Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to JoAnna McSpadden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

JoAnna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the toughest things about progressing in a creative career or as an entrepreneur is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

As a debut fantasy author, one of the most unexpected problems I faced was the challenge of marketing my book effectively. When I first embarked on this journey, I was primarily focused on writing a captivating story, creating intricate worlds, and developing memorable characters. However, once the manuscript was complete, I quickly realized that writing the book was only half the battle. The real challenge was getting it into the hands of readers.

The biggest hurdle came shortly after my book was published. I had invested so much time and effort into creating a beautiful piece of work, and I assumed that it would naturally find its audience. I realized pretty quickly that the market was flooded with new books and that, without a killer marketing strategy, my book could easily get drowned out in the cacophony.

The turning point came during the first few weeks post-release. Sales were sluggish, and I started receiving feedback from early readers who loved the book but mentioned they had stumbled upon it by accident. It was a wake-up call. The excitement of holding my published book in my hands quickly turned to anxiety as I realized I needed to rethink my approach.

The first step was acknowledging that my initial strategy, which relied heavily on social media posts and word-of-mouth, was insufficient. I decided to seek professional advice and attended a webinar on book marketing. It was there that I learned the importance of targeted marketing, email lists, and engaging with reader communities.

First off, I focused on building an email list. I offered the first three chapters of my book for free in exchange for sign-ups and I’m working a short story that I’ll launch for free for newsletter subscribers as well. This not only helped me gather a dedicated group of readers but also gave me a direct line of communication to announce updates, share behind-the-scenes content, and promote upcoming releases.

Another significant step was learning to post better content on social media. Initially, my posts were sporadic and lacked a clear strategy, mostly consisting of generic updates about my book’s release. I realized I needed to create engaging content that resonated with my audience. I began by researching successful authors and observing how they interacted with their followers.

Looking back, the experience was both daunting and enlightening. It taught me that being an author today requires a blend of creative and business acumen. The initial setback felt disheartening, but it pushed me to develop new skills and strategies that have not only helped my first book gain traction but also laid a solid foundation for my future projects.

The journey was a rollercoaster of emotions—from the initial pride of publication to the fear of obscurity, and finally, the joy of connecting with readers who genuinely love my work. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that reinforced the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the ever-evolving landscape of the publishing industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a debut fantasy author with a lifelong passion for storytelling. My journey into writing began in middle school, where I first discovered the magic of creating my own worlds and characters. Since then, writing has been an integral part of my life.

My first novel, Obsidian Tide, was published in March of 2024 and my second novel, Midnight Embers, will release in the spring of 2025. Obsidian Tide delves into a richly woven fantasy world filled with intricate plots, memorable characters, and the timeless struggle between what you’re expected to do verses what your heart is calling you to do. Midnight Embers promises to expand on this universe, introducing new elements, deeper lore, and so many shocking plot twists that I’m excited to share with my readers.

In addition to writing, I’m an avid player of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). This hobby has significantly influenced my storytelling style, as it allows me to explore different facets of fantasy and character development in a collaborative setting. I love getting lost in these imaginative worlds, both as a player and a Dungeon Master, and this experience enriches my writing by providing fresh ideas and perspectives.

As an avid reader, I constantly immerse myself in different genres and styles, which helps me grow as a writer. This extensive reading has honed my craft and allows me to bring a diverse range of influences into my work.

What sets me apart from others in the fantasy genre is my dedication to creating immersive and believable worlds. I pay meticulous attention to detail in my world-building, ensuring that every aspect of the setting feels real and lived-in. My characters are crafted with depth and complexity, making them relatable and engaging for readers. I do multiple personalities tests for my characters and have an entire tome on the world building details and magic systems of my world.

I am most proud of the community that has started to form around my work. Seeing readers connect with my stories and characters, and hearing their feedback, has been incredibly rewarding. I strive to create content that resonates with my audience and transports them into the fantastical realms I’ve envisioned.

For potential followers and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a genuine love for the fantasy genre and a commitment to delivering high-quality, captivating stories. Whether you’re looking for a new book to dive into, seeking inspiration for your own creative endeavors, or just wanting to explore new fantastical worlds, I hope my work can provide that for you.

My brand is built on passion, creativity, and a deep connection to my readers. I’m here to tell stories that inspire and entertain, and I’m grateful for everyone who joins me on this journey. I look forward to sharing many more adventures with you!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that writing is a solitary endeavor. As a lifelong writer who started crafting stories in middle school, I was used to working in isolation, pouring my heart into my writing without seeking external input. I thought that if I focused solely on my creative process, I could produce a perfect manuscript on my own.

This realization began during the writing of my debut novel. After years of developing my world, characters, and plot, I hit a significant roadblock. Despite my initial confidence, I found myself struggling to complete the manuscript. The excitement of starting a new project turned into frustration and self-doubt as I encountered numerous challenges that seemed insurmountable on my own.

It was during this challenging period that I discovered the importance of a supportive writing community and a dedicated writing coach. Initially, I was hesitant to share my work and my struggles with others. I wasn’t a “real” writer after all. But when I joined a virtual writers’ group and began working with a coach, their support and guidance were transformative.

The writing community, Quill and Cup, provided a safe space to share my work-in-progress, receive constructive feedback, and discuss common challenges. We met regularly to critique each other’s work, exchange ideas, and offer encouragement. Hearing different perspectives helped me see my story in new ways and identify areas for improvement that I had overlooked. The camaraderie and shared passion for storytelling reinvigorated my enthusiasm for the project.

My writing coach, Ashley Mansour, played an equally crucial role. With personalized guidance, my coach helped me set realistic goals, develop a consistent writing routine, and stay accountable. She provided invaluable insights into story structure, character development, and pacing, helping me navigate the complexities of my manuscript. Whenever I felt stuck or overwhelmed, Ashley offered practical solutions and motivational support, reminding me of my strengths and the progress I had already made.

One particularly challenging moment came when I realized I needed to rewrite the whole second half of my manuscript. This daunting task felt like starting over, and I was tempted to abandon the project. However, with the encouragement of my writing community and the strategic advice of my coach, I tackled the revisions step by step. Their belief in my story and my abilities helped me push through the toughest parts of the writing process.

Ultimately, I completed the manuscript, and it was stronger and more polished than ever. Unlearning the belief that writing must be a solitary pursuit taught me the value of community and mentorship. The collective wisdom, support, and motivation from my writing group and coach were instrumental in bringing my debut novel to life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to connect with others through my stories. There’s something profoundly magical about creating a world from my imagination and then watching it come to life in the minds of readers. The moment when someone tells me that my book resonated with them, transported them to another world, or provided them an escape from their daily life is incredibly fulfilling.

As a fantasy author, I’ve always loved getting lost in fantastical realms, whether through reading or playing Dungeons & Dragons. Being able to craft my own stories and share them with others feels like I’m giving back to the community that has given me so much joy and inspiration over the years. Knowing that my work can evoke emotions, spark imagination, and inspire others is what drives me to keep writing.

I also cherish the connections I’ve made with fellow writers and readers. The writing community is incredibly supportive, and I’ve met so many wonderful people who share my passion for storytelling. Whether it’s through writing groups, social media interactions, or feedback from readers, these connections enrich my creative journey and provide endless encouragement and inspiration.

Ultimately, being an artist allows me to express myself in ways that are meaningful to both me and others. It’s about sharing a piece of my soul and finding that it resonates with someone else. That sense of shared experience and the ability to touch someone’s life through my words is, without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joannamcspadden.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writerjoannamcspadden/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerjoannamcspadden