I'm J.F. (Jo Frances) Penn, an Award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers and dark fantasy.
My books blend my love of traveling and learning new things with psychology and the supernatural in a fast-paced style. I'm also an international professional speaker and award-winning creative entrepreneur.
I love reading and always dreamed of writing my own books, but I spent many years thinking about it before I actually took the plunge. However, I did write a lot of journals during my many years as a corporate business consultant!
I have a Masters degree in Theology from the University of Oxford, Mansfield College and also a Graduate Diploma in Psychology — both interests are entwined into my writing along with my love for travel. I have a podcast and articles at www.BooksAndTravel.page
There are now 10 books in the ARKANE action adventure thriller series, described by readers as ‘Dan Brown meets Lara Croft.’ In July 2017, my novel Destroyer of Worlds, ARKANE book 8 was a Finalist in the International Thriller Writer Award for Best Ebook Original.
I wrote a series of short stories based on Dante’s Inferno for Kobo’s Descent contest, a promo for the launch of Dan Brown’s Inferno. It’s now available as A Thousand Fiendish Angels. I narrated the audiobook myself. I've also written The Dark Queen, an archaeological short story based on the Egyptian sunken city of Thonis-Herakleion.
I love reading psychological thriller/crime with an edge of the supernatural, so I wrote Desecration, the first in the Brooke and Daniel trilogy, which debuted in the Amazon US Bestseller Crime list alongside Michael Connelly. Delirium and Deviance complete the trilogy. Readers have described the books as ‘the love child of Stephen King and PD James.’
In March 2014, I became a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author as part of ‘Deadly Dozen,’ a box-set with The Twelve thriller and mystery authors.
I've co-written Risen Gods, a dark fantasy thriller based in New Zealand, with horror author J.Thorn.
I'm currently writing a dark fantasy Mapwalker series, which begins with Map of Shadows, and Map of Plagues and Map of the Impossible is in progress.
On a more personal note, I love reading and my favorite authors include John Connolly, Stephen King, Lee Child and James Rollins. Here’s a list of books I love. I also read a lot of non-fiction, mostly travel, entrepreneurship, psychology and religion.
I’m married and live with my husband in Bath, England. I’m a cat lover and I enjoy a G&T or a glass of pinot noir along with consuming a ton of books as my main vice.
I walk a lot and travelling is my addiction. I definitely have itchy foot syndrome and I love to move on!
You can see lots of pictures from my life here on Flickr, and on Instagram @jfpennauthor including my travels, adventures and writing inspiration.
I also share updates on what I'm working on here, as well as on social media as below.
I have another site, BooksAndTravel.page, where I have articles and a podcast about places that inspire my writing as well as that of other writers.
Connect with me here:
If you’re interested in writing, you might want to check out my site for writers: www.TheCreativePenn.com or tweet me: @thecreativepenn
Official Bio
Short bio:
J.F.Penn is the Award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ARKANE thrillers and London Crime Thriller series as well as other dark fantasy stories. Her books weave together ancient artifacts, relics of power, international locations and adventure with an edge of the supernatural. Joanna lives in Bath, England and enjoys a nice G&T. Try a free thriller at: www.JFPenn.com/free
