Biography – Rita H. Joyce
I was born June 21st in Seattle, Washington and graduated from Franklin High School. Apart from two-night classes, my college career was curtailed when a home emergency forced me to go to work, at only seventeen. I have two children, one biological daughter, one adopted daughter, five stepchildren and numerous grand and great grandchildren. I have been twice widowed. Following my dreams led me and my second husband to move to Florida in 2000, where I have lived ever since.
I am the author of three self-published books and three yet to come. My first book was Gozzy Goose’s Christmas Gift. In 2002, it was chosen for the Under Nine Literacy Promotion at Universal Cineplex, City Walk, Universal Studios and promoted as one of the Stories From the Silver Screen! A limited revised edition is currently out of print. There are two sequels (not yet published). There was also a PowerPoint Read-Along, featuring an original song which I’d like to recreate as a DVD. Currently, only the eBook is available.
A third edition of “Johnny Peppertoes” has been released and seems to be quite popular with young and old. An early edition was used for three years in the curriculum of a fourth-grade, class in my hometown. The Principal of the school acknowledged that “Peppertoes” was responsible for their highest reading scores, ever. We need good character examples for our children and this book addresses many present-day issues. My brother-in-law, who is in his 80’s, liked the book so much he ordered copies for family and friends. An older man, who once was the Elvis Presley of Ireland, said it reminded him of his childhood. Rushmore Press finally recognized its far-reaching effects and advertised it as a book for all ages. It is available online and accompanied by a short video trailer. An audio book is forthcoming. My goal, however, is to produce the movie.
My third self-published book (through Amazon) is “Wandawillie.” It was inspired by a visiting Kangaroo to my town. Both Gozzy and Wandawillie are rhyming books…a no-no in the literary world, as many cautioned me that few can live up to the standards. That didn’t stop my love of rhyme, especially reading to children. I trust that my God-given talents, given very late in life, will inspire young and old alike.
A current project is finding a traditional publishing company for my Memoir. It is an unusual story, depicting much of my early life, including thirteen years on the backstretch of a thoroughbred racetrack. An inspiration on a lone country road led me on an incredible journey. I suddenly knew the name of the racehorse I was to buy, its stable name and other events before they happened. Having this life story, as a legacy for my family, is my heart’s desire. Some insist that it will be a movie. I also hope to publish ‘Deer of the Dawn’, with original paintings by a dear friend. I dedicated it to one of her daughters, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy.
My talents include writing over 100 songs. The title of one of my songs was used by a hip-hop artist. I am in the process of making my own version (Imagine… an older woman rapping!) My repertoire of music includes soft rock, country, sacred music, and rap. Two of my songs have been recorded by a South American maestro. My present endeavor is completing a two-year soft rock song that tells of a family experience. A music video is planned and, yes, I have a Johnny Peppertoes song!
A famed puppet maker told me that one of my literary works has TV series potential.
A five-year exhaustive and expensive journey yielded me one of my most memorable accomplishments…a genealogy of my mother’s side of the family. It is said genealogies are usually undertaken once in every three generations.
I am a Board member of ‘Peace that Heals,’ a group that promotes the elusive goal of inner peace. There, I can use my spiritual gifts and see visions fulfilled.
I am very grateful for my family and friends. Yet, most of all, I thank God for my life. In 2020, I was given 6 months to live, diagnosed with 4th stage congestive heart failure. There was 2 months in hospice, 3 months in palliative care. I continued to improve. Three years later, I am doing what I did 20 years ago, “a living miracle” according to my doctors and nurses.
They say God has a plan for everyone’s life but not all find their purpose. It appears that my purpose(s) on this earth are not finished as I discover new avenues to a truly fulfilled life.
Rita's Publishing 