keep it 100: here's joann!

100 words with New York author Joann Smith

Joann Smith is a Bronx-based author and writing instructor. She’s published two books and is currently working on a new collection of short stories.

Joann’s interest in Celtic history led to her first book, When I Was Boudicca, a historical novel set in the Roman Empire. In her most recent book, A Heaven of Their Choosing, she explores the complexities and messiness of faith, marriage, illness, and grief. “It's been a long haul,” she says. “I was 64 when it was published and had been through two bouts of cancer.”

Joann has taught writing at several colleges in New York and served as director of the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Her work has been anthologized and selected as notable stories of the year by Best American Short Stories. 

In this month’s interview, Joann tells us how a dogwalker inspired her writing and about her bestie—a Westie!

Welcome to the mashup’s micro-interview! Answers can be any length, but the total word count—including my 8 questions—can’t exceed 100 words.

10-word Bio

I’m a writer, walker, swimmer, dog lover, lifelong New Yorker.

Favorites    

writing spot: my desk or anywhere outside

historical era: Arthurian

recipe: rice and beans

What inspires your stories?

People. They fascinate me; I’m always watching and listening.

Current project:

Linked collection with a dogwalker at the center who observes things he wishes he didn’t in the short time it takes to pick up and drop off his dogs in his clients’ apartments.

Got Pets?

Rudy! A West Highland Terrier.

Early bird or night owl?

I wish I were more exciting, but I’m a late morning, afternoon person.