Picture a storyteller who weaves scrapbooking into suspenseful mysteries, crafting tales that hook you from page one—meet Joanna Campbell Slan! A national bestselling author, Slan has carved a niche in cozy mysteries with her beloved Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery series, blending crafts, humor, and heart. Her versatile pen also explores historical fiction, making her a standout in the literary world.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised in a small Indiana town, Slan’s journey from journalist to award-winning novelist is as colorful as her stories. With a knack for turning life’s quirks into compelling narratives, she’s earned accolades like the Daphne du Maurier Award and a loyal fanbase eager for her next plot twist.
The Making of Joanna Campbell Slan
Joanna Campbell Slan’s storytelling roots trace back to her Indiana upbringing, where small-town life sparked her imagination. After earning a journalism degree from Ball State University, she dove into a whirlwind career—newspaper reporter, TV talk show host, and motivational speaker, once named among the world’s top 25 by Sharing Ideas Magazine. Her passion for scrapbooking, honed through teaching and writing, inspired her leap into fiction. In 2008, she introduced Kiki Lowenstein, a scrapbooking sleuth, blending her craft expertise with her love for mysteries.
Joanna Campbell Slan’s Unforgettable Stories
Slan’s Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery series, starting with the Agatha Award-nominated Paper, Scissors, Death (2008), follows Kiki, a single mom in St. Louis solving murders with wit and creativity. The series, now spanning 17 novels, weaves scrapbooking tips into cozy mysteries, delighting crafters and crime fans alike. Cut, Crop & Die (2009) amps up the stakes when a tainted scone triggers a murder at Kiki’s workplace, showcasing Slan’s knack for quirky plots.
Beyond Kiki, Slan’s Death of a Schoolgirl (2012), the first in The Jane Eyre Chronicles, reimagines Jane Eyre as an amateur detective, earning the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award for historical suspense. Her non-fiction, like Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience, reflects her storytelling expertise, praised by figures like Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter. Slan’s style—warm, relatable, and peppered with humor—makes her books feel like chats with a clever friend.
With 48 books, including short stories and crafting guides, Slan’s versatility shines. Her short story collections, like The Further Adventures of Kiki Lowenstein, offer bite-sized mysteries, while her scrapbooking books, such as Scrapbook Storytelling, inspire creativity. Her narratives often explore resilience, friendship, and family, resonating with readers seeking uplifting tales.
Why Joanna Campbell Slan Matters
Joanna Campbell Slan’s impact lies in her ability to blend niche hobbies with universal themes, making cozy mysteries accessible and fun. Her Kiki Lowenstein series has built a community of readers who love crafts and clever whodunits, while her historical fiction broadens her reach. By founding the Best of British Scrapbooking contest and contributing to Chicken Soup for the Soul, Slan has left a mark on both crafting and storytelling. Her awards and bestseller status cement her as a cozy mystery star, inspiring aspiring writers to embrace their passions.
About Joanna Campbell Slan
- Born: Jacksonville, Florida, raised in Indiana
- Key Works: Paper, Scissors, Death, Death of a Schoolgirl, Cut, Crop & Die
- Awards: 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award, Agatha Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Named one of the top 25 motivational speakers worldwide
Snag Paper, Scissors, Death and dive into Joanna Campbell Slan’s cozy, crafty mysteries—your next favorite read awaits!