Interview with Shreveport Author, Jonni Rich

Jonni Rich is an inspiration. When the Grave Expectations writers meet to discuss the art and science of fiction writing and to report on what we’ve written lately, Jonni always relates the news about something she is working on.

. She is one of the youngest adults you may ever meet because she approaches every day with fresh enthusiasm. She writes and reads on a regular basis. “I read to improve my craft,” she says.

Go to the Grave Expectations page on Facebook to learn more about the group, which does not participate in a national organization, does not restrict itself to one genre, does not have dues or officers. It’s simply a group of writers meeting once a month to discuss writing and to study. 

Currently the writers are taking turns presenting lessons from The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler. Meetings are every second Saturday beginning at noon in the back room of Podnuh’s on Barksdale Highway, Shreveport. Last week the meeting started at noon, although it actually starts at 12:30. People showed up when they could and visited over barbecued chicken or brisket. About one o’clock the meeting officially began.

https://www.facebook.com/grave.expectations.group.for.writers/  

Jonni honored us by granting an interview. First let’s meet her by looking at some information she placed on her Amazon Author Page:

I am a North Louisiana native, and still live in that part of the state. I am a retired retail store owner. Also a librarian in the public sector. I was educated in North Louisiana, and have studied writing from the University of Florida.

I'm multi-published in Gothic Suspense, Romantic Suspense, and Mystery.

Now, let’s move on to the interview.

Jonni, where did you grow up?

Monroe, Lousiana.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

·         Train trip to Clark County, Mississippi, in the summers

·         Wading in the creek

Who are some of the writers who have influenced you and how?

·         Agatha Christie – Best puzzles in the world.

·         Dorothy L. Sayers – Great plots

·         Kathleen Woodiwiss – Great characters

·         Ruth Rendell – Psychological mysteries

·         Nora Roberts – Good characterizations time after time

Of the books you have written, which is your favorite?

Deadly Sweet Sixteen. I like Emmaline and Byrd in my Deadly Series.

Why?

Both struggle with everyday life and how to solve the murders that pop up in their lives.

How can it be obtained?

Amazon:  Deadly Sweet Sixteen

What are some of the other books you have written and published?

·         EVIL AT MIDNIGHT:
Contemporary Romantic suspense. The kidnapping if a special needs child pushes a small town into a suspicious backlash against the child's mother.

·         GHOSTS OF CHARTRES  HOUSE: An inherited mansion, ghosts, murder, and secrets.

·         DEADLY SWEET SIXTEEN:  Amateur sleuths, Emmaline and Byrd solve the long standing mystery of a former classmates disappearance.

·         GHOST OF DRAGONCROFT: Novella. Historical. Disappointed by her fortune reversal, and her stepmother 's meddling, Vanessa Threadbolt takes a position as governess in a distant village at Dragoncroft Castle where things are not as they appear.

·         HOOCHIE COOCHE DANCER: Contemporary Short Story:  Small town antique store owner awaits the arrival of her famous actress sister's homecoming with unexpected results.

 What is your next book to be published?

Deadly Black Pearls – Second book in Deadly Series. Murder in small town. Emmaline and Byrd solve the murders.

In your writing, what do you see to accomplish?

It’s a creative outlet. I want to touch other people’s lives.

What do you want to tell your readers?

To enjoy stories, to look at their lives, to value human beings.

Thanks, Jonni, for inspiring readers and writers.