Interview with Janell Goodrich York: Meet the Author Monday

Interview with Janell Goodrich York: Meet the Author Monday

Welcome to Meet the Author Monday

Yes, yes. I know I’m a day late with my interview. Believe me, I’ve apologized to this week’s author for the oversight. There’s been a lot happening in the Greer house, and I went through the day yesterday without once connecting the dots of it being Monday with the dots of posting a Meet the Author MONDAY.

But Tuesday is a great day for an interview as well. So, today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Janell Goodrich York. Janell’s debut novel, The Day Sarah Ran Away, released on August 19th from Scrivenings Press and is available in paperback and eBook. If you’re a Kindle Unlimited member, it is also available with that subscription.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the fun stuff.

Interview with Janell Goodrich York

Janell, since this is the first time some of our readers may have been introduced to you, please tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a retired high school guidance counselor. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband forty years. We have three adult daughters, two son-in-laws, five grandkids, and two pups. I love to travel. I’m proud to say we’ve been to all fifty states! Our last state we traveled to was Hawaii this past May. I love the Midwest, but hope to someday live in Florida. Beach trips are my favorite destination.

It sounds like the beach draws you the way the mountains do me. It’s great to have those places in our lives, even if it is only to visit. What prompted you to write The Day Sarah Ran Away?

I missed my kids, so I started journaling my feelings about being an empty nester. Then, I started reminiscing on the numerous past conversations I’d had as a high school counselor with the parents of senior students. I found most dads were excited to have their kids out of the house, but most moms were tearful thinking about their kids leaving home. I didn’t truly understand their sadness until it happened to me. It’s a different kind of grief––A letting go of something that has been a joy. As I wrote down my feelings––Sarah and her story began forming in my imagination. At first, the story was turning out like Tom Hanks with his soccer ball friend, Wilson, so I decided she needed interaction with other people. Now, there’s a host of lovable characters in her story.

I’ve experienced the empty nest, but my husband decided we needed a dog before being alone could really sink in. I’d like to try the peace and quiet sometime! You write from a place of faith. Do you have a scripture that guides or inspires you in your writing life?

I have a small standing plaque on my desk given to me when I graduated high school. It reads, “With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26. That plaque has moved with me from my college dorm, apartment, first home, and my current home now. It’s always been a wonderful reminder, God is with me, guiding me, and nothing is too hard for Him. Not having a background in creative writing, I knew writing a book would be a challenge. So, each morning I would say a prayer before I began writing to quiet my fears and doubts, remembering also Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Another favorite verse of mine.

Those are both wonderful scriptures for authors and everyone else, really. What do you wish you knew about being an author before you became an author?

All the new technology I’ve had to learn on my own to market my book. It’s been a challenge for me. Working at a school district, I had IT people to help navigate new programs. I continue to tell myself, it will be easier with the next book and I pray a lot. lol

What is the biggest blessing you’ve received as an author?

The support and encouragement from my community has been a huge blessing. I have so many friends, family, and acquaintances excited to read my book. I’m pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by their response.

A supportive community is a gift. Who is the biggest cheerleader in your life?

My husband. He is good about allowing me to read a scene to him and offers great feedback. He’s my initial beta reader. He was so excited when I got my book contract, he told everyone in our community.

If you could go anywhere to write for one month and money wasn’t an issue, where would you go?

I would go to a remote cottage on the beach away from popular destinations. My desk would be in front of a big window overlooking ocean waves kissing white sand beaches. 

Nice. Sounds very peaceful and conducive to creative output.

I want to thank Janell for joining me today. And readers, if you enjoyed this interview with Janell Goodrich York, stay with me just a little longer. I’ll share how to connect with Janell, more about her book, and purchase links to get your copy of The Day Sarah Ran Away.

Connect with Janell Goodrich York

Website: https://janellyork.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/janellgoodrichyork_author

Facebook: https://facebook.com/janellgoodrichyorkauthor

Amazon book link: https://scrivenings.link/thedaysarahranaway

More About The Day Sarah Ran Away

A heartfelt tale of discovery and resilience when plans fall apart.

Sarah Goodwin loved her life as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her heart into every moment with her only daughter, Emma. But now, Emma is off at college and rarely visits or answers her calls, leaving Sarah feeling adrift in a sea of routines—no more soccer games, fundraisers, dress shopping, or birthday parties. As each monotonous day blends into the next, Sarah longs for something more.

When Emma announces she’ll be home for the summer to plan her wedding, Sarah is thrilled at the thought of shared dreams, endless to-do lists, and the promise of reconnecting. But her perfect summer quickly unravels when unexpected events send her on a daring journey with new companions—an adventure filled with twists, revelations, and surprises she never saw coming.

As Sarah journeys west, questions loom. What will her husband do when he discovers she’s gone? Where will this journey lead her? And most importantly, what lies ahead for Sarah now?

Purchase The Day Sarah Ran Away

Thanks again for joining me for this interview with Janell Goodrich York. If you have any questions or comments for Janell, leave them in the comments. I’ll make sure she sees them.