Joanne Lehman
Writer
Speaker
Poet
Writing
Joanne’s poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction spring from a biblical center influenced by her rural Mennonite roots. Rich detail, vivid description, and lyrical narrative, define her voice. Her women’s fiction explores hope, healing, and forgiveness–always with a dash of romance. She is seeking a publisher for a three-book inspirational series based on contemporary Amish life.
Speaking
As a teacher and professor of creative writing and literature, and a speaker in church and community settings, Joanne enjoys presenting on topics of faith, writing, and communication. Audiences appreciate her inspirational storytelling and down-to-earth wisdom.
Poetry
Joanne’s poetry pays attention to details–wildflowers, fields, and the way smoke curls from a chimney in winter. A nature lover at heart, she often begins a poem while riding her bicycle or walking in her neighborhood. Memories of childhood find voice in poems celebrating life’s everyday abundance.
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Rural Life
Rural life suggests simplicity, but complexities abound. These Amish farmers remind me that simplicity requires intentionality. My faith is enriched by my connection to the communities around me.
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Writing Life
As I look at my writing space this morning I’m reminded of words by Gretel Ehrlich, from The Solace of Open Spaces, “Space represents sanity, not a life purified, dull, or “spaced out’ but one that might accommodate intelligently any idea or situation.”
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Landscape & Faith
Being in creation reminds me that both silence and speaking are part of faithful living. “If you don’t have anything to say,/or if you have so much you don’t know/where to start/just listen to the polyphonic/life and still yourself. –from “Wild Honey”
