Interview with Joan Cartwright

Interview with Joan Cartwright, the author of 9 books:

1. In Pursuit of a Melody (memoirs, 350 photos, 35 poems, 40 songs, 2 lectures)
2. GaiaMind Poems
3. Rhythms of the Heart (poetry)
4. The Moon, Sun Showers, Rainbows and Whipped Cream Clouds (spiritual poetry)
5. Songs for my Children (4 songs with full-color images)
6. Joan Cartwright Song Book
7. Amazing Musicwomen
8. So, You Want To Be A Singer? A manual for up-and-coming Divas, Musicians and Composers
9. A History of African-American Jazz and Blues (3 essays)

Questions:

Tell us about yourself first.

Diva Joan Cartwright has toured 5 continents and 15 countries including the U.S.A., 8 European countries, Brazil, Mexico, Ghana, Gambia, South Africa, China and Japan, with her swinging brand of jazz and blues. She is a composer and her book, IN PURSUIT OF A MELODY contains 40 songs and lyrics to standard songs: "A Night in Tunisia" by Dizzy Gillespie, "Blue Bossa" by Kenny Dorham, "Tune Up" by Miles Davis and "Bessie's Blues" by John Coltrane.

Joan's book also contains two lectures that she's given to over 5,000 children and college students, in U.S., Switzerland, Sicily, China and Japan: WOMEN IN JAZZ and SO, YOU WANT TO BE A SINGER? Her workshops are dynamic and educational, highlighting the pitfalls and benefits of the music business. She contends that, "Knowing music theory is a step in the right direction for any singer who truly wants to excel in the world of music!"

Diva JC names any ensemble of musicians she works with "Jazz Hotline". Why? Because the music swings and it's always HOT! Her most famous Blues are "Nobody's Husband", "OH, Baby!" and "Treat Me Right And You Don't Have To Marry Me".

Visit Joan's websites: www.divajc.com, www.fyicomminc.com and search "Joan Cartwright" on www.cdbaby.com for her two cds, FEELIN' GOOD (Sicily: 1995) and IN PURSUIT OF A MELODY(U.S.A.: 2005)

Known as the "Hip Hop Mom of Atlanta", Joan performs "Jazz Meets Hip Hop" with her daughter's hip hop/soul group - Caustic Dames, in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Italy, France and England. Hear Joan on "Atlanta Has Spoken", a compilation of spoken word artists at www.cdbaby.com/cd/causticcomp. Be sure to hear her track "Talkin' That Jazz" and also visit www.causticdames.com.

Joan Cartwright is available for bookings around the world. Her knowledge of music and her professional attitude enables Joan to travel alone and work with professional jazz and blues musicians, wherever she is contracted to perform.

During her 30-year career, Joan has performed with Lou Donaldson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Freddie Hubbard, Dorothy Donegan, Philly Joe Jones, Shirley Scott and hundreds of musicians in the U.S., Europe and Asia!

This talented lady is bound to bring a smile to your face with her swinging jazz and blues! Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy her performance when she comes to your side of town!

• BIO, PHOTOS & TRACKS: www.myspace.com/joancartwrightandjazzhotline
• JOAN'S BOOK INFO: www.myspace.com/divajoancartwright
• VIEW & RATE JOAN'S VIDEOS: www.youtube.com/divajc

1. When did you start writing? 1977, I began writing poetry in a blank book

2. What genres have you written? Poetry, lyrics, journals, memoirs, interviews, concert reviews, travel articles, cultural column in newspapers

3. Is In Pursuit of a Melody your first book? Yes

4. Tell us about your book. What is it about? My life as a singer with 350 photos

5. What inspired you to write this book? My musical career in Europe for 8 years.

6. How long did it take you to write it? 13 months (3 months of writer’s block)

7. Who is the publisher of your book? Trafford, Canada – www.trafford.com/05-0819

8. Where is it on sale? At Trafford, Amazon, my site www.fyicomminc.com/inpursuit.htm

9. Tell us about your other books/work. See www.fyicomminc.com/books/jc-books.htm and also www.redroom.com/member/divajc.htm - http://stores.lulu.com/divajc

10. What are the major challenges that you have faced in your career? Working enough to make a sensible income to cover my living expenses.

11. Has the Internet helped you in your writing career? Yes!

12. How? Lots of exposure on networks, especially, the ning networks for writers

13. What do you advise new writers to do? Read and reread their writing, check for spelling, grammar and sentence structure. Keep it simple.

Thank you!

Joan Cartwright

954-740-3398

Divajc47@yahoo.com