Sedona, AZ — Joan Fernandez is an award-winning author whose storytelling uplifts the overlooked voices of
women in history. The Sedona Women are excited to present The Impact of Brilliant Women
on History on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Community Library Sedona, where TSW
programs are scheduled monthly every second Thursday from September through May from 9:30
a.m. to noon.
Joan’s debut historical novel, Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo van Gogh, published in April 2025,
brings to life the story of Jo van Gogh, widow of Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s brother. Jo van Gogh
Bonger is the woman responsible for the transformation of Vincent van Gogh’s legacy from
obscurity to global fame. When Theo died six months after Vincent’s suicide, Jo inherited all of
Vincent’s artwork (900 paintings and drawings), all of which were of little value in 1891. Jo
worked to promote Vincent’s work for 15 years, ultimately saving it from oblivion. Saving
Vincent has received numerous awards, including the 2025 Gold Medal from Readers Favorites
(Historical Personage), 2025 Finalist National Indie Excellence Award (Historical Fiction), and
the 2024 Winner from American Writing (Art).
Joan’s contributions to the Fiesty Deeds anthologies (Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring
Women, published in 2024, and Feisty Deeds II: Historical Tales of Batches and Brews,
published in 2026) feature historical short stories depicting the universal struggles of women
against adversity, proving that rigid rules and war are no match for a determined female mind.
With over 30 years of experience in corporate communications as a senior marketing executive,
Joan Fernandez transitioned to full-time writing in 2018. She brings a rare depth of insight to
both storytelling and public speaking.
She is known for shining a light on the overlooked women
of history, using rich storytelling to reveal their strength, vision, and impact. As the founder of
the Historical Fiction Affinity Group within the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Joan is
passionate about fostering community among women.
For Release On
February 6, 2026
Contact: Margot Brower
(301)788-8226
1meb2rfb3@verizon.net
This March 12th program is open to the public, at the Community Library Sedona, 3250 White
Bear Road in West Sedona. A meet-and-greet will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the program
and Q&A at 10 a.m. To learn more about The Sedona Women or to become a member, visit
thesedonawomen.com or contact thesedonawomen@gmail.com.
The Sedona Women are dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact on the community by
providing opportunities for women to build relationships, to learn about the community, to
support community needs, and to enhance the natural beauty and distinctive character of Sedona.
TSW is an apolitical 501(c)(3) organization that respects the diversity of its members and the
inclusivity of our community.
