Hello, everyone!
Hopefully, everyone is enjoying their Thursday afternoon as we slowly enter into the fall season. The temperatures outside may still be hot, but I've already seen some leaves changing! And, I'll admit, I've completely decorated my apartment for autumn and Halloween.
Today, we have a very special interview with one of our Jan-Carol Publishing authors, Nova Mann!
For those of you who don't know, Nova's first novel, "Hope Knocking," tells the story of the 2020 pandemic from three different perspectives in Appalachia -- Amantha, an opinionated retired educator who considers herself to be half-hillbilly and half-flatlander; Matthew, her soft-spoken mountain husband; and Nancy Mae, Amantha's charismatic elderly mother who has returned to her East Tennessee roots after leaving nearly seventy years ago. The three live in Mavie, a mere speck on a USGS topographical map.
"Hope Knocking," which is a fantastic read, can be purchased at JCP's new bookstore, Books & Gifts, or online.
I asked Nova a few questions about her backstory with writing as well as her writing process as a whole, and I'm so excited to share it with you guys! So, without further ado, here is what Nova had to say...
BOOKMARKED: How long have you been writing? I understand that "Hope Knocking" is your first novel, but did you ever write anything before that?
NOVA MANN: I began writing poetry in high school and songs about twenty years ago.
Many authors use writing to channel their emotions and feelings about the world into something creative. Do you feel that "Hope Knocking" was a way for you to process your feelings about the pandemic?
"Hope Knocking" was actually a journal of my thought process during my two weeks of quarantine after a trip in March of 2020. I started thinking about making it a book when I realized that everyone I knew was struggling, too. I chose to take a risk and use 2020 as a catalyst for showcasing mental health struggles and, more importantly, strategies for coping with crises.
Do you plan to write more novels in the future?
I am currently writing a sequel to "Hope Knocking," which will be a fictional account of Amantha and Matthew’s lives after they leave Mavie. More importantly, I will explore the future American landscape if we continue on the present track.
What inspires you to write? Do you ever get writer's block, and if so, how do you deal with that?
Yes, I often struggle with self-doubt and self-confidence, but writing has become such an important way for me to express my voice that my voice usually wins the battle. Ultimately, I write because I believe in myself, and I believe in what I have to share with the world.
What is your advice to other writers who are maybe just starting out? What is the biggest thing you've learned about writing through the process of getting "Hope Knocking" published?
Visualize the book in your hands. Do the work needed to make it a reality. Be a stubborn, determined bay mule. Believe in yourself.
Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite novels?
I read everything by Isabel Allende and Barbara Kingsolver. They’re my favorite authors. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of environmental literature, such as "Abundant Earth" by Eileen Crist and "Inequality and Evolution" by Charles L. Ladner. I devour my Mother Earth magazine every month, and The Sun magazine inspires me with its honesty.
Why do you think it is so important for authors to be their authentic selves in print?
I think writers owe it to their readers and themselves to be authentic. What would be the point of writing if you’re not striving to improve yourself in some way through that process? I think writing gives us the opportunity to explore our inner worlds and hopefully resolve conflict. Inevitably, I think readers know whether we’re being authentic anyway, so we shouldn’t be afraid of showing our lives on print.
To learn more about Nova Mann, you can visit her website here! And, make sure to read her novel, "Hope Knocking."
Also, please pencil in your calendars to come to Nova's BOOK SIGNING on Saturday, Sept. 24th at 1 p.m. inside the Johnson County Center for the Arts. She cannot wait to meet her fans and loyal supporters. It's going to be a very fun and exciting afternoon!
I want to say a big THANK YOU to Nova for participating in this interview! I'm so glad we were able to connect.
If any other authors would like to be featured in Bookmarked, there is a tab on our website titled "Be Featured in a Blog Post." It's very easy to submit a request, and we'd love to feature you! You can talk about whatever you'd like as it pertains to writing, and we'll give you a platform.
Before we wrap things up, I want to turn everyone's attention to JCP's Book of the Week! Each week, JCP has a featured story that will be sold for a discounted price for that week only! You can find these special deals on our Instagram and Facebook pages. This week's pick is "What Ever Happened to the Smooth-Tongued Cats?" by Donald Greco. It is a beautifully illustrated tale, and it's something both children and adults can enjoy. If you're interested in reading it, you can purchase it from Books & Gifts directly or online.
Finally, I want to remind everyone that Books & Gifts will be having a BOOK SIGNING this Saturday, Sept. 10th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Karen Bruce will be signing copies of her novel "Josie: A Story of Forgiveness." We can't wait to see you there!
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, and remember to pick up a book, even if it's just for a few minutes! Reading has the power to transport us to another world, and we should all take advantage of it!
Allison Chudina
Editorial/Retail Assistant
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
Comments