Lake Area Author Joy Corwin Brings Medieval England To Life In Debut Novel, 'The Miller's Daughter'

For many people, retirement is a chance to slow down. For Lake-area resident Joy Corwin, it was finally the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream.

After decades spent as a teacher, librarian, wife and mother, Corwin has published The Miller's Daughter, a dual-timeline historical fiction novel set in medieval England. The story follows a young woman abandoned as a child as she uncovers secrets about her past while love, betrayal and violence threaten her future.

"In the end, The Miller's Daughter is about love and betrayal, pain and forgiveness, mystery and redemption," Corwin said.

Although she's written since childhood, Corwin said it wasn't until retiring from education that she had the time to fully dedicate herself to finishing a novel. The project began six to seven years ago before evolving into an entirely different story than she originally envisioned.

Writing a published novel had been a long time personal goal of Corwin's. After creating a bucket list with her husband nearly a decade ago, publishing a book became one of the dreams she was determined to accomplish.

"I've always been a voracious reader, and it has always been a dream of mine to see a book of my own on a shelf," she said.

Throughout the publishing process, Corwin worked alongside developmental editor Nicole Whisler, as well as copy editors and early readers before ultimately choosing to independently publish the novel.

While commuting between the Lake and Jefferson City during her final years of work, she used the drive to mentally develop characters, scenes, and plotlines. At home, she often wrote while overlooking the water.

"The serenity of the Lake calms me and helps me focus," Corwin said.

One memorable evening boat ride even helped her solve a difficult scene in the novel.

"The colorful sunsets at the Lake are amazing," she said. "Every time I reread that scene from the book, I remember that boat ride."

More than anything, Corwin hopes readers become immersed in the lives of her characters while also gaining an appreciation for the hardships of medieval life and the enduring power of love, family and faith.

"I hope readers are on the edge of their seats trying to solve the mystery," she said.

The Miller's Daughter will be available Aug. 25 in paperback, hardcover and ebook formats through major retailers including Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble. Corwin has also scheduled book signings at The Curious Turtle in Jefferson City on Aug. 29 and the Camden County Library in Osage Beach on Oct. 22.