About
Joy H. is a Tennessee author who loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to Christian folk music, and staying up late to read a good story. You can also find her watching Doctor Who.
Joy H. is inspired by the idea that a good book can pack a punch of faith, reality, beauty, and emotion, giving audiences a chance to learn more about the nearness of God and go on an adventure in the process. Joy H.’s favorite authors include C.S. Lewis, Lois Lowry, Grace McCready, Nancy Rue, and Harper Lee. You’ll also find the titles Lord of the Rings, Tuck Everlasting, Paperboy, and Anne of Green Gables on her shelves.
The goal of Joy H. Books is to celebrate the glory and love of God through stories that connect with the emotions and imaginations of readers. Hopefully, you’ll find an adventure that connects with you in one of the books. If not, I’m glad you at least gave it a try! 😉
At the end of the day, hopefully stories of all kinds from all sorts of authors will inspire you to look closer at God and ask questions about faith. Exploring the path of Christ is the greatest adventure any of us can take!
I won’t turn down a ride in the Tardis, though.
Some (fun) FAQs
Q. Why are there yellow flowers everywhere on your website/logos?
A. You might notice yellow roses on my website, and that's from my first book, The Drive! In the story, the people of Fairfax planted yellow roses for their loved ones who were away during the war. They symbolize forever-friendship, and the promise of one day coming home, themes that point to every person's desire for Heaven and a relationship with Jesus. And I think yellow roses look hopeful! :)
Q. Are there any hidden riddles or meanings in your books?
A. Yes! Sometimes, I give certain characters names that have special meanings or places and events that are anologies for something else. There's one hidden riddle in particular--it's Latibule's final home address in The Drive. Can you figure it out?
Q. Do you plan to write more books?
A. Yes! I have a few drafts begun for books in different genres. I'm close to finishing a summer roadtrip/outerspace adventure book, which has been fun to write. I also have an ideas for other books. We'll see if that goes anywhere! :)
Q. How do you publish your books?
A. I self-publish my books, which means I often use Amazon or Barnes & Noble to physically print the books. I also copyright them through the Library of Congress, which is a (surprisingly!) easy process online that makes your book officially yours.
Q. What's your favorite The Chronicles of Narnia book?
A. That's a hard question! It used to be The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, which I still love because it's filled with adventure, sunshine-y far-off places, and some really cool quotes from Aslan. I think I'd have to say that Prince Caspian is my favorite now, however. I love how Lucy learns to trust Aslan, even when she can't see Him. I also love that period in Narnian history! :)
Q. Do you have any advice for writers?
A. My favorite advice that I've read or been given is to write what you know. I think that means not only do really good research to make your stories pop, but also to really try to write from your heart. I think God gives us each personal stories to tell, and it's a fun and sometimes difficult process to find those stories. And they don't often sell well or become famous! But I think it's important to share those stories from others, and also to invite God to be a part of your writing journey. He, after all, is the best storyteller! :)
(And, of course, also read. Read lots and lots).