Meet JoAnna
Weaving stories of magic, courage, and love for readers who dream boldly.
My Writing Journey
I’ve always been captivated by the idea of worlds beyond our own—places where magic, courage, and resilience come to life. As a child, I spent countless hours lost in stories of epic quests and mythical creatures, scribbling my own adventures in notebooks and dreaming of one day writing books that would inspire others the way my favorite authors inspired me.
But life has a way of pulling us in different directions. For years, I devoted myself to building a career in software development, solving complex puzzles by day while keeping my storytelling dreams alive in the quiet hours of the night. My journey taught me that creativity and discipline aren’t opposites—they’re allies.
The moment I decided to embrace writing fully was a turning point. What began as scattered ideas became the foundation for my debut novel, Obsidian Tide. That book wasn’t just a story—it was proof that I could take my passion and turn it into something real. Since then, I’ve poured my heart into building Akaria, a world brimming with magic, danger, and love, where characters fight to defy the odds and claim their destinies.
Why Fantasy?
Fantasy is more than a genre to me—it’s a way to explore truths about who we are and what we’re capable of. It’s in these imagined realms, where dragons soar and heroes rise, that I’ve found the courage to dream boldly and confront the impossible. Through my books, I hope to transport readers to worlds that challenge and inspire them, just as the stories I love have done for me.
Whether it’s a slow-burn romance that keeps you guessing, a monstrous challenge that tests the limits of courage, or a character who shows you what it means to stand tall in the face of fear—I want my stories to stay with you long after the final page.
Featured Books
From My Desk to You
Every story I write is a piece of me, shaped by the worlds I’ve lived in and the ones I’ve dreamed up. It’s my greatest hope that my books resonate with you—that they make you feel something, whether it’s wonder, excitement, or even the tiniest spark of courage to chase your own dreams.
When I’m not writing or imagining new adventures, I can often be found with my husband in Kansas City, surrounded by books or setting up intricate campaigns as a Dungeon Master. (Fantasy board games are a close second to my love of storytelling!)
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to share more of Akaria with you.
Connect with JoAnna!
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