Interview with Mystery Writer JoAnn Arnold

JoAnn Arnold lives in Santa Clara, Utah, with her husband, Brent. The Buckskin trail is her sixth book. Miracles for Michael, Journey of the Promise, Pages from the Past, The Silent Patriots, and her first fantasy, Prince Etcheon and the Secret of the Ancient, have taken her on some amazing imaginative journeys. The Buckskin Trail is no exception. Writing it invited her into yet another realm, one that charts a higher path. JoAnn is also an artist, a family history sleuth and Assistant to the Matron in the St. George Temple while Brent serves in the Presidency. JoAnn and Brent are the parents of four amazing sons and the grandparents to fifteen delightful grandchildren. 

Welcome to my blog, JoAnn. Please tell us about your new book, The buckskin Trail.

A miracle saved Kelzi's life when she was a child.  Now it's her turn to save others. When Kelzi discovers the truth about her parents deaths, she steps onto a dangerous path, one where she much avenge those who have died while protecting the land of her Cherokee people . . . at any cost. Now, unlocking the past, is the only way to save her people.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

That's an interesting question. I'm not sure when inspiration stepped in. It seems that an idea comes then inspiration simply follows. I rely on my characters to help deliver the development of the story, itself.

I know what you mean. Sometimes the characters begin to take a shape that an author didn’t see before. What kind of research did you do for this book?

Once I decided that Kelzi was part Cherokee and part Irish, I decided to study the Cherokee people and their past. I found some amazing information in my research and I let it add truth to fiction.

Tell me about the main character and what you love about her?

Kelzi is a very intelligent child and though her past has been tragic, she lets herself become a student of learning. She has the faith and the courage to do all she has to do as she learns the truth. She is blessed with the wisdom of Shannon, an old mountain man, who is more than he seems, at first. I might add, she also has a stubborn streak that proves to add to her strength.

Where can my readers find you online?

Amazon, Facebook, LDS Storymakers, and My web sights at authorjoann.blogspot.com, joannarnold.com. 

Thank you, JoAnn, for this wonderful interview. I hope my followers will check this book out. This mystery is for both young adult and adult alike.