“I’d never been a writer. I laughed because the idea was so foreign to me.”
For thirty years, my world was defined by retail management—schedules, inventory, and the fast-paced hum of the floor. If you had told me a decade ago that I would eventually be waking up at 4:00 AM, not for a morning shift, but to document the adventures of a pirate-assassin and aer adopted crew, I wouldn’t have believed you.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing with IndieReader for an Author Spotlight to discuss my debut novel, Catching Qat. I told them about the shift from managing a library to writing the books that fill its shelves. The transition wasn’t immediate; it began with a simple realization: my Dungeons & Dragons characters weren’t going to leave me alone until I gave them a life on the page.
One of the most frequent questions I get is about the “why” and the “when.” Why start now? When do I find the time? The truth is, my 4 AM writing sessions became my sanctuary. It’s the time when the world is quiet, and the realm of Oram feels most real. ⚔️✨
If you’ve ever felt like it’s “too late” to start something new or that your professional history defines your creative future, I hope my journey shows you otherwise. Moving from a thirty-year career to receiving a Starred Review and the “IR Approved” badge has been a whirlwind, but it proves that “late bloomers” often bring the most soil to the garden.
In the full interview, I go behind the scenes of my writing process, the evolution of the Drakkaen Nakkla series, and why diverse teams are at the heart of everything I write.
Are you working on a “later in life” project? I’d love to hear about your journey in the comments!
Until tomorrow… or tomorrow!
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See what readers have to say about Catching Qat!
5.0 out of 5 stars Great new series Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase Perfect for fans of Dungeons and Dragons and similar games. Full of unique species, wonderfully crafted societies and customs, fun magics, and plenty of loot! Follow along as the party of adventurers grows and secrets are revealed.Has many appendices in the back of the book… Continue reading Fun, Amazon
December 13, 2025 I really enjoyed this one. The twin dynamic was emotional and compelling, and I was quickly invested in both Qrodin and Qat despite how different their lives turned out. The found-family vibe of the traveling party was a highlight for me, each character felt distinct and fun, with just enough mystery to… Continue reading Nora Bennett
December 17, 2025 Such wonderful worldbuilding The worldbuilding in this book is just fantastic. There are a lot of magic spells and fun magical items, several interesting new species, monsters, festivals, and neat customs. There are secrets, mysteries, treasures, battles, and assassinations. This book is all about found family, in more ways than one. I… Continue reading Joanna