Q&A With WriteByNight Coach JoAnna Novak

JoAnna Novak’s debut memoir, Contradiction Days, will be published in 2023. She is the author of the novel I Must Have You and Meaningful Work: Stories, as well as three books of poetry. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Paris Review, The New Yorker, and elsewhere.

Where are you from?

I’m from the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

Where did you study?

I received a BA in Creative Writing from Knox College, an MFA in fiction writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MFA in poetry from University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Who are some of your influences?

Annie Ernaux, Junot Díaz, Nathalie Léger, Karl Ove Kanaussgaard, Ross Gay, Tommy Pico, George Eliot, Shirley Hazzard, Lydia Davis, too many more to list…

What’s the last book you read and what did you think of it?

The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (From A to B and Back Again) — I loved its irreverence and pith.

Any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Make time.

Interested in working with JoAnna? Request a free consult now

“It was amazing! I learned a ton and I absolutely love JoAnna! Very productive!”

— Charity S.

“JoAnna is just wonderful. I am delighted to be working with her!”

— Cynthia M.

“I’m so happy I found JoAnna! I got so much out of our first meeting. I look forward to many more.”

— Sherri N.

“JoAnna, thanks so much for your wisdom and suggestions. I find your style of mentorship to be kind and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing the heart of a teacher.”

— Kyle G.