Meet Joni Franks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joni Franks. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2016 I wrote my first book while sitting in the covered porch of my mountain cabin in Howard, Colorado. I didn’t intentionally set out to be an author. At that time, I only wanted a coffee table book for myself and my sweet corgi, Sagebrush. I chose the timely themes of bullying and equality to weave into that particular storyline, and the Colorado adventures I chose to write about were the real-life experiences Sagebrush and I have shared. 

Fast forward to the present and I have ten published works with a new book to be released in 2023! In addition, my writing has been honored to receive over fifty literary awards in multiple genres and in illustration. 

After writing “Corky Tails: Tales of a Tailless Dog Named Sagebrush,” I soon began to get feedback from my friends who purchased the book from me. They would tell me how their children were memorizing passages from the book, and in many cases, I was told how much the adults who read my books loved them. I felt it was unusual to have a book that both children and adults can enjoy. This encouraged me to continue writing. My publishing consultant encouraged me to turn “Corky Tails: Tales of a Tailless Dog Named Sagebrush” into a book series, but I was unsure as to how to go about it. 

I remembered a recurring dream I had years ago. In the dreams, I saw a race of little people called Shuns, who were shunned by society for their deep reverence for mother nature. The Shuns lived in tree hollows and were very shy and avoided humans if they could. I found that they make an excellent voice in teaching about environmental conservation and preservation of the earth, and I have incorporated this family of characters into my books. 

My latest “Corky Tails” book, “Sagebrush and the Never Summer Mountains” just earned the prestigious Moms Choice Gold Medal. 

“Hidden amidst the clouds lies the mystifying region known as the Never Summer Mountains. Here, lush natural meadows provide a setting that is bursting with skunk cabbage and chokecherry bushes and high-altitude water bogs that some say are inhabited by fairies. As the Thunder Moon of July rose high in the starless sky, even the wind held its breath in anticipation of the squall that was already brewing, just before the first bolt of white-hot lightning exploded through the alpine tundra” 

Follow the adventures of Sagebrush, the tailless puppy, in her high-country adventure as she journeys through the Never Summer Mountains with her companions to clear a colossal landslide that has jammed Froze Creek with rubble and blocked the local water source. This story addresses belittling, the value of teamwork, and making judgements based on appearance, all woven into a fairytale setting, with a surprise ending that will melt your heart. 

To learn more about the “Corky Tails” books and coloring books visit www.jonifranks.com. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The success of “Corky Tails” has given me the courage to begin a companion book series for a slightly older audience. I wanted to write a book about overcoming a broken heart and finding one’s destiny. “The Crooked Forest, Legacy of the Holey Stone” was born, and I am thrilled to report that it has been a great success! 

In August of 2022, this book was honored by Colorado Independent Publishers Association with the prestigious EVVY Award. I received two bronze medals for best in the categories of Women’s Fiction and Illustration for an adult book. 

“The Crooked Forest, Cloud Crazed” is the sequel and will be released in 2023. The overall theme of this book addresses the struggle of finding forgiveness, not only for those we feel hurt by but for ourselves as well. 

I feel privileged to call myself a successful multi-genre author. Often times we find ourselves stereotyped as only being able to succeed in one field when in reality the sky is the limit! 

To learn more about this book series please visit www.jonifranks.com. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an indie author, I retain creative control of the artwork and the storylines of my books. I think I am considered a bit “outside of the box” as my words and artwork are my own and not infringed upon or altered by a traditional publishing house. 

It has been a great privilege to receive acclaim not only for my books but also for my artwork. I have a clear vision of how the characters in my books look and how they are to be portrayed. Therefore, I would never turn this process over to an outside party. 

Remaining true to my heart and true to my vision has been so rewarding. Never give up on your dreams! 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Corgi town USA 

I recently did a fun interview with them to be aired 11/10/22. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jonifranks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corkytails1/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corkytails1/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlii0PDz0Z4
• Other: https://www.alignable.com/crestone-co/author-joni-franks