Picture an English storyteller who swapped corporate cubicles for global bestseller lists—meet Joanna Penn! Writing thrillers as J.F. Penn and non-fiction for aspiring authors, she’s a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who’s sold over a million books. Her website, TheCreativePenn.com, is a beacon for writers, blending craft advice with entrepreneurial zest.
Joanna’s journey is a tale of reinvention. From a soul-draining IT consulting career to a full-time author-entrepreneur, she’s now an award-winning podcaster and international speaker. Her light shines brightest in her ability to empower others, making her a creative force in both fiction and publishing.
The Making of Joanna Penn
Born in England, Joanna spent her early career as a business IT consultant, implementing financial systems across Europe and Asia Pacific. By 2005, trapped in a high-paying but unfulfilling job in Brisbane, Australia, she craved change. Inspired by self-help books like Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles, she wrote her first book, Career Change, to navigate her own path. This sparked her writing career, and by 2011, she left corporate life to become a full-time author-entrepreneur.
Her move to self-publishing coincided with the rise of Amazon’s Kindle, allowing her to reach global readers without traditional gatekeepers. Living in Bath, England, with her husband and two British Shorthair cats, Cashew and Noisette, Joanna’s love for travel and gin and tonics fuels her creative life.
Joanna Penn’s Unforgettable Stories
As J.F. Penn, Joanna crafts gripping thrillers blending supernatural mysteries with high-stakes adventure. Her ARKANE series, featuring ex-Israeli psychologist Morgan Sierra, is described as ‘Dan Brown meets Lara Croft.’ Titles like Stone of Fire and Map of Shadows weave historical intrigue with pulse-pounding action, earning her a devoted readership across 176 countries.
Under her own name, Joanna writes non-fiction to empower writers. Successful Self-Publishing and How to Make a Living with Your Writing are go-to guides for indie authors, distilling her business savvy into practical advice. Her 2023 release, Writing the Shadow, explores tapping into darker emotions for authentic storytelling, reflecting her Jungian psychology studies.
Joanna’s style is accessible yet profound, blending meticulous research with a knack for storytelling. Whether it’s a thriller’s eerie relic or a non-fiction pep talk, her work resonates with readers seeking both escape and inspiration.
Why Joanna Penn Matters
Joanna’s impact transcends her books. Through TheCreativePenn.com, voted a top 100 site for writers by Writer’s Digest, she’s democratized publishing knowledge. Her podcast, with over 9 million downloads, offers weekly insights on writing, marketing, and creative entrepreneurship, making her a mentor to thousands. In 2018, Digital Book World named her Publishing Commentator of the Year.
As an indie author, she’s a trailblazer, proving you can thrive outside traditional publishing. Her pivot to premium products like limited-edition hardbacks and her embrace of AI tools show her knack for staying ahead. Joanna’s legacy is empowering creators to take control of their craft and careers.
About Joanna Penn
- Born: 1975, England
- Key Works: Stone of Fire, Successful Self-Publishing, Writing the Shadow
- Awards: Publishing Commentator of the Year (2018), Digital Book World
- Fun Fact: She’s an INFJ who loves Hendricks gin and tonic!
Snag Successful Self-Publishing or dive into the ARKANE series for a thrilling ride with Joanna Penn’s unique blend of adventure and wisdom!