Interview with Joan Donaldson-Yarmey

Wow - is it our sixth interview already?  If you haven't read the previous interviews, I would strongly suggest you do so.  There are some interesting tidbits, story teasers, and some funny stories shared in them.

Now we are moving right along to Joan Donaldson-Yarmey.

How long does it take you (on average) to write a book?  

For my historical novels it usually takes me about a year to write a book because I do a lot of research ahead of time and while I am writing it I am constantly checking my facts.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?   

I try to write every day. Mostly I write in the morning but if things are going very well I will write all day.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?   

I like to think that I am in control of my characters but usually I’m not. I was working on one of my mystery novels and wasn’t sure who of two characters had done the murder. Near the end a third character stood up and admitted to having done it. Sometimes my characters will do or say something that makes me wonder what that came from and what was I going to do now.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?   

I hike, read, travel, think about writing, plan my next book.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?   That I have an imagination that goes in many different directions.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?   

I have written seven travel books, four mystery novels, three young adult novels, two sci/fi, one holiday romance/comedy and now this historical novel for this Canadian Brides series. My favourite book is the one that I am writing at the moment. Sometimes I can’t wait to get back to my writing and into that world again.

What genres do you like to read?    

My favourite genres are mystery novels and historical fiction and non-fiction.

If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?  

I have traveled through the Yukon twice. I hiked the Chilkoot Trail in 1997, the hundredth anniversary of the Klondike gold rush. I fell in love with Dawson City the first time I was there and renewed that love the second time after my hike. I feel that in a past life I may have been one of the thousands of men and women who headed to the gold fields of the Klondike Gold Rush. That is one time period I would visit if given the chance.

Wow indeed!  With a love of the Yukon it is no wonder that Joan snatched up that part of Canada for her Romancing the Klondike.

As always, comments can be left for Joan ...