Uncovering the Unsung Heroine Behind Van Gogh's Legacy
Meet the novelist who breathes life into forgotten women of history and reveals how Jo van Gogh saved her brother-in-law's masterpieces from oblivion in her book.
Special Invitation for You
After you read this short blog, check out my special invitation at the end of this email.
Meet a novelist friend of mine.
Today, I’d like to introduce Joan Fernandez, a novelist who brings to light brilliant women’s courageous deeds in history.
Joan has written a book on Jo Van Gogh, sister-in-law of the famous Van Gogh. Her story is inspirational because without her championing Van Gogh’s work, his paintings most likely would have been tossed out like old canvases that had been painted over too many times and were deemed useless. Horrors! Van Gogh is one of my favorites, and I’m amazed at what he created throughout his tortured life.
I met Joan through the Women Fiction Writers Association when she led the WFWA Historical Fiction special interest group. I had many questions for her, and I’ve shared part of our conversation here so you can get to know her.
What inspired you to write a story about Jo Van Gogh?
I love this question. I was drawn to Jo’s story (Jo van Gogh, sister-in-law to Vincent) the first time I spied her small black-and-white photo. I was fascinated by the discovery that without her work, Vincent van Gogh would have been lost in obscurity. It bugged me that Jo wasn’t known. A strong woman who had a global impact on millions of lives was totally lost in history. It sparked a desire to tell her story.
Why did you pick historical fiction as a genre?
I’m attracted to stories from the past if they can create conversation and relevance in the present. If we don’t learn from past worldviews and failures, we’ve raised the stakes that mistakes will be repeated. Plus, studying people in the past is a hoot when you realize that humans have always been human—goofy, heartrending, kind, cruel—not so different from today.
What's an example of a story that you feel creates or needs to create conversation and is relevant in the present?
One of the recent books I’ve read, The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, is about the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and educator and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. United by a common cause to see the elimination of segregation and unequal treatment for Blacks, the women conspired to use every lever of influence available to them to make painstaking civil rights progress. The structure of the novel—which switches back and forth between Mary and Eleanor in each chapter—reflects their intimate connection but also unique and biased perspectives. The narrative shows how the threads of racial bias, hidden in plain sight, are made plain and carry a punch. Even though it’s a historical story, the same issues —and wonderful collaborative friendships— exist today in our society’s efforts to grapple with racism.
What obstacles did you overcome during your writing process?
So many! For starters, I’d honed awesome Corporatespeak skills over a few decades in business that have nothing to do with the craft of fiction. I had to re-learn how to write. Research-wise, I struggled with big gaps in Jo’s life, which I filled in by reimagining events. . . until new research came out, which meant I had to shove my already-completed manuscript in a drawer and start over. It’s been a seven-year process but I wouldn’t change much because of all the learning along the way.
What advice would you give someone who wants to write historical fiction?
Be organized BEFORE you begin your research! Create a system for capturing notes, images, and references in one consistent process and place. I’ve wasted a ton of time just looking for things I misfiled.
What historical fiction books are you reading right now?
Next up on my list is K.T. Blakemore’s _The Good Time Girls Get Famous_. This is Book 2 of a series starring Ruby and Pip in delightful, ridiculous scamps and madcap adventures. K.T. is a master at her craft. On the contemporary fiction side, my next read is Margaret Porter’s _A Change of Location_. Margaret is a glorious historical fiction writer, and I’m eager to read a modern-day tale from her.
Where can we find your book?
Thanks for asking! My book, Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo van Gogh, will be published in April 2025 by She Writes Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster. It will be available through booksellers, including bookshop.org, which supports independent booksellers. My website, joanfernandezauthor.com, will also have order information.
What else have you published?
I’m delighted to be publishing a short story titled “The Parisian Daughter” in a forthcoming anthology, Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women.
When did your interest in writing appear?
Really early. I remember being named one of three “editors” in a third-grade competition against two other friends, Mark and Susan, to create class “newspapers.” They were a stapled bunch of pages printed on purple mimeographed paper. My newspaper won for best stories! I haven’t looked back since.
Could you tell us about your career before writing?
I started as a communications assistant for a steel pipe distributor in St. Louis right out of college. I was the first non-administrative woman the firm had ever hired. A few years into that job, my boss left unexpectedly, and I asked if I could do his role. They gave me the promotion to Director of Communications, which felt great, but in hindsight, replacing the role with a seasoned professional would have cost them a lot more. After four years with that company, I decided I wanted to live in NYC – so my employer generously transferred me to a similar role at a subsidiary in New Jersey. I only lasted six months or so before being laid off, but by then, I was in love with New York, so a headhunter found me a role in corporate communications at Met Life. During that period, I met my future husband. Ultimately, when we decided to start a family we moved into NJ and I resigned from Met Life. What followed was seven terrific years as a stay-at-home mom until our two kids were grade-schoolers. Life found us moving back across the country to the Midwest where I found a role as a newsletter editor with financial services firm, Edward Jones. This proved to be my home base for the next 22 years. I ultimately retired as a general partner in the marketing. I’m grateful for the variety, challenge, and service I could give during that time.
How can readers keep in touch with you and your book?
It would be terrific if readers subscribed to my weekly blog here on Substack. It’s free and includes narratives and stories that explore the strength and resilience of women in the past and present. Please subscribe, and you’ll be among the first to get the scoop on Saving Vincent.
Jo Van Gogh and Vincent Van Gogh’s lives are so compelling that I have a few tips for you if you want to learn more.
To learn more about Van Gogh’s life
Buy Joan’s book - Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo van Gogh. Artists, art lovers, and fiction readers will appreciate Joan’s story of Jo’s journey to bring Vincent’s work to the world.
Visit a museum that owns a Van Gogh or attend a special exhibit of his works. There’s nothing like seeing the originals.
Watch the movie, “Loving Vincent.” I had tears in my eyes just watching the trailer.
The movie is animated in Van Gogh’s style, with beautiful colors and a flowing narrative telling his tragic story. It is unbelievable that he gave the world so much exquisite art yet couldn’t see how to live.
An invitation for you
If you’re a frustrated or blocked writer or artist, please don’t be. The world needs your creativity now. I support people in finding their true essence and achieving their goals. Reply to this email for a complimentary session to discuss your frustrations, and we’ll create a mini-plan to ease your frustration.
Don’t let another day go by without sharing your gifts with the world.
Bye, for now, my loves.
May your value and contributions be discovered and cherished.
May your light shine brightly, illuminating the path ahead.
May those around you recognize and appreciate your unique gifts and talents, celebrating the truth of who you are.
May you always feel acknowledged, supported, and appreciated
as you share your creations.
—Kathy Garland
Interesting interview and I am intrigued about this Van Gogh book!