About Joanna

Joanna Fulford's journey into becoming a full-time writer is a testament to her passion and dedication to the craft. It's admirable that she followed her dreams, taking a leap of faith by leaving her day job to pursue a career as an author. The unwavering support of her husband played a crucial role in enabling her to take this bold step, showcasing the importance of having a strong support system in pursuing creative endeavours.

The challenges she faced, including financial difficulties during lean periods, underscore the reality of the writing profession. Yet, the euphoria of receiving that coveted phone call from a publisher expressing interest in her work made the journey worthwhile. The validation of having one's book recognized and accepted is a joy that many authors cherish.

The mention of the support and encouragement from a writers' group highlights the importance of community in the creative process. The friendships formed within such groups provide not only emotional support but also critical insights and feedback that contribute to the growth and improvement of an author's work.

Additionally, the acknowledgment of the role played by her editor at Harlequin further emphasizes the collaborative nature of writing. The guidance, patience, and constructive criticism provided by the editor helped shape and refine Joanna Fulford's work, making the writing process more enjoyable and ultimately leading to the improvement of her books.

Overall, Joanna Fulford's story is a testament to the challenges and triumphs that come with the pursuit of a writing career, as well as the significance of having a supportive network along the way.

Joanna Fulford's passion for literature and history shines through in her writing. The combination of these interests has led her to explore various historical periods, initially focusing on the Enlightenment and the Regency. However, her curiosity expanded, and she developed a fascination for the early Medieval period as well. This willingness to delve into different eras for research demonstrates her commitment to bringing authenticity and richness to her historical novels.

The excitement she experiences during the research process is evident, with the constant discovery of new information. The challenge, as she notes, lies in selecting the most relevant details for her stories, ensuring that historical accuracy enhances rather than impedes the narrative. Balancing historical detail with the flow of the story is a delicate task, but it's clear that Joanna prioritizes maintaining a captivating plot.

Having a rough plan in her head provides a framework for her stories, but she acknowledges the dynamic nature of her characters. The characters, it seems, have a life of their own and are not afraid to deviate from the initial script. This organic development adds depth to the narrative, and Joanna embraces the unpredictability that comes with allowing characters to lead the way. The recognition that the characters' choices often result in a better story demonstrates Joanna's flexibility as an author and her willingness to listen to the creative direction that unfolds during the writing process.

In essence, Joanna Fulford's approach to writing combines meticulous research with a willingness to let the characters guide the narrative, creating a dynamic and engaging storytelling experience.

 When contemplating historical background for a new story, Joanna always chooses events in which she had involved serious conflict of some kind. The central love story is juxtaposed with this and gave the characters further obstacles to overcome. The Great Viking Invasion was fertile ground, likewise the Luddite Rebellion and the Harrying of the North which provided the settings for her second and third books respectively. The Peninsular War is the background for His Counterfeit Condesa, and for its companion novel, The Caged Countess. This conflict was also the background to Redemption of a Fallen Woman which is Joanna’s contribution to the Castonbury Park series.

Joanna Fulford's approach to incorporating historical background into her stories adds depth and complexity to her narratives. By choosing events marked by serious conflict, she provides a compelling backdrop against which the central love story unfolds. This strategic juxtaposition not only adds historical authenticity to her works but also introduces additional challenges for her characters to navigate.

It's evident that Joanna is drawn to historical periods marked by significant turmoil. The Great Viking Invasion, the Luddite Rebellion, and the Harrying of the North serve as fertile ground for her storytelling. These events, with their inherent conflicts, become integral elements in her second and third books, providing a rich historical tapestry for her characters to navigate.

The Peninsular War becomes the historical canvas for "His Counterfeit Condesa" and its companion novel, "The Caged Countess." By setting her stories against the backdrop of this conflict, Joanna not only explores the challenges faced by her characters in the realm of romance but also places them within the broader context of historical upheaval. The Peninsular War, with its complexities and hardships, adds an additional layer of tension and adversity for the characters to overcome.

Furthermore, Joanna's contribution to the Castonbury Park series, "Redemption of a Fallen Woman," also draws from the historical canvas of the Peninsular War. This interconnected approach allows her to explore different facets of the same historical events, creating a cohesive world within her novels.

In summary, Joanna Fulford's deliberate choice of historical events marked by conflict enriches her storytelling, providing a realistic and challenging backdrop for her characters. This approach not only adds historical authenticity to her works but also contributes to the complexity and depth of her narratives.