Author Archives: Joanne Guidoccio

About Joanne Guidoccio

In 2008, Joanne retired from a 31-year teaching career and launched a second act that tapped into her creative side. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews were published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America, Joanne writes paranormal romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.

Just Let It Be

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Joanne Guidoccio

December can be stressful. Even more so this year as we navigate the increasingly uncertain terrain of Covid. Whenever I feel discouraged or overwhelmed, I take time to read and reflect upon the following Zen parable: Buddha was walking from … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Soul Mate Publishing, What's Up With Joanne! | 6 Comments

What Will You Do When Your Characters Misbehave?

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Joanne Guidoccio

When I first heard this question at a creative writing workshop, I was tempted to say that I intended to firmly hold onto the reins. A neophyte with no literary credits to my name, I couldn’t imagine characters actually misbehaving … Continue reading →

Posted in Soul Mate Publishing, What's Up With Joanne!, Writing | 2 Comments

On Exploring Creativity

Posted on August 18, 2021 by Joanne Guidoccio

It is never too late to explore creativity and launch second, third, and fourth acts in life. Here are three strategies that have helped me on my writing journey: Listen to the God (or Goddess) nudges in your life. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Soul Mate Publishing, What's Up With Joanne!, Writing | 7 Comments

Buzzwords and Dating Trends of 2021

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Joanne Guidoccio

I was surprised and a bit disappointed to discover that I was unfamiliar with the latest dating lexicon. In a recent interview on Cityline, celebrity matchmaker Carmelia Ray shared the following buzzwords and dating trends of 2021: Sneating Going on … Continue reading →

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Eleven More Second Acts

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Joanne Guidoccio

I started the Second Acts series on my blog in July of 2013. Since that time, over 100 women have shared reinvention stories that have inspired anyone asking the question: What am I going to do with the rest of … Continue reading →

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Laugh Out Loud!

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Joanne Guidoccio

Today is International Moment of Laughter Day, a day set aside to remind us to laugh out loud each day. According to originator Izzy Gesell, “Laughter comes right after breathing as just about the healthiest thing you can do. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Soul Mate Publishing, What's Up With Joanne! | 8 Comments

In Praise of Crossword Puzzles

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Joanne Guidoccio

For many people, the crossword is a daily ritual. Some consider the puzzle an essential component of their mornings, treating it like a vitamin for the brain. Others think of the puzzle as a quick escape from the day’s demands. … Continue reading →

Posted in Soul Mate Publishing, What's Up With Joanne! | Tagged | 15 Comments

Loving My Chatty Matty Coffee

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Joanne Guidoccio

“Light and mellow…nutty with a caramel finish.” This delightful blend of lightly roasted and dark roasted beans is one of many options at Planet Bean, a Guelph roastery that carries certified fair trade and organic gourmet coffees. Like many Guelphites, … Continue reading →

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The Four Tendencies for Writers

Posted on December 13, 2020 by Joanne Guidoccio

Earlier this month, I participated in a WFWA (Women’s Fiction Writers Association) webinar with writer Brigitte Russell. An educator, Brigitte has a Ph.D. in history and has taught at both K-12 and post-secondary levels. In her work for the New … Continue reading →

Posted in What's Up With Joanne!, Women's Fiction, Writing | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

10 Quotable Quotes from No More Secrets

Posted on November 1, 2020 by Joanne Guidoccio

Whenever I pick up a new book—fiction or nonfiction—I like to pause and note any passages that trigger aha moments. In earlier times (pre-computer), I would copy those pearls of wisdom into an “Inspirational Quotations” file. I still have that … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, What's Up With Joanne!, Women's Fiction | Tagged , | 7 Comments