Interview with Joan Y. Edwards, Author of Joan’s Elder Care Guide Published by 4RV Publishing

 

I am so happy for my friend Joan Y. Edwards. Not only did she help me in my own road to publication, but her first traditionally published book has just hit the market. I cannot wait to read it myself, and will be putting a review out just as soon as I can.

But today I want to interview Joan, and share some of her good tips on writing and her path to publication of Joan’s Elder Care Guide. Joan is the kind of person who always makes you feel encouraged, so I hope this interview will inspire you, whether you are a writer, a caregiver, a nurse, or just happened to stumble upon my blog.

 

1)      Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I taught elementary school for 35 years. I love seeing the light bulb light up when children learn new things.

2)      What led you to write Joan’s Elder Care Guide?

While taking care of Mother, I learned that I needed to leave detailed plans for her care. When I left detailed plans with Mother’s schedule and telling what she could and couldn’t do, certified nursing assistants from home health care agencies told me that they wished other people would leave the schedule and plans, too. That’s when I thought, “Perhaps I should write a book to share what worked for me in an effort to help others caring for their elders.”

3)  How long did it take you to write this book from first idea to finished product?

It took me two years to write this book. I started writing the book in October 2008. I completed the manuscript and proposal in 2010. I submitted it to several publishers.

 I signed a contract with 4RV Publishing on April 9, 2011. 4RV Publishing sent the manuscript to the printer, Ingram’s Lightning Source on April 15, 2016. Five years and one week from the date I signed the contract.

The editing process took from August, 2013 until April 15, 2016…two and a half years. I had two different editors. The editing process was a very humbling experience.

 I appreciate 4RV Publishing’s staff for believing in me and helping me make Joan’s Elder Care Guide a reality.

4)  What was your most difficult thing to tackle writing the book?

It was difficult to put things in strict categories. Things seemed to overlap.

 

5)  What part did you enjoy writing the most?

I enjoyed discovering different ways for caregivers to meet their needs and those of their elders. It made me feel helpful to share things that worked for me. It was fun researching other ideas that might make things easier for caregivers and elders.

 

6)  Do you have any advice for those who want to traditionally publish their first book? Keep on submitting to publishers that you respect who publish the genre you’ve written. Study the craft of writing. Believe in yourself and your writing. Never Give Up.

(My Note: That is clever that you say Never Give Up as that is the title of one of your blogs!)

7)  As a middle aged grandmother who has two elderly parents herself, I ask what would you say would be the topmost priority in being a successful caregiver?

To be a successful caregiver, take care of your needs. Plan time away from care-giving duties. Use family and friends or pay a professional so you can take time away. It’s vitally important.

 

8) What is your happiest memory from your care-giving experience with your mother?

I enjoyed taking Mother to her favorite restaurant to meet up with her friends. She was used to going every day. I didn’t do that but I made it a priority to take her as many times as I could. I especially enjoyed the times that Mother, my husband, and I spent with my daughters and their families at the beach.

9) Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

Sometimes you may not know the right questions to ask. When you have questions, keep asking until you get an answer.

 

10) How can people obtain your book and/or contact you?

Information is given below on purchase information, the story of the artist’s cover and Joan’s other works and blogs.

Thank you Joan, for being a guest today on my blog and allowing me the privilege of interviewing you today and best wishes with the sales of Joan’s Elder Care Guide.

 History of the Cover, designed by Aidana WillowRaven and her review

http://aidana.willowravenblog.com/2016/04/joans-elder-care-guide-cover-art-and.html

Review: Author appreciates all reviews.

 

Official Video Trailer for Joan’s Elder Care Guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvMauKAqqQ4

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 Joan’s Elder Care Guide: 

PURCHASE ONLINE NOW

Prices are subject to change by the vendors.

• 4RV Publishing Paperback $15.99 includes shipping within the USA http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/joan-y-edwards.php
• 4RV Publishing Hardback $19.99 includes shipping within the USA http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/joan-y-edwards.php
• Amazon Paperback $16.99: http://www.amazon.com/Joans-Elder-Care-Guide-Empowering/dp/1940310393/
• Amazon Hardback: $20.99: http://www.amazon.com/Joans-Elder-Care-Guide-Empowering/dp/1940310407/
• Barnes and Noble Paperback $13.14 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joans-elder-care-guide-joan-y-edwards/1123707963?ean=9781940310398
• Barnes and Noble Hardback $16.24 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joans-elder-care-guide-joan-y-edwards/1123707963?ean=9781940310404

People can email me at joanyedwards1@gmail.com.

Joan Y. Edwards is an author, illustrator, and retired teacher in North Carolina. Joan’s Elder Care Guide: Empowering You and Your Elder to Survive is published by 4RV Publishing. She wrote and illustrated picture book, Flip Flap Floodle, and self-published it with BookSurge in 2004. She is currently working on illustrations for her chapter book, Larry, the Terrifying Turkey.

Her Never Give Up blog, http://www.joanyedwards.wordpress.com has over 340,000 views and 350 subscribers. She encourages writers, illustrators, and others to never to give up. Her website, http://www.joanyedwards.com has a multitude of Gospel-based devotionals, puzzles, and skits.

Joan is a member of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Her article, “Find Your Creative Edge,” appeared in the July-August 2011 SCBWI Bulletin.

Edwards thrives on spending time with her family and friends. She presents interactive writing and motivational talks and workshops for children and adults for schools, writing groups, and conferences. She reads humorous and self-help books. For inspiration and self-acceptance, she heeds the wise teachings of Robert Schuller, Joel Osteen, Maxwell Maltz, and Tony Robbins.

Facebook Page Joan Y. Edwards, Author https://www.facebook.com/Joan-Y-Edwards-Author-111310278911077/

Twitter @joanyedwards