Author Joan Ramirez joins me Around The Fire.

​Wowza! It’s the end of February already. The weather in Northern Florida has been outstanding. Mostly sunny and warm. After all those winters in New Jersey, I am so blessed to enjoy it in the warmer climate. We’ve been surrounded by fantastic people though several are heading home this week. We’re going to miss Michelle and John, and Bill.

Sharing meals has become an event around here. The latest was Taco Friday we hosted. A group of other campers brought sides and we sat around the campfire until late talking about everything. Bill has been treating us to some of his mother-in-law’s recipes. Michelle made a breakfast casserole one morning and John? Well he eats. Sunday we made those three good-by Taylor, egg, and cheese sandwiches. Yep, we found “Taylor” ham in  Tallahassee at a Publix. We’re all making plans for next winter. It's a wonderful aspect of camping. The people, no matter where they come from unite to become the camp.

Oh, I almost forgot. Check my social media pages tomorrow for a link to an Op-Ed I wrote for Blue Magazine. The links are in the sidebar.
Now on to today’s guest at Around The Fire. Please help me welcome Joan Ramirez back to the fire

Hi Joan. I’m going to pour some tea while you introduce yourself. If you would please tell our visitors who you are
I’m an ESL teacher, photojournalist, entrepreneurial trainer, and now, historical author.
 
You have a pretty diverse list there and sound quite busy. But in your downtime from work, how do you like to spend your time?
I love doing ballet, yoga, horseback riding, and travel --though not for the last 2 years due to COVID.
 
Do you have a support system?
I’m blessed with great friends in my support system.
 
When you’re not writing, what do you like to read?
I love to read historical suspense and WWII European theater history.
 
As a student of history, what do you think should be taught more about in schools?
MORE should be taught about the Holocaust in school--all grade levels.
 
Such a terrible time in history. I agree. When we don’t talk and study about the darker side of history, it can become forgotten and, as a people, repeat it. Joan, what was the hardest scene you ever wrote?
My hardest scene to write in this book was when the little girl disappeared. It ripped my heroine to shreds with worry.
 
How about we go a little on the lighter side? What is your favorite mug?
My favorite coffee mug: Keep Calm and Keep Going.
 
Let’s pretend time-travel is possible. Where and when would you go?
If I could time travel, I’d go on a pirate ship. I love that period in time.
 
Avast ye landlubbers. I love International Talk Like a Pirate Day. This year it’s on Monday, September 19. Mark your calendars. Have you ever won anything?
I won a beautiful scarf for winning a writing contest from Japan.
 
Last question. What’s the best money you’ve spent as a writer?
Investing in a p/c upgrade was a wise decision.
 
Joan, thank you so much for joining me at the fire today. Before you leave, can you tell us about your book and where to find out more about it and you?
 

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Secret Desires
by
J.L. Regen
Per the author, this story is tender and spicy. 
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Nothing in Margo Simmons’s life comes easy. She can’t claim the inheritance on a condo apartment her uncle has left to her until she is gainfully employed in a job for a year. She meets the man of her dreams but anguishes over a loving relationship because he is still emotionally tied to his deceased wife. With great difficulty, she becomes the guardian to a recently orphaned child she had been tutoring.   Margo evolves from an insecure, newbie elementary teacher into a woman determined to fulfill the secret desires locked in her heart. My story speaks to anyone who has suffered a loss and had to start over.
 
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https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Desires-J-L-Regen/dp/099840991X/
 
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secret-desires-j-l-regen/1125516296?ean=2940165390814


Read more about Joan who also writes as J L Regen
JL lives in the New York metropolitan area, is a published photojournalist, has short suspense stories online, and has taught special education and English as a Second Language to students around the globe. This is her first contemporary romance. She has also published three nonfiction books.

JLR holds a Master of Science in Business, Medical, and Technical Journalism as well as two others in ESL and Education. She has published on a variety of topics from cochlear implants to the economy and has conducted workshops –domestic and foreign–on the nuances of business communications for managers and start-up companies. She is the leader of her own enterprise with training programs for entrepreneurs–all levels and recently published two books–Jamie is Autistic: Learning in a Special Way and Go for It Leadership Handbook for All Students.

https://www.joansbookshelf.com/
Blog at https://writerjr1044.wordpress.com/
https://facebook.com/joanramirez.98031

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