Featured Writer: Joni Marie Iraci
On creating space to write and writing advice.
Welcome to Women Writing! Hauskaa Joulua and Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate and warm greetings to everyone. In the Finnish tradition, we celebrate on Christmas Eve. I remember the anticipation of Joulupukki’s arrival while we had our traditional Finnish meal, the tree glowing with lights and tinsel, my attention drawn to the large picture window with hopes of a glimpse of the big man or his reindeer.
Sometimes, we’d find a sleigh full of gifts on the balcony. Other times, there was a knock at the front door, and presents were left on the front porch. I never did see that elusive man. Often, we’d venture into the cold night to attend the Christmas Eve service at St. Matthews, singing familiar carols in the glow of small candles held in our hands. Those days are long gone now, but I remember them fondly. Christmas still holds magic for me, but I suspect much of that has to do with those years when we were all together. However you spend the holiday season, I hope you are with friends and loved ones and create a little magic of your own.
And now on to our featured writer. Enjoy!
About the author…
Joni Marie Iraci is a retired R. N. who, returned to college in her later years to pursue her love of writing. She earned a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and MFA in creative writing from Columbia University at age 66, before publishing her award-winning first novel, Reinventing Jenna Rose. A second edition is currently available on Amazon. Her novel, Vatican Daughter, is in production with Collective Ink Publishers. It is available for pre-order on Amazon and several other venues. Its stand-alone sequel, The Women of the 13th Rione is complete; a third novel is in progress. Several short stories can be found in online journals. Her website is jonimarieiraci.com. She lives in Naples, Florida, and New York City.
“If you write a page a day, in a year you'll have a book.”
On a writing routine …
My writing routine has slowed down after I completed 4 novels in 5 years. While writing my second novel I worked 8 plus hours a day. I write at different times during the day. I don't sleep well and I get my best ideas at 3 am (the witching hour.)
On writing spaces …
I have a lovely cluttered desk in my home in Florida where I'm surrounded by books, I often write there or move around to more comfy chairs in my den. In NYC I sit in front of the window and hope the city views will inspire me.
On writing communities …
I'm a member of the Author's Guild; they sponsor webinars and writer activities that are very helpful and informative.
On challenges …
Of course, life always gets in the way. I once read an essay where a writer describes the difference between a male and female author. If the female author's mother gets sick, she will abandon her work to care for her mother; a male author will hire someone to care for his mother to continue working. Few women will say no to someone in need. Dinner needs to be made, the dog needs walking, groceries need getting and on and on. Sometimes, if the muse hits I'll get up in the middle of the night and write.
On the best writing advice …
Once when I was feeling discouraged, a former professor, a prolific, accomplished short story writer told me, "You and I can write and very few people can do that well or at all."
On the worst writing advice …
Write what you know. Initially, I thought I had to do that, but now I rely on my imagination, as well as life experience to fuel my stories.
On advice from personal experiences …
If you are an older woman who is taking a writing class with much younger students, be brave, laugh at yourself first, it's disarming and don't give up. If you write a page a day, in a year you'll have a book.
On a recent publication …
Vatican Daughter is available for preorder. I wrote a sequel to it and to my first novel. I'm working on a sci-fi story which is a struggle.
Joni Marie’s online spaces …
📚 Upcoming …
Women Writing Circle
The Women Writing Circle will meet on the second and last Monday of the month from 6:30-8:00 PM EST starting January 13, 2025. This offering is for paid subscribers. You can learn more about the benefits of subscribing here. I’m looking forward to creating a magical writing community with you, and getting some pages written in 2025.
8-Week Winter Group Book Coaching
Only ONE spot left in the Winter Group Book Coaching sessions and it can be yours. Please contact me at liisabookcoach@gmail.com if you have any questions or visit me at liisakovalabookcoach.com or to register.
Happy writing!
