Welcome
Author Biography
Author and historian, Joyce Hilliard Stotts grew up in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties of Kansas, earned a B.S. from Emporia State University in 1970, and taught junior/senior high school English and Social Studies in Topeka, Kansas. She earned an M.S. degree from Kansas University and was an Instructional Designer/Technical Writer for FlightSafety International in Wichita, Kansas. She belongs to professional writers’ groups: SCBWI, Kansas Authors Club, Dunedin (Florida) Writers Group and Emporia Writers Group. In 2023 Joyce renovated two historic buildings in downtown Cottonwood Falls, Kansas that are now a vacation home and commercial space. She is currently a partner in a family business, Spice of the Harbor in Safety Harbor, Florida where she lives part of the year. Her published writing includes children’s books, short stories (published in Dunedin Writers Group Anthologies), a novella (out of print), and a family genealogy all available on Amazon. Her upcoming historical novel, Rodantha's Road will be published in 2025.
Children's Picture Book
Written and Illustrated by Joyce
This rhyming read-aloud story is appropriate for ages 3 through 6. It tells the story of a little cricket who wants to sing with the Full Moon Orchestra. Suzette lives in an ancient oak tree in Safety Harbor, Florida. Everyone in the town will want a copy to read to their children and grandchildren.
Children's Picture Book
Written and Illustrated by Joyce
This read-aloud story is appropriate for ages 3 - 6 providing fun for both reader and listener. Anyone who has ever worn glasses will appreciate this gentle rhyming story about a little girl who is getting her first pair. Her new glasses bring the world sharply into focus, but wearing them has unexpected consequences.
Historical Fiction
COMING SOON
Experience pioneer life as Rodantha and William Hywell journey west by covered wagon on the National Road in 1856, and then strike out westward to the Kansas Territory on the Santa Fe Trail. With its real life setting and events, this historical novel vibrates with everyday details and fantastic stories.
Dunedin Writers Group Anthologies
Short Stories
Three of my short stories are included in the annual Dunedin Writers Group Anthology,
- Bored of the Flies in 2019
- Penny-a-Bale in 2021
- Just Joy 1946 in 2022
I designed the cover of the 2022 Anthology pictured here. These Anthologies are filled with the best writing from the Tampa Bay area. All are available on Amazon.