Monday, July 11, 2011

Interview with Christian Romance Author Joanne Troppello

Joanne Troppello writes inspirational fiction in the genres of romance, mystery and women’s fiction. She is a freelance writer/marketing consultant, located in Pennsylvania. Currently, she has two books published; Shadowed Remembrances is a mystery novel and Mr. Shipley's Governess is a romance novel. Joanne enjoys reading, writing and spending time with her family.

If you love Jane Austin, then you'll love this.”

Hello Joanne! Please tell us about your new book, Mr. Shipley's Governess.

Sophie Baird is looking for a way to escape the painful reality of her parents' deaths. Unable to live in their home any longer, she takes a job as a live-in tutor to Anastasia Shipley to remove herself from her painful memories and the feeling that God has abandoned her.

Anastasia has an illness that has prevented her from ever attending school and makes her father, Sebastian, over protective. When Sophie first meets Sebastian, she cannot deny the intense attraction she feels toward him. When an unexpected romance begins between them, she starts to rebuild her relationship with God, with the help of a certain little girl.

I love the plot to your story. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

I am a huge Jane Austen fan and love her classic romantic stories. I wanted to write a contemporary love story with a classic feel. 

I, too, am a Jane Austen fan and so are four of my six daughters. A Reviewer wrote, “This novel by Joanne Troppello, will have you enthralled throughout with its delightful characters and combination of humour and heart stopping moments. If you love Jane Austin, then you'll love this.” Why is your book compared to Jane Austen books?

Since Jane Austen is my inspiration for this book, I tried to set the tone of the novel to mirror the classic feel of her stories. Like the characters Jane Austen created, the ones that spoke to me most are Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley from Emma. My characters are witty and the storyline is true to life, yet sweetly romantic. I’ve had readers tell me they felt like they were reading a book from the Regency period, but also knew it was a contemporary story; so I guess I achieved my goal.

Ooooh! I loved Mr. Knightley. He was awesome. Your first book was a mystery/romance. Was it hard to switch from mystery to contemporary/romance? The plot lines are so different because of adding something mysterious.

There were adjustments I needed to make, but there were several years in between writing both books, that it was not too difficult to switch gears. I’m currently working on two manuscripts now, a women’s drama and a romantic suspense novel so I’ve had to switch gears again, but I actually enjoy diversified writing.

I know what you mean. I began with historical/romance and switched to mystery/adventure. For me it was quite a change, though, because I had written 5 romances in a row. Then I turned to mystery as soon as I finished my last romance. It was an interesting change for me. Okay, now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Ever since I was little, I’ve had a habit of making faces and being very expressive when I talk. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon, we walked through the lobby of our hotel and saw a display of the “many faces of Buddha.” There were different statutes with varying facial expressions. My husband stopped and laughed. He said that they should have “the many faces of Joanne” instead. We chuckled and that little incident made it into my current manuscript, Island Honeymoon. 

How fun! I love it. Now we know all the many faces of Novelist Joanne Troppello! You sound like a fun person to be around.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Linda,
So glad to be here with you today. Had a great time chatting. Always nice to meet another Jane Austen fan! :-)

Carol Ann said...

What fun to learn about your "many faces". Sounds like your hubby has a great sense of humor. Your plot sound intriguing...imagine a Jane Austin type contemporary book!

Anonymous said...

Carol Ann, thanks for stopping by. Yes, my husband definitely has his funny moments. ;-) Glad you find my plot intriguing.

Cheryl said...

Wonderful interview ladies. I've been eyeing this book and would love to win a copy.

Thanks.

Cheryl
cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com

Judy said...

I really enjoyed your post. I am also a fan of Jane Austen, I have read everyone of her books several times:)

Your book sounds so good.

Judy
magnolias_1[at]msn[dot]com

Literary Chanteuse said...

This sounds like a great story1 the Jane Austen feeling to it really appeals to me. I would love to read this!

Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com

Shawna said...

I would love to read anyone being compared to a modern Jane Austen. I'd love to join the giveaway! anmlvrami at yahoo dot com

Gail Pallotta said...

Hi Joanne and Linda,
What an interesting interview. Joanne, your book does sound like a Jane Austen book. And, I'd love to see your faces. Best wishes for success with your writing. It sounds as though I'd love your books.

Anonymous said...

Thank you ladies for stopping by and for your encouraging words. :-)

Bookworm Lisa said...

I love Jane Austen's books and contemporary books that capture the whit in her stories. I would be thrilled to read it.

ke7yca at gmail dot com

The Crazy Cat Lady said...

Hi Linda and Joanne! Great interview ~ I love Jane Austen as well. Have you read Lady Susan yet? I have a huge book with all her collections in it, and when I'm finished reading it (yet again) I'm always a little sad that she didn't write more.
*sigh*

amanda38401 at gmail dot com
Amanda Stephan

Anonymous said...

Just started reading Lady Susan. Downloaded all of her works (for free) onto my Kindle. Agree, Amanda...wish she had written more, but love all of her work - favs are Emma and Sense & Sensibility.

Amanda Washington said...

I love Jane Austen. One of my friends - Jenni James - is writing Jane Austen books for teens.

Steve Miller said...

Great interview. I love to hear about fellow author's experiences and inspirations.

Sounds like a great read! Put my name in the pot!

jstevemiller@gmail.com
Author of "Sell More Books: Book Marketing and Publishing for Low Profile and Debut Authors"
http://wisdomcreekpress.com/press_kits_sell_more_books.html

Katherine said...

I love Jane Austen's books! I would love to win the book, Thanks!

katsaddress AT gmail DOT com

Janet Perez Eckles said...

Joanne Troppello’s journey as a writer and a mom of six daughters impressed me enough to check out her novel. The fact they’re witty and “sweetly romantic” tickle my curiosity and will have to check it out for sure!

Janet Perez Eckles

Mozi Esme said...

Looks like an interesting book!

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

Nothing But Books said...

Congratulations on your many endeavors

anaavu said...

Huge fan of Austen's books and would love to win a copy.
Thanks!
anaavu@gmail.com

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

well, Joanne, i'm delited to find another JA inspired novel to devour! your writing will be gratefully appreciated by this kindred spirit for sure ") and wishing you many more such productive pursuits...
several JA reading challenges listed at faith Hope & Cherrytea if you're interested~
i would luv to add your title as another spin off to count toward my total!
CHEERS! from another new fan...

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations, Kat! You're the winner of Mr. Shipley's Governess. I know you'll enjoy this book. Thanks, everyone, for your comments. Each week I have a new contest to enter, so please return and have fun reading about a new author.

JD Holiday said...

Hi Linda and Joanne,

I love Jane Austen! Joanne, your books sounds like my line of read! Thanks, Ladies!

Jan