent my way as both an author and a friend!
Look at these delicious glimpses into your stories!! The pen is so at home in your skilled and artistic hands, dear friend, and these stories… just beautiful. <3 You have been hard at work, indeed, and the day these characters break forth upon the waiting world will be a much-celebrated day, indeed!
You are such a dear to me! It was so fun putting this together and I thought, “Oh, Amanda is so going to get those symbols.” š Thank you friend for always reading chapters and for helping to keep me going. You are cherished!
Comment
Okay that was weird I got kicked out. lol What I said was, you had me at the man in the middle. Who pray tell is this wonderful looking character? The man with the beard, not the kid below. I know who he is! Ha! Love the sneak peek, Joanne.
Haha! You’re so fun! I will be sure to let you know if that one gets published. š
Oh Jessica, this cracked me up! Yes, the kid below is no secret fella. I needed someone with blue eyes who could work the “young and indignant” angle. Cue Colton Haynes. š The fella with the beard, I must confess, is quite possibly my favorite character of all. He’s sort of a mystery guy that I snagged off of Pinterest and that was the book that came to me when I needed a book the most. Sort of a new burst of hope that really kept me going. Thank you for your comment… both of them! The first one gave me such a chuckle. I thought you were just feeling feisty this morning. š
LOL! Well, had I thought of it I might but the “man” had me all fuzzy and not thinking straight! ha! I love that you found him when you needed him most. That’s also romantic and not at all creepy. Don’t let anyone tell us different! Can’t wait to read that one especially. I don’t care if it’s about nothing. I mean, I watched all seasons of Seinfeld and it’s the show about nothing. Happy writing, friend!
Inspired by you, Joanne. Keep writing, and I can’t wait to read them. š
You are such a gem, Rachelle. Hugs to you because you inspire me!
Those pictures are amazing!! I will do my best to patiently wait. Looking forward to reading your future books, Joanne! God bless. š
Thank you Rosie!! I am always so blessed by you!
I am amazed that you’ve written four books since My Hope is Found. I cannot wait to read more from you. Just adore your stories…excited to see what God has next!
Thank you Melissa! You are such a sweetheart. I’m so glad I got to officially meet you at ACFW! And play around on google+ š I didn’t realize I’d written four books until I stopped and thought about it, LOL. I got a bit carried away in my free time… š Speaking of pictures, your covers are some of my all time favs. They are so cute and fun!
Yum! I simply cannot wait to read the stories of your heroes and heroines. Keep that pen movin’ (or keyboard, I should say). We readers cannot wait for what you want to tell us in your stories. We want to be transported and have our souls and heart tugged by the characters you write.
You’re so cute! Why thank you!!! You are always such an encouragement to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you <3 Hugs!
This is good to hear. I think about you often and pray for you. So glad you are creating, and I look forward to reading every single one of these stories. Blessings, blessings, blessings be yours, my friend. And that free time of which you speak? That IS a precious gift. I knew it when I had it. I know it even more now. [raises coffee cup] Here’s to being content and at peace in whatever season God has us in now. We can trust Him to know exactly what He’s doing–working ALL things toward our ultimate good.
Lori – SUCH wisdom in your words! I remember when the Cadence of Grace series was in the process, 3 books in exactly one years time, though I loved it all, it was also so very busy. And now this season of quiet has really lent time to just be creative and focus on the craft of storytelling and I’m truly grateful. It has it’s ups and downs but as God has taught me lessons, there are becoming more ups than downs through it all. Thank you for your sweet comment and thank you for being you!
Your post today is inspiring me to get back to my WIP. Editing is hard, and pregnancy has been taking a toll on me. But with the due date coming up, I am hoping I can get back to my characters, back to my story, and hopefully someday someone will read it.
Thank you for sharing a glimpse at your writing life š Happy Tuesday!
Vanessa,
I am so glad to hear it! Sending you a cheer as you look to your WIP. Editing IS hard and pregnant too…and peeking at your blog I can see that there are little ones already in tow. I applaud your hard work, both as a storycrafter and as a mama!
Joanne, you are a new author to me and I have yet to read one of your books but I can’t wait. I will be anxiously waiting for the release of your new books. ~ Blessings to you ~
Lisa-
Lovely to see you here! I’m honored that you are looking forward to reading the books. I do hope you enjoy the Cadence of Grace series if it comes your way! š
Hi Lisa,
It’s not a mistake that you found Joanne and her books at this time. I highly recommend My Hope is Found, Though My Heart is Torn, and My Hope is Found for your summer reading. One of the best historical fiction series I’ve ever read.
Happy Reading!
Mona
Why thank you, Mona! That is so sweet!
Joanne, It’s been a joy to share this process with you and now see the faces behind your words:) You are absolutely prolific! I think how good God has been to give you a season of rest after such intensity. He’s preparing you for the next whirlwind! Prayers with you always!
Laura,
You are such a dear friend to me and I admire you so much both as a person and a writer. Thank you for your sweet words. I’m blessed to know you!
P.S. I DO love your image of being prepared for the next whirlwind!
These characters and stories sound wonderful! May He swing open the right door at the right time. Your readers are waiting!
Carrie – Thank you. I love that image! So true…the right door at the right time. Blessings to you!!
Dear Joanne,
Your gracious faith and wild productivity in your season of waiting inspires me. I anxiously await my next Joanne Bischof read.
Love and prayers, Mona
Mona,
That means a lot! Thank you.
I’ll be signing books next week at the Bible Bookstore in Hemet and I always think of you when I’m there! š
I’m sooo excited for your next book!! Your writing is a great inspiration to me. š
Thank you Jenna! That’s such a joy to hear. HUGS to you!
Waiting for that day with you!
Sherri, thinking of you on your own journey. Trusting with you as God unfolds things in His perfect timing. <3
Your stories are so absolutely beautiful, Joanne…I’d been hearing about them for some time and finally bought them for my mom for Christmas (and to share with me, hint, hint š ). And what a treat! Thanks for sharing this peek into more scrumptious stories to come with us. May the Lord bless you with His peace and guidance in this season of waiting.
Kiersti,
That’s such an honor! I’m so glad to hear it! And a double happiness to see your face and put the name with the face and know that I met you at ACFW last year! And that you so beautifully won the Genesis. š I’m so glad you and your mom enjoyed my books and thank you for your kind words! I’ll be saying a prayer for you and your own writing.
So overjoyed to read of “…my writing notebook.” Your preliminaries will be treasures for your family ~*~ I love your heart and gentleness. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
That’s so sweet Kathleen. Thank you! I should take better care to make those writings more legible! š
Just put a little of today in it! pressed flowers, little fingerprints and drawings amid your stories š
You HAVE been super busy brainstorming and writing, for sure! I’ll admit the anchor-man intrigues me. You know I’m excited to read whatever you write as you have such a special gift of storytelling. You always make me care so deeply for your characters–which is why I know we were all sad to say goodbye to Lonnie and Gideon. And yet I know you have plenty more we will fall in love with next. Prayers for you, my friend.
LOL. I have! I love hearing that the anchor man intrigues you! He’s my sailor. I always wanted to write a sailor so I just went for it. He’s actually *intended* to also cross into the other book with the birds and all the brothers which will be kind of fun as that will be the first time I do that. Well I saw all those votes for Freydis’ story on your FB page and seeing your pins for Miranda Warning has reminded me that I really need to get that book! I will have to go grab it for my kindle.
It sounds like we are all in for a real treat when these books are released. It’s awesome to know you have so many good stories in the works for us! Until then, I will just pick up one of the Cadence of Grace series books when I feel I can’t wait another minute for your upcoming novels! Blessings always!
Greetings Brittany!
And thank you. That gave me such a smile. I’m so touched that you enjoy the books and I am eager to get another out there and when the time comes, I can’t wait to share! I hope you and your loved ones are having a wonderful summer!
Joanne, I am quite impressed. Four books? You go, girl! Wish I could figure out how to crank ’em out like that. š Keep up the great work. I know God’s got a publishing home for these books and that we readers will get to read them soon.
Blessings,
Andrea
Good afternoon, Andrea! They did happen fast. Some of them were several years in the making on the brainstorm front while others were unexpected surprises. I didn’t mean to write so may but every time I finished one, I started another. I typically can only balance one set of characters at a time to really grasp the deeper story and their POV’s but the last few months had me bouncing around more than usual which was a really good exercise for me and helped me conquer my reservations about being able to do that. Well…I just rambled on, but you’re a writer so I know you get it š Hope your writings are going well this summer!
Yes, I get it. š So happy for you and your writing. Sounds like it’s all coming together for you.
My writing is coming along. I’m working on edits on one story while writing the first draft of another one. Tough act to balance, but I think I’m getting the hang of it.
Blessings,
Andrea
Wow, how can anyone top whats been said already !!! Only to say that I love you and Pray for you , think of you daily. My life wouldn’t be the same without your books ! Your so loving and down to earth, special in your own way and I do believe as Laura said, The Lord is preparing you for the next whirlwind ! Hold on tight !!!! I am ready to read and influence whenever you need me. I am so proud to call you friend and Sister in the Lord.
Hugs
Linda
Oh Linda, what an encouragement you are! I am so blessed by this and you and that you enjoyed the Cadence of Grace series so. I couldn’t agree more with you and Laura. Those whirlwinds can often take us by surprise and we often look back at those quiet times with fondness so I want to be sure to enjoy this one. š Thank you for those prayers. They are priceless indeed!
Can I quote you ? smile And here I thought you were the blessing to me. The Lord is good. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures !
Hugs
Linda
What a joy to read this post, Joanne! I think about you often and am so impressed to hear that you’ve written FOUR stories in so short a time. When they come, they come! I look forward to reading them someday. All of your characters intrigue me! Praying for you and this season of free time. š
Good morning, Gabrielle!
This made me smile. Thank you! And thank you for the prayer! It is such a blessing. I’ll be praying for you as well and also for your upcoming retreat. What fun is in store for your little group!! I bet there will be many cherished memories.
Wow. Congrats, Joanne! I am in awe of your awesome writing skills and cannot wait to learn more about your new works. Hoping it’s sooner rather than later that we can read these. š
Awesome pictures!
Greetings Rissi!
You never cease to make me smile! Thank you so much and I’m sharing in that hope with you. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Four more books?? WOW!! That’s so wonderful – can’t wait to read them!!
God is certainly blessing you with prolific story lines, Joanne, and we will also be blessed by the inspiration from their beautiful books when we finally have the opportunity to read them!! It’s all in His timing and for His plans, plans to transform people’s lives through the music, beauty, and inspiration of your words – He’s already chosen them!!
Love and hugs to you, Joanne, along with continued prayers for your writing!!
Yes, I’ve been a busy beaver over here š Writing has sort of bridged the gap for me and God has been SO good in the way so many ideas have come forward. His timing and plans truly ARE perfect and I’m so blessed by all of you who’ve so sweetly been encouraging me along this path. Thank you!
P.S. Post shared – sorry it’s taken me so long to get here!!
Thank you!