Joyce A. Miller

The artwork for the cover of Mrs. Gari Melchers came from Gari Melchers himself. The title of this painting is “Writing.” Corinne served as the model and it was painted between 1905 and 1909 at Schuylenburg, the home of George Hitchcock. Hitchcock was a close friend and contemporary of Gari Melchers. He and Gari ran an art school together in Egmondse, Holland.

Corinne and I seemed like such kindred spirits with both of us adoring writing and painting.

Historical fiction novels oftentimes show the women with their backs turned. This is to make it easier for women to imagine themselves as the protagonist of the story. Having this recognizable style of cover also tells fans that this work is historical fiction. That was another reason that I chose this artwork for the cover.

Do you have any famous works of art that intrigue you?

My latest book is Mrs. Gari Melchers. It is a novel based on the true story of Corinne Melchers, an artist. More on that later today. I have also written and indie-published two books. Joe Harris, the Moon is historical fiction based on the true story of my granduncle who played baseball in the 1910s/1920s. Look! You’re Dancing: A Memoir of Dogs, Dance and Devotion is a memoir of my adoption journey of six greyhounds over the past twenty years and how I danced with several of them.

Any art lovers, baseball fans or dog lovers out there?