All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life.
M.C. Richards
Speaker/Events
An Introduction
After thirty years in Corporate America, Joan Fernandez decided to keep a promise she'd made to herself many years ago as a young college student: She would follow her dream to become a novelist.
In 2018, Joan "moved over on the bench," retiring from her career as a senior marketing executive and general partner of the investment firm, Edward Jones, to begin an entirely new endeavor as a historical fiction writer. Her steep learning curve has been both sweet and rocky, but also buoyant with hope. Turning to skills she'd learned in business— especially the collaboration and fun of teamwork—in April 2020, she founded a Historical Fiction affinity group within the Women's Fiction Writers Association that grew from a handful of people to nearly two hundred authors. This group became, and is, a treasured resource.
Today, Joan's short story, “A Parisian Daughter,” is published in the award-winning anthology, Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. Her debut novel, Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo van Gogh, published in April 2025. It is winner of the 2024 American Writing Award in Art and Finalist in Historical Fiction, and a Bronze Medal winner in the 2025 IPPY Book Awards in Popular Fiction.
Joan is a sought-after public speaker, recently presenting “Top 10 Secrets for Forming a Vibrant, Lasting Author Community” at the Historical Novel Society UK (digital) Conference in May 2024. She also presented “How to Portray the Past Truthfully without Harm” at the Tenth Anniversary Conference for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association in September 2023.
Joan calls both St. Louis and Sedona, Arizona, home, enjoys foodie meals with her Cuban husband and antics with grandkids.
Upcoming Events
Don't Miss!
Adult Education Class
"Jo van Gogh-Bonger: The Woman who Would Not Let Van Gogh Die Twice"
St. Louis Oasis, Eden Seminary
August 22, 2025
1:00 pm - 2:00pm
Register atst-louisoasiseverywhere.org
Join six local authors in a speed-dating style event while enjoying a light continental breakfast.
Carondelet Library
6800 Michigan Ave.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:00 am - Noon
"Jo van Gogh-Bonger: The Woman who Would Not Let Van Gogh Die Twice"
Book Talk, Q&A and Book Signing!
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Spencer Road Library
427 Spencer Road
St. Peters, MO
September 3 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Registor at mainstreetbooks.indielite.org
Book Sales
Merchandise Booth
Street Fair in downtown Clayton, MO
Friday - Sunday, September 5 - 7, 2025
See www.saintlouisartfair.com/
French Dinner and "Saving Vincent" Discussion
August the Mansion
O'Fallon, Illinois
Wednesday September 10
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Tickets required and limited seating!
Register here.
Talk Topics
Signature Talk
Ideal for libraries, museums, book clubs and women's groups
Jo van Gogh Bonger:
The Woman Who Would Not Let Van Gogh Die Twice
​ Step into the story of Jo van Gogh Bonger—the woman, mother, and unsung force behind Vincent van Gogh's global legacy.
In this inspiring talk, Joan Fernandez uncovers how one woman's quiet courage and marketing intuition transformed obscurity into icon status. Audiences will explore powerful themes of grief, persistence, and feminine brilliance too often left out of the historical record.
Perfect for Women's History Month, art-focused programs, women's empowerment organizations and groups drawn to stories that spark reflection, connection, and hope.
Ethics Workshop
Ideal for writers, educators, historians and reading groups
How to Portray the Past Truthfully without Harm
Behind every compelling historical narrative is a responsibility to tell the truth with care.
In this interactive, thought-provoking session, Joan Fernandez shares strategies to write and teach history authentically—without reinforcing outdated tropes or silencing marginalized voices.
Whether you’re a writer researching outside your lived experience or an educator curating inclusive curriculum, this session offers tools to help you engage with the past ethically and with integrity.
A thoughtful choice for writer’s conferences, history departments, DEI committees, and book clubs discussing complex historical fiction. Can be given with other authors on an author's panel at conferences.
Motivational Session
Ideal for creative retreats, writing groups, and arts nonprofits
Jumpstart Your Art:
Reignite Your Creative Dreams
Have a dream that’s been waiting in the wings? Whether it’s writing a novel, painting again, or picking up a creative project you’ve long set aside, this uplifting talk will help you find your way back to it.
Joan Fernandez shares her journey from senior executive to novelist, offering practical tools and heartfelt encouragement to help you reconnect with your creative self.
Ideal for anyone navigating second acts or craving permission to begin again. Expect laughter, insight, and a fresh spark of momentum.
Featured Speaker at...
How to Portray the Past Truthfully Without Harm
Tenth Anniversary Conference for the Women's Fiction Writer's Association
September, 2023
"Joan Fernandez delivered an engaging talk. . .She highlighted the importance of historical accuracy and thorough research in writing. Her insights on how to represent different cultures accurately and respectfully was of great value, offering practical advice for writers aiming to create authentic and responsible historical fiction. Her talk was both informative and thought-provoking, providing me with useful strategies for my own historical fiction.
Kim Taylor Blakemore
Author After Alice Fell, The Companion, and The Deception
Top 10 Secrets for Forming A Vibrant, Lasting Author Community
Historical Novel Society UK Conference
May, 2024
"Joan Fernandez . . . created a fantastic step-by-step guide for authors to create engaging and supportive communities."
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Jenny Quinlan
Historical Novel Society North America Virtual Conference Chair, 2021, 2022, 2025
