Meet a Member: Jo Ann Mathews

Jo Ann Mathews is another outstanding long-time member of National Federation of Press Women. She is an outstanding writer. She is a dedicated member. Enjoy getting to know this unique and unbelievable NFPW member.

Name: Jo Ann Mathews

City and State: Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Jo Ann Mathews

Affiliate and any leadership positions:  North Carolina Press Club

Years a member of NFPW: 30

Tell us a little about you.

Currently, I write feature stories for The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, SC and for North Brunswick Magazine and South Brunswick Magazine in Brunswick County where I live. I majored in English and minored in Spanish and education at University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL, where I grew up. I taught English full time until I had children (two sons) then taught English and Spanish part time and did freelance writing. After our youngest son graduated from college, I quit teaching and put all my time into writing. We moved to North Carolina 18 years ago because my husband, Steve, wanted to live on a golf course. I don’t golf. I write!

I have a blog “ Women and Adversity,” which tells of challenges noted women–living, deceased and fictional characters–have overcome, most of whom are writers.

Any career advice you would give? 

Know your skills and hone them.

Jo Ann Mathews, right, visits with friends Gwen White, left, and Cindy Cruz-Mullee at the 2017 NFPW conference in Alabama.

Which talent would you most like to have?

As far as writing: saying the most in the fewest number of words; As far as other talents: I’d love to play the piano, the new and old hits. I’ve tried. I’m not going to be featured on any talent show. I also am trying to knit. Ha, ha, ha! I can crochet, though!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Right where I am.

What book are you reading?

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and James Comey’s A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership. I have three more on my shelf waiting to be read.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have never tried or taken any illegal drugs, but I am in favor of legalizing marijuana/cannabis and releasing prisoners who are serving time for its possession.

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

The late Joanne Zerkel made me aware of Illinois Woman’s Press Association and NFPW. I met wonderful people through both organizations and learned to improve my writing.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.

My website is http://www.jamathews.com, Twitter: https://twitter.com/joann_mathews, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joann.mathews.9; Blog: jamathews.com/blog. (I am on LInkedIn but don’t really follow it  because often posts are outdated.)

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Tags: Jo Ann Mathews, North Carolina Press Club, writer

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