Meet The Rogues — Joynell Schultz

Author Joynell Schultz

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a veterinary pharmacist by trade, but currently, help out at my family’s wildlife sanctuary/zoo as well as write. I couldn’t pick which I enjoy more, so I do both! My life gets quite busy when you add in two teenagers and a self-employed husband as well. Someday, I dream of doing nothing but traveling and enjoying sunsets around the world.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I loved writing since as early as I can remember and kept every single story I ever wrote. Despite this passion, I went to college for a “reliable profession.” (Can you hear my father’s voice?) I have no regrets. Pharmacy paid the bills and got my family to a point where I didn’t need to work for someone else anymore and could focus on doing what I love.

Have events or people in your life ever inspired scenes or characters in any of your books?

YES! Absolutely! Whenever family reads my stories, they laugh at all the odd things they know are true. For instance, in my book “Validated by Valentine’s”, the cat in that story was supposedly found inside an actual Bear Den. The story sounds so far fetched, but that’s how we got our 1-year-old kitty at home (Her name is Bear, BTW.)

What makes your book different from others in its genre?

All my books are quite different from what else is out there. My characters all have a challenge to overcome that makes them grow. They are all innately good–even the villains. I like to restore hope in the human race. Also, many (but not all) of my books have a bit of sweet/clean romance mixed in with the speculative fiction.

What’s something you had to edit out of your last book? 

Ahh, yes. I cut the entire last chapter of “Validated by Valentine’s.” I had a marriage proposal, but my beta readers said that chapter wasn’t necessary. (In fact, one of my beta readers didn’t even read the last chapter because she thought the whole thing was wrapped up!) No worries to my readers though, that cut last chapter will be the first chapter of the next book in the series.

Who designed your book cover?

I use a handful of cover designers, and even do some myself. My trouble is that I find an artist I love, but either they are booked out too far, or because I genre hop, they don’t specialize in the genre I’m currently writing. I use Covers by Christian, Fantasy Book Designs, and Cover Affairs if I’m not doing my own covers. (I do my own ones for my cartoon/cozy mystery covers.)

How did you find your editor?

I’m struggling with this! Do you know a good editor that can move fast, follow through on deadlines, and don’t cost a fortune? Oh, yeah, they have to also offer a good product. I always use a content editor/beta reader, but I haven’t been consistent lately due to my writing speed and content editors not being able to keep up and meet deadlines. I do have a wonderful fan who proofreads all my books for free–who has been the most reliable of everyone.

Do you have a day job, or are you a full-time writer? What is your day job? Has it helped your writing?

Yes, I have a day job, though I don’t typically work full-time. I help out by managing our family wildlife sanctuary/zoo. The animals and zoo visitors provide me with a lot of inspiration I use in my writing. As much as the introvert in me wants to stay home and write all day, outside inspiration is crucial for new material. (And sanity.)

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Just write that first draft. Keep putting words down on paper until the first version is done. Many new writers focus on re-editing what they’ve already written, causing them to get stuck and not move forward. I’ve written about twenty novels and I promise, each one gets easier to write.

✨Stalk Joynell✨

Website: http://joynellschultz.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/joynelljschultz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joynellj
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joynell-schultz
BookSprout: https://booksprout.co/author/4690/joynell-schultz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joynellj

Blurb

There’s not enough peppermint schnapps in the world to save me from what’s coming.

In less than a year, my brother and I will freeze to death, unless we starve first. Experts have created biodomes, built tunnels, and rationed food and fuel to make the end more tolerable, for a bit. 

When Lon of planet Luxon contacts me, claiming he has the key to our survival, I have to listen. He’ll help humans survive the ice age, but at the ultimate cost—I must agree to leave my brother, my friends, and the entire planet I call home to travel across the galaxy with him. 

Can I trust him? 

What are his actual plans with me? 

And do I even have a choice?

Connecting is just 1 of 25 stories awaiting you inside Rogue Skies!

Pre-order today for just .99!