We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joanna Nisbet. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joanna below.

Joanna , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success is measured with different rulers. For some living a simple life with loved ones can mean more than riches. My defining success views have altered throughout my life. Currently I’m excited about having a strong marriage, and a loving family. My faith has grown over the years inspiring new creations. When I let my imagination free I discovered a talent. I wrote my first novel ‘In the heritance’ within two months and over half of it on my phone. Since then I have completed three more manuscripts that I cant wait to get published.

Joanna , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born a Preacher’s daughter in the south, we moved to New York state when I was about five. However I never felt settled. So when my husband and I relocated to the middle, it is the perfect state (for me) of North Carolina.
I work in a busy dermatology office by day, and author of many crafts by night. With two grown kids my time is now focused on my faith and my new hobbies. It’s been fascinating to discover these new and exciting directions my life is heading, a whole new chapter, so to speak.
“In The Heritance” is my first published novel. I had visions of this story rolling around my mind for many years. I almost thought about finding an author to write it for me. One day I decided to jot a few notes down, and couldn’t stop. Over half the manuscript was written on my phone. I instantly fell in love with writing, how the movie in my mind landed on the pages for others to see. I love the character in this story. Her compassion for others never faulters, even through the challenges she faces.
I write often, however it’s not on a schedule. There are days I don’t write at all, then there are days I write over five thousand words. In less than two years I have four completed manuscripts.
For me writing is the easy part, getting my manuscripts published and into the hands of readers has been the obstacle. I have discovered that publishing and marketing are an expensive part of this experience. My desire to keep writing as many stories that come to mind outweighs any challenges that come up.
While writing ‘In the heritance’ I listened to a lot of big band era music, playing low in the background. It literally took over my imagination and put me into the story. I wrote the movie that played in my mind. Lately, I have been writing while watching reruns of my favorite shows. When the mood strikes I can write in almost any environment. Sometimes when I hear people say “I just don’t have the time” I want to say, “You make time for what’s important to you.”
When you find your gift, keep going, don’t be discouraged. If your talent is important enough to you, you will find a way to get it to the hands of those that matter. Be prepared, it is an investment, and can be an expensive one at that. If your gift means to you what mine means to me, then you will persevere.
I love creating, the thought of making something from nothing. This includes crocheting, drawing, painting, even baking. I love my faith and make time daily for Bible study and prayer. I am more of a homebody, but I love a lunch date with my husband, grabbing a coffee with my daughter on our way thrifting, or a trip to the farmers market with my son.
I’m more at peace at home, surrounded by everything that means the world to me, and my cats. Of course I love to read, and go to the bookstore.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creating is immensely satisfying, making something where nothing once was. Being able to let others visually see a story reading your pages or looking at a painting is rewarding. It’s as if they can get a glimpse into your imagination.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I was once told by a coworker that some people are creative and some aren’t. I truly believe everyone has gifts, and when they discover and use them to their potential it can be extremely rewarding. There are many ways to be creative. As a matter of fact there’s a creativity in being a welder, a teacher, or health care giver.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: joanna.nisbet