About Joyce

After hearing countless extraordinary stories as a social worker and mental health professional, Joyce retired and writes her own made-up tales. She laughed when her husband suggested she write a book. What did she know about writing? But in hindsight, she’d been writing short pieces and journaling since she could remember. A year later, she finished her first romance. That book, Amaryllis, became a 2015 RWA Hearts through History winner.

A second romance followed, but her love of mystery beckoned. Guided by the principle write what you love, she combined both elements in the Cady Delafield series, set in the late 1800’s. In the end, mystery surpassed her love of romance. When fellow writer and good friend Brenda Whiteside suggested collaborating on a cozy mystery based on two sisters who celebrate their birthdays each year at a historic inn, she was hooked. Soon after the Chocolate Martini Sisters appeared in the form of two lively, determined women who pursue their sleuthing passion despite all odds and who exercise brains over brawn to solve the caper.

Her love of books began as a child in Minnesota. To this day, the public library is still one of her favorite places. Books clutter her coffee table and night stand while her digital library continues to g fantasy and thrillers, but by far, mystery is her greatest pursuit. Trixie Belden, girl sleuth, gets credit for starting Joyce on the road to mystery series.

When Joyce isn’t reading or writing, she likes to swim, walk and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. School and job changes prompted moves to Illinois, Wisconsin, Oregon and Nevada. Not wishing to ignore the South, she has wintered often in Florida. She is forever grateful to her smart, funny husband. Bright and spirited daughter, Kate, adds endless joy to her life. When not traveling, Joyce can be found at her own little house on the prairie. Oh, and she can’t forget Nellie, her little dog with a big attitude and barker extraordinaire. Life is great.