I am positively thrilled to introduce you to FaithWriters member, Joanne Sher. Incidentally, Joanne lives only a few miles from me and I first met her about 3 years ago at a local coffee shop. She is a total sweetheart and has a heart of gold. Many of you may know her as head Jeweler (the Jewelers are a group of members committed to commenting on general article submissions and encouraging new members). If you’re attending the FaithWriters conference, you’ll have the pleasure of meeting Jo for yourself.
For now, sit back and get to know a little more about her.
LYNDA: Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
JOANNE: Lessee – I was born and raised in Southern California, in a Jewish family. I moved to Michigan right after I married my Michigan-native husband, Marc. We both got saved about 11 years ago. He is currently on disability because of a brain tumor and complications from it. We have two wonderful children: Andrew is 9 and Annika is 6.
LYNDA: How did you get your writing start?
JOANNE: I was an English major in college, but I’ve always enjoyed writing. I was on my high school and college newspaper, and worked as a “real” reporter for a while – the beginning of my salvation story actually happened as a result of a story I was writing for the local daily paper.
LYNDA: Anything published?
JOANNE: Besides tons of newspaper articles in the past, I’ve had a few stories published in magazines here and there, as well as a few anthologies – Faithwriters’ and otherwise.
LYNDA: What is your ultimate writing aspiration?
JOANNE: To be an author. I have one book written about God’s provision during my husband’s health issues, another (a novel) in progress set during the time of King Saul, and half a dozen ideas for others. I’m currently working to get my first ready to pitch at the Faithwriters conference in August.
LYNDA: How did you find FaithWriters and what do you love most about it?
JOANNE: I found Faithwriters FOUR YEARS AGO (wow!) through a search for a Christian writing website (I think – I know I was searching for something). I love SO many things about it. The fellowship of Christian writers is INCREDIBLE. The writing challenge has been a huge part of improving my writing. I’ve had awesome opportunities to use my spiritual gift of encouragement at this site (In fact, George Parler, a fellow FaithWriters friend, was the person who first made me aware encouragement WAS my spiritual gift). The conference is AWESOME. I didn’t really have to pick just one, did I?
LYNDA: That was a trick question. There really isn’t only one answer to that question. LoL.
So tell us how the Jewel Chest came about?
JOANNE: I have always been an encourager by nature. A few years ago, I decided I wanted to be sure that as many entries in the writing challenge had comments on them. I would cover one to two levels a week, but always felt bad when I heard of people in other levels who didn’t get comments. So, I approached a few friends who I also knew were encouragers to help me. The group has grown and changed over the past couple years, but it is always our mission to encourage writers at the site – both in the writing challenge, where we started, and also in general submissions. (By the way, the Jewelers are taking a break for the summer) Each of the Jewelers reads a bit in general submissions and sends in a favorite or two, which I share in the cheering section of the FaithWriters’ message board on Fridays.
Finally, just for fun, how would you reply to these few fun facts:
Favorite ice cream flavor: Fudge Brownie from Baskin Robbins
First job you ever held: I was a “gopher” for an artist – cleaned up for her, helped organize her stuff, and watched her kids.
Something you’d change about yourself if you could: I’m forgetful – hate that I can have something one minute, and have no idea where it is the next.
LYNDA: Thanks again, Jo, for letting us to get to know you a little better. Looking forward to seeing you again next month at the FaithWriters conference!
Visit Joanne Sher’s FaithWriters profile
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8 Comments until now.
Joanne’s enthusiasm is contagious. I love her big smile and big heart.
I’m blessed to have such a beautiful and wonderful friend. She didn’t say much about her family, but Joanne is a dedicated wife and fantastic mother. I know her family appreciates all she does for them. I’ve had the privilege of meeting Joanne “in the flesh” at the FW conference last year. She’s a true gem!
Love you, JO! ((hugs))
Such an honor to be featured here – and thanks, Vonnie.
Jo has encouraged me time and again. Loved this interview, Lynda. I know so many have been ministered to through the gifts God has given Joanne.
JJ!!
Yay–so awesome to see this spotlight! Now everyone has a chance to catch a glimpse of a real gem of a friend! ^_^ (If you’re coming to the FW conf, she’s an awesome person–you absolutely can’t miss her, she’ll have the biggest smile and those gorgeous curls.)
Joanne, how precious you are to us all – those whom you see and those who wish to see you, someday.
I am grateful to have read more about you and your life’s unfoldings.
I am looking forward to buying your first novel; an inspiring treat for mind and spirit, I’m sure!
I thank you, and not simply either, for investing thought and keystroke, commenting on some of my writing entries.
May God continue to bless you and your family, Joanne.
Yay Joanne! You are such an encouragement to your fellow FaithWriter friends!
I’ll get in line as one Jo has encouraged again and again. She’s always willing to jump in and help me with editing, conference stuff, or Peculiar People stuff, too. She’s an awfully special lady.
You are truly gifted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in encouragement just as Barnabas was to Paul…Keep trusting the Lord and writing for His Glory…