Meet the Author: Vanessa Joye
This week in our ongoing "Meet the Author" series, we spoke with Vanessa Joye, author of 30 Days to Happiness: Remembering God's Promises.
Vanessa Joye was born in NY and raised in the Bronx. She worked for the Department of Education in New York City for over twenty years. As a teacher and assistant principal, she encouraged and inspired the children and teachers she worked with. Vanessa considers her faith and family to be the most important.
Describe your book, 30 Days to Happiness.
This book is a testimony about my life experiences. I tell how the Lord helped and encouraged me to look ahead during my trials and tribulations. In 30 Days to Happiness, I inspire my readers to press forward by using affirmations and prayer.
What inspired you to write this book?
I started writing this book in my head. As someone who was very private and sometimes shy, I felt the Lord telling me to stop hiding and share my experiences with others. As I began writing, I felt encouraged and wanted to help others who may have felt that terrible things only happened to them.
Tell us a little about the book writing process.
This book took me seven years to complete. I kept picking it up and putting it down. One night I was so down on myself. I cried and asked the Lord what I have to contribute to the kingdom. I asked the Lord to put the fire back in my belly. He reminded me of all the things I wanted to do in my life. He reminded me about all the things that He placed in me. I was crying and laughing at the same time because I remembered them, too. I decided that day that I was going to finish this book. On July 14, 2022, I published my first book.
What do you do for fun when you're not writing?
One of my favorite things to do is hang out with my grandson, Nasir. He is four years old and lives in Georgia with his mother. I love hosting parties at home with my family and friends in attendance. And lastly, I love horseback riding. I ride every week which is so relaxing. Riding for me is like therapy.
What's the next project you're working on?
My next big project is to open an etiquette school and writing an etiquette book for children.
What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
The advice I would give an aspiring author is to keep at it. I would tell them that it can be a long journey, but the finished work will make you feel so accomplished and proud of yourself.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Living for What Really Matters by Teresa Swanstrom Anderson.
Tell us about one of your favorite books or a book that changed your life:
Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield. This was one of the first books that I read. It was a book of poems. I was drawn to this book because I saw people that looked like me and they were doing the things that I loved doing. I was able to relate to this book at a young age.
Do you have a favorite quote from a book?
My favorite scripture in the Bible is Matthew 6:33 NIV: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Who are some of your favorite authors?
TD Jakes, Joyce Meyer, and James Patterson
If you enjoyed this interview and would like to learn more about Vanessa Joye and her work, you can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Her book, 30 Days to Happiness: Remembering God's Promises, is currently available online and in store.