Joanna Emerson loves the miracle of life and is continually awed that she's allowed to participate in this wild, beautiful, frightening ride. She has spent her whole life studying literature and world history. When her nose isn't in a book, her hands have gripped a pen. All the first drafts are written by hand. It helps when trying to connect with 19th century characters.

Slightly nomadic, Joanna lives with her husband and two miraculous children on their journey toward the seaside.