When I did the review for “Toxic Feedback”, I knew I wanted to do an interview on Joni Cole’s writer life and when I asked Joni for an interview, I knew she had several published books, the “This Day” series and “Toxic Feedback”. I was surprised to find she had finished an upcoming book called “Another Bad-Dog Book: Tales of Life, Love and Neurotic Human Behavior” to be released September 6, 2011. She sure has been busy! The link for that is www.jonibcole.com. After enjoying “Toxic Feedback” and finding out how good it was, I can’t wait to read this book of humor essays.
1– Joni, Thanks for giving us an interview. What made you decide to become a writer?
When I was younger it was fun making up stories. Now, of course, writing is much harder because I know so much more about craft, but I keep at it because when I feel strongly about something, or something strikes me as funny, I feel almost antsy until I get it on paper.
2– Tell us about your “This Day” series?
For each book, I invited hundreds of women from all walks of life (moms, celebs, nursing home residents, madams, nuns, CEOs…) to chronicle their activities, thoughts, and feelings throughout a single day. The results were fascinating!
3–When you write, do you outline or write organically?
I think outlines are anathema to the creative process, at least for most writers. Too many of us are under the misconception that we can’t start writing without an outline…and hence we never start.
3–What was your inspiration for Toxic Feedback?
Feedback is so often dreaded and underused, yet it is the most powerful resource we have as writers. I wanted to rid the world of toxic feedback!
4–You also teach workshops. Can you tell us a little about that?
I’ve taught hundreds of workshops and believe the best formula is this: everybody writes and everybody shares their work. I’m also a firm believer in the power of positive feedback.
5–What are your writing habits?
My best writing habit is simply to manufacture a deadline. Without one, I don’t write.
6–What is your publishing experience? Do you have an agent? If so how did you find him/her?
I found my agent through Writer’s Market and sent her a proposal my “This Day” series. To date, I’ve published five books from five houses. I try to remember, it only takes one “yes” to render all the no’s meaningless.
Thank you Joni for enlightening us on your writing process. For readers who want to know more about Joni’s books you can go to Joni’s web sites at: http://www.toxicfeedback.com/ and http://www.jonibcole.com/
What is your best plan to get your writing done? If you’re published, please tell us your story about it?
Other articles you may be interested in:
http://clarbojahn.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/interview-with-authordixiane-hallaj/ ;http://clarbojs=Part+two+of+interview+with+author+Dixiane+Hallajhttp ; http://clarbojahn.wordpress.com/=Interview+with+author+Bobbi++Carducci http://clarbojahn.wordpress.com/2010/10/31/thanks-to-tank-an-interview-with-bobbi-carducci/
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- Attention Writers – Book Review on “Toxic Feedback” (clarbojahn.wordpress.com)
Thanks for doing this interview, Clar. Quite informative.
You’re welcome Scott, I always love hearing other authors talk about their writing process.