Joi Copeland is a wife, home schooling mom, and Christian novelist. Hope for the Journey, the second book in her first women’s fiction series, releases on December 4. Joi’s first novella, Christmas Rayne, released earlier this month.


Joi, her husband, Chris, and their three sons, Garrison, Gage, and Gavin, make their home in Denver, Colorado.








What sparked your writing journey?


My journey started when I was young. I’d always wanted to be a writer. But officially, it started when my sister, brother-in-law, and husband sat me down and told me it was time for me to write a book. We’d just moved to Colorado, and I had plenty of time on my hands. A few days later, I woke up with an idea. Hope for Tomorrow was born!



Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?


Um, yes! I had just had my second son, and thought I was done having kids (naturally. I thought we’d adopt a third). When my second son was three and a half months old, and my hubby was due for a vasectomy, I discovered I was pregnant! Boy, did God have other plans for me. And now, I can’t imagine my life without my third son. He brings laughter into our family. : )



How does your faith play into your writing?


My faith is who I am. Without it, I am truly not complete. So to write without my faith would be close to impossible. I have Chrisitans in my books, and I have non-Christians, too. I don’t believe I am called to write to the unsaved, but the saved, to encourage and challenge people in their walks. Like what so many authors have done for me.



Let’s talk about your new book, Hope for the Journey (Comfort Publishing, December 2012). Please tell us about it.


It is really about forgiveness. Forgiveness in marriage, in relationships with family. I don’t want to give anything away. But one day, while I was walking a track while my boys were playing at a park, I was praying about my second novel. Granted, my first one hadn’t been finished yet, but still, I was praying about it, and I really felt like this subject was something I had to write about. Especially with Kayla and Brad.



Besides entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from it?


Marriages can be saved. Forgiveness can be had. Forgiveness isn’t for the person in need of it. It is truly for the person who needs to forgive. If we don’t, we become bitter and hard-hearted. It isn’t an easy process, but it certainly is vital.



A few fun questions…


When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?


Pizza. I love pizza! I love the crust, the toppings, mmmmmmm! Just everything about pizza is sooooo goooooodddd!



This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?


I wish. But alas, no. It is my husband who is the musical one in our family. The man can play any instrument and sing! Jealous!



If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?


A worship song because that is how I want to live my life. : )



In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?


Wow, Kathy. Honesty time, huh? Well, I guess I am the little girl trying to walk in high heels. For me, I am always trying to be more than who God created me to be. Grow up too fast. Not enjoy the moment where I am at right now. Always looking ahead.



I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.


Much to my family’s sadness, I am not an animal lover. Before we moved to Colorado, my hubby, boys and I had a desert tortoise, though. And I admit, I had a huge soft spot for Rufus! I loved that turtle! He escaped twice and I thought I’d cry each time. When we decided to move, we knew we couldn’t take him with us. The temperatures are just too cold here. So, we gave him to our friend and his family. I can’t believe I am going to say this, but I cried when he drove off with Rufus. It was like leaving a part of my family behind. He was a crazy turtle, too. Thought he was a dog and would come running toward you (well, as fast as a turtle can, anyway).



Thanks, Joi! It’s great to have you at DivineDetour.


And thank you, Kathy, for having me! What a blessing! : )


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For more information about Joi, visit her website at http://www.booksbyjoicopeland.blogspot.com/ or her author Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joi-Copelands-Book-Page/137905132951491.



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