Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Good afternoon. I am Joyce Schwartz, a practicing pathologist and a writer of historical novels/alternative history.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Curious Spell of Madam Genova”?
Actually, there were no challenges to writing the novel. I love history and it was a wonderful journey to research the lives of many of my characters.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I have always loved a good mystery or murder. I began reading Stephen King novels when I was very young.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
The national parks still take my breath away. I feel lucky whenever I am able to spot wildlife in their natural habitat or see a mountain capped with snow.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
I don’t do a lot of preparation work prior to writing a novel, as each chapter often leads to a new idea. I do, however, have many sleepless nights when I am in the middle of writing my novel…listening to my characters’ conversations.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Curious Spell of Madam Genova’?
The whole process took about eight months. After I was happy with the novel, I proof read it about 10 times, had my friends proof read it, then I sent it to two professional editors and had them make suggestions/edits. Everyone’s input was very helpful.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book?
The paperback is available on Amazon.com. A kindle version is also available. Many other book sellers (Walmart, etc.) also have the book available on line. Brick and mortar stores can purchase the novel through Ingramspark.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Curious Spell of Madam Genova’?
I did spend weeks trying to decide on the perfect cover for the book. I tried to find an image that I would be attracted to…for a book that I would want to pick and see what was inside. Of course, the entire book centers around the character of Madam Genova, an amazing clairvoyant, and the spell she casts.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to write a book that I would love to read. My goal is to make each chapter so exciting that the reader feels compelled to see what happens next.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I went to a fortune teller to have a reading at a sideshow of a circus when I was 12. She told me, among other things, that a close friend of mine would break his arm. The next day, my neighbor, Jack, while wearing his Superman cape, jumped off his roof and broke his arm. Since that time, I have had an interest in fortune tellers.
Buy The Curious Spell of Madam Genova on Amazon
