About

Growing up all over the world, Joanna created stories in her head to keep herself company in new places where she had no friends. She read novels of myriad genres, enjoying fantasy the most.

As a mother of young adult readers, Joanna grew concerned about the content of contemporary YA fantasy novels. Ideas about writing a novel herself started to percolate.

When Laris Morningstar, the main character of The Lamp Still Burns, intruded into Joanna’s scattered ADHD brain, Joanna started writing. One paragraph became several pages, then scenes and chapters, until Laris had her way and told her story – at least the start of it.

The Lamp Still Burns, the start of Laris’ adventure and the first book of The Lost Army of Ankazi series, launches in 2026.

Join Joanna’s mailing list to be in the know about her upcoming book launch and receive exclusive content and event invitations leading up to the big day!

Joanna VanDeWater, writing under J.C. VanDeWater, lives in the Piedmont region of North Carolina with her husband, Nathan, two cats, two dogs, and occasionally one or more of their four grown children.