Never underestimate the power of the creative mind, and some minds are definitely more creative than others. Joanna Vander Vlugt is one such creative force, an author, illustrator, podcaster, and the powerhouse behind SAM Magazine, where I was recently interviewed by Joanna for her January 2024 issue and an article about publishing. It’s a great issue, with 61 pages of interesting articles, photographs, and artwork. I urge you to check it out. [Authors helping authors. That’s what it’s all about.]
Joanna also offered to record PLAN D, one of my favorite short mystery stories (you can find it in The Best Laid Plans: 21 Stories of Mystery & Suspense) and what fun that was. You can listen to it here and I hope you enjoy the twist at the end. Little known fact: the idea for this story started while I was shovelling our 85′ double driveway for the third time in as many hours, while my hubby watched NFL Football on TV. To be fair to him, snow was my job, gardening was his. But a gal can get cranky after that much shovelling!
Joanna also writes the Jade & Sage Thyme series, published through her own imprint, Ozzie Imprint. The Unravelling, her debut thriller novel, was a Canadian Book Club Awards finalist as well as Dealer’s Child. Book 3, Spy Girls, comes out in March 2024. Here’s a bit about that:
A CIA action officer is released from prison. A Chief Justice is murdered, and the Law Society is scrutinizing Jade Thyme’s conduct. Jade’s life can’t get much worse until she is coerced into finding an elusive double agent. Tangled in lies and political agendas, high speed chases and sticky bombs, can Jade outplay a dangerous Hungarian assassin before her own life is terminated?
“Spy Girls is adrenaline-fueled, adventure packed with heart-pounding action, unexpected twists, and a riveting plot that keeps readers hooked from the first page. With lives hanging in the balance and loyalties questioned, trust in each other is the only way to survive. But even the strongest bonds can be tested when faced with external threats and personal demons.”—Joe Goldberg, author of the award-winning The Spy Devils thrillers
Women Empowered Jen
If that’s not enough to impress you, Joanna’s motorcycle illustrations have been purchased world-wide and her Woman Empowered motorcycle art series has been featured in on-line art and motorcycle magazines.
And now, here’s Joanna’s official bio:
JOANNA VANDER VLUGT is an author and illustrator. As a teenager, she drew charcoal portraits and wrote mysteries. Now, she uses Copic markers to illustrate motorcycles and scooters. Under the pseudonym J.C. Szasz, Joanna’s short mysteries Egyptian Queen, and The Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing were both published in Crime Writers of Canada mystery anthologies. Her essay, No Beatles Reunion was published in the Dropped Threads 3: Beyond the Small Circle anthology.
The Unravelling, her debut novel, and Dealer’s Child were Canadian Book Club Awards finalists. Joanna draws upon her 13 years’ experience working in the prosecutor’s office and 10 years working in the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner for inspiration for her novels. Joanna is proud of her podcast SAM Magazine and the many authors she has interviewed. Joanna’s novels, art and podcast can be found at joannavandervlugt.com. Also, her quarterly publication SAM Magazine, can be found at sam-magazine.com. Find Spy Girls at your favorite bookseller.
Judy, thank you for such a lovely post. As a kid, my mom used to say “what are you plotting now?” I was always thinking of stuff, Barbies, stories, drawing, colouring. Some times it’s hard to turn that creativity off. I’m sure you, and other writers can relate.
I remember when I first read Plan D, at the end, I sucked in my breath as it hit me. Thank you for featuring me.
My pleasure, Joanna!
Thanks for introducing me to this multi-talented woman.
Will be listening to the podcast and I’m looking forward to reading her works.
Thanks for checking it out Rose.
Thank you so much Rose. That means so much.
Have a good day. Stay warm. Our snow has turned into rain.
The photo standing on the motorcycle is priceless! What an amazing and fun person you are, Joanna. Thanks for this post, Judy.
Thanks Pamela, her art is very impressive!
Thank you Pamela. I think my mom was relieved that as a teenager I just wanted to draw and write. She didn’t have to worry about boyfriends with me at that time.
Love Joanna’s podcasts, books and illustrations. She is a woman of many talents.
that she is Carolanne!
Thank you Carolanne. I’m now working on a goat for a cartoon. It’s been suggested I make him more cartoonish. I like my goat being realistic. lol.