J. Cid

Born and raised in Europe, Joanna is an accomplished multi-linguist, world traveler, former professional bobsledder, educator, restaurateur, poet, and lifelong learner. Now residing in Kansas City, Missouri, she shares her eclectic home with her black cat and a library filled with stories from every corner of the globe. Joanna moved to the United States more than 20 years ago, where she became a celebrated professor of languages and literature at esteemed institutions such as the University of Utah and Missouri Western State University. Her love for languages extends beyond academia; she fluently speaks five languages and has a soft spot for absorbing and sharing the diverse cultures of the world. Her adventurous spirit and athletic prowess led her to the thrill of bobsledding, where she etched her name in history as a participant in the inaugural women's world championships. This spirit of adventure hasn't dimmed; she often can be found dreaming about her next excursion, preferably somewhere with sandy beaches and the vibrant blues of the Caribbean Sea. Beyond her linguistic and athletic achievements, Joanna also developed a love for the rich flavors of Indian cuisine, prompting her to learn authentic culinary skills directly in India and subsequently open a popular Indian restaurant in her adopted city. As a single mother to two grown sons, she has woven the threads of her experiences into compelling narratives and evocative poetry, where her love for travel, language, and global cuisine frequently surface. Whether she's exploring new cultures or indulging in her passion for writing, Joanna embodies a zest for life that's contagious to those around her. Currently, she's embarking on a new journey of mastering the intricacies of law, a testament to her insatiable curiosity and passion for learning. Readers can expect this new exploration to breathe even more depth into her future works, just as her past adventures have shaped her writing thus far. Despite her vast range of experiences, Joanna's journey is far from over. In her own words, "Every day is a new opportunity for discovery, and each sunrise brings with it a blank page, waiting to be filled with today's story." Join her as she continues to navigate the myriad paths of her remarkable journey, both in life and on the page.