Joanna Campbell Slan

Although I was born in Jacksonville, Florida, I grew up on the banks of the Wabash River in Vincennes, Indiana. Since it was a tiny community, I could walk the thirteen blocks to our local library. I'd come back with arms full of books which I would start reading on my way home. (I wouldn't recommend that. I tripped a lot. I still have scars on my knees.)

My two favorites were A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Jane Eyre. Since my dad was an alcoholic, I needed assurance that I could escape my beginnings. These books saved my life and gave me hope.

Which is why I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to tell stories that could change people's lives. At the very least, I hoped what I wrote would help people through the dark times...just like Betty Smith and Charlotte Bronte helped me.

This fall I'm reaching a personal goal. Paper, Scissors, Death, the first book in my Kiki Lowenstein Scrapbooking Mystery series, will debut September, 2008, from Midnight Ink. (Of course, I have also written ten non-fiction books, but there's something REALLY special about fiction.)

I love writing. I mean, I actually enjoy the process. I have worn nine letters off my keyboard. No one in my family can use it but me. Next to writing and reading, my favorite things have always been animals and crafts. Growing up, my dog Lady was my best friend. I also spent many happy hours lost in the joy of making "stuff." Back then I was armed with scissors, crayons and paste. Now I have all sorts of wonderful scrapbook supplies. It's true, you know: You can never have too much paper!

I'm a happily married wife and a mother. My husband is David Slan, owner of Steinway Piano Gallery and a semi-pro poker player. Our son Michael is a senior in high school. We live outside of St. Louis with our two dogs, Victoria and Rafferty. You can always email me at joannaslan@aol.com. Just make sure the subject line says something like "visited your website."

View my frequently asked questions