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Jo-Anne Southern
Born in Lancashire, England, Ms Southern grew up in the mining village of Haydock. After winning two scholarships, she attended a Grammar School in Wigan, graduating with honors in six subjects, fo...view moreBorn in Lancashire, England, Ms Southern grew up in the mining village of Haydock. After winning two scholarships, she attended a Grammar School in Wigan, graduating with honors in six subjects, following this with a BA in English Language.
A proficient guitarist and pianist, she formed a quartet in 1954 as the lead singer. In 1958, she emigrated to Canada where she worked for Columbia Records, while taking several business courses at the University of Toronto.
In the mid 60's, she returned to music and formed a twelve-piece orchestra in Toronto, acting as vocalist and lead guitarist. Later she worked as a solo artist with the prestigious Skyline Hotels in their major theme rooms, as both Diamond Lil in the Gold Rush type bar, and the Pearly Queen in their English pub. After twelve years she formed a quartet, and worked for the Holiday Inns and other hotels across Canada for entertainment and dancing.
She retired from the stage in the late 1970's, returning to business, where she rediscovered her love of writing. Since this epiphany, she has spent the greater part of each day at her computer, writing full length novels, short stories and newspaper articles. Blessed with an excellent memory, a strong dedication and work ethic, she devotes many hours to reading other authors, researching her stories and is a member of several writing groups.
Her books touch on diverse subjects: Witchcraft, a department stores, the Victorian era, first century England, the early 20th century and a teasing fiction about Hitler’s son. In print are her historical novel Yesterday’s Shadows (the story of Boadicea) and its sequel A Walking Shadow. These are not romantic novels, although each has an element of this very human interaction. Her characters are strong, passionate, driven people, whose lives affect the reader, who roots for their success. Her book on a 1960's discount department store in Toronto, Taking Stock is based on her own experiences as executive assistant to the president of one such store. Later she wrote Keeping Mum, the story of a Cockney woman and her family who live in Canada. The Emperor’s Women is based on Caesar Augustus’ wives and set in first century Rome. Her next family saga Nets of Gold relates the story of a Lancashire family in the 1950s. Waiting in the wings are several other novels including the prequel to Keeping Mum. She is now working on her autobiography
She works with her husband in his consulting company, managing the extensive computer software programs. As the last of her family line, she writes under her maiden name - Southern - to keep it alive a little longer.view less
Books by Jo-Anne Southern
The Quandary: A Novel Doin' It Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5No Smoke Without Fire: A Novel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDoin' It Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRomany Legacy: A Novel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Grievous Burden Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings