Exploring Family Secrets, Bold Heroines, And The Art Of Suspense
Joy York discusses her writing journey, influences from Southern storytelling, and the inspiration behind her award-winning mysteries and suspenseful thrillers for both young adult and adult readers.
Joy York writes with a heart rooted in the storytelling traditions of the American South and a flair for crafting suspenseful narratives that captivate readers of all ages. Having grown up in Alabama and now calling Indiana home, her work reflects a blend of deep familial influence and sharp literary insight. From tales spun for her son on the stairs of their home to award-winning thrillers, her journey as a writer is one of passion, persistence, and an ever-present curiosity about the secrets people keep. In this interview, Joy opens up about her inspirations—from her fearless cousin’s childhood antics in a jailhouse to her admiration for the likes of Agatha Christie and Clive Cussler. She speaks candidly about balancing historical detail with compelling storytelling, developing complex female characters, and the challenges of writing across genres. Whether penning young adult mysteries or high-stakes thrillers, Joy York’s stories offer both heart and edge—making her a name to watch in the world of fiction.
Joy York’s storytelling blends heart, suspense, and unforgettable characters, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted readership across genres.
How did your upbringing in Alabama and your family’s oral storytelling tradition influence the development of your debut novel, “The Bloody Shoe Affair“?
As I listened to the stories from my grandmother in rural Alabama, my cousin Julia sat next to me soaking up tall tales. She often made it her mission to create her own adventures— and it wasn’t hard when she lived in a brownstone house connected to the county jail. My uncle was a deputy sheriff and county jailer. Julia was a fearless prankster, while I was a shy, fearful scaredy cat and a reluctant participant in her shenanigans. She would sneak into the jail to talk with the prisoners, give them candy and cigarettes, play checkers, and listen to their stories of innocence. When I spent the night, we might play prisoner in the empty cells or go into the creepy abandoned basement of the jail to visit the female trustee who lived there alone. Once, while descending the stairs, Julia proclaimed the evidence room held bloody shoes that belonged to a woman who was brutally murdered. “Sometimes you can hear her calling out, ‘Where are my bloody shoes.’” She thought it was funny. I was terrified. Years later, The Bloody Shoe Affair was born when I gave those bloody shoes a story. Although the characters, location, and story are fictitious, my inspiration came from my visits to my cousin in rural Alabama in the 1960’s.
In “Genuine Deceit,” you explore themes of family secrets and suspense. What inspired you to delve into these particular elements?
I initially developed my interest in mystery/suspense reading Agatha Christie novels. The more complicated the clues the better. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the styles of John Sandford, Clive Cussler, and Stuart Woods. I loved the additions of action adventure, crisp dialogue, and a fast-paced, complicated plot with many twists and surprises. A bit of romance creates a layer to character development and can makes the protagonists more relatable.
Many readers are drawn to secrets. Parents typically protect their children from the harsh realities of life, giving them the sanitized version of family events. Children rarely hear about the black sheep, family discourse, past mistakes, and scandals. In Genuine Deceit, I wanted to take an independent, career woman from a seemingly normal middle-class family and totally upend everything she thought she knew about her life. A murder. Hidden jewels. An attempt on her life. A perilous search across the country to unravel decades-old secrets before it is too late.
“The Moonshine Murders” is set in 1970. How do you ensure historical accuracy while crafting engaging narratives for your readers?
The Moonshine Murders is Book 2 of what became The Jailer’s Daughter Mysteries. I aged the teens from fourteen to sixteen years old to make them more mobile in their adventures. The local flavor of the rural south was fun and familiar to me. I must admit I was in high school during that time, so I remember a lot about social trends, historical events, fashions, music, periodicals, slang, and attitudes in the south. I did research for accuracy of all historical references.
Your novels often feature strong female protagonists. How do you approach character development to make them relatable and compelling?
The most important element in developing a strong female character is authenticity. I have read too many novels portraying independent female protagonist as abrasive, unbending, overzealous, and single-minded. Strong women possess many different talents and personalities. They can be quiet and unassuming yet confidently take charge. Purposefully allow others to lead. Admit flaws. Fail but try again. Relent for others to learn. Break. Doubt. Persevere. I slowly reveal the layers of my protagonist. Let the reader get to know who they are and what motivates them through their actions and the backgrounds that shaped them. The reader must discover who the characters are organically for them to be believable.
“Protective Instinct” blends suspense and crime. What challenges do you face when writing across multiple genres, and how do you overcome them?
Crime and suspense fiction can go hand in hand. Once a crime is committed, the investigation is usually conducted by a law enforcement officer or an amateur sleuth. Suspense is built by the uncertainty of the risk to the characters trying to solve the crime or those affected by it. The more we can relate and become invested in the protagonists and understand the dangers they face, the more anxiety and anticipation mount. Twists and turns enhance tension and keep the reader off balance. Character development is key for building suspense. Protective Instinct will not disappoint.
Given your background in creating stories for your son, how do you balance writing for different age groups, such as young adults and adults?
Young adult fiction has its challenges, but I think it has made me a better adult writer. YA is written from the perspective of a teen protagonist, so the use of non-complex, age-appropriate vocabulary is important. Teens are more emotional than adults, often acting on instinct and impulse rather than logic. They are constantly trying new things. Adults usually learn quickly, while teens often repeat mistakes. The plots should be fast-paced and not overly complicated. Tension and conflict help character development. Relatable protagonists are critical. Characters and emotions help drive the story.
Focusing on the key elements of a young adult mystery has made it easier to expand to more complex plots, maintain a brisk pace, and improve my character development in my adult suspense/thrillers.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors looking to create suspenseful and engaging narratives that resonate with a wide audience?
I really don’t write to target an audience. I create mysteries, suspense, and thrillers I enjoy reading. I am a pantser, which means writing by the seat of my pants. Other writers prefer to outline and plan important aspects of their story. I begin with an idea for my protagonists and a general direction for the story, then I begin writing. The characters slowly reveal their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations as they lead me through the story. They become my muses. It has helped me create well-developed characters my readers can relate to. My advice is to write what you love. It will be more authentic.
