Local author and former teacher, Carol Joyce shares her passion for writing and the importance of learning how to communicate through the written word with students across Maryland. Joyce visits schools, libraries and bookstores, demonstrating the writing process, from the first word to a published work of art and how we all have a story to tell.

Joyce earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from York College, followed by a Master’s Degree. More recently, Joyce completed a study with the Professional Children’s Writing Program through the Professional Career Development Institute.

 

Beads of Change

CHANGES are in the air for Melissa Rose Hartley, a girl who likes life to be predictable. She enjoys family traditions, serving others and spending time at her beloved Southern Shores with close friends and family.

But as a superb summer visit with her grandmother draws to a close, Melissa Rose finds herself faced with disheartening changes when her sister heads off to college, her mother decides to go back to work and her brother seems headed for trouble. How will Melissa Rose deal with these challenges as she enters Middle School?

Find out how she forges ahead and yearns for meaning in her young life. During the months following summer, Melissa’s entries in her diary allow her to note important truths, which she calls beads, and discover the glorious “chain” that links the beads of her life together.

 

“I feel Beads of Change is a very relatable story for girls Missy’s age. The descriptive choice of words flows beautifully.” —Juliana C.

Just Friends

As the school year comes to a close, Melissa Rose Hartley wishes school were over and her summer at Southern Shores were underway. Frustrated with the boys at school, Melissa  vows to never get involved with any boy, ever– until she meets Flynn.

Melissa’s adventures take her to faraway places, involve her in the neighborhood mystery, lead her to a hidden treasure and send her stepping into a blissful friendship.

Join Melissa Rose as she finds fun and adventure at her beloved summer home in Southern Shores.

 

“Just Friends by Carol Joyce is a positive, well-written story that teaches young people about relationships with the opposite sex and how important it is to listen to God’s leading and the inner voice that alerts you when something doesn’t feel “right”. It sends a positive message to teens, and takes you to a slower pace of life. I like it because it shows the importance of God, family and treating each other with respect. The characters are real, and the book shows ways to handle everyday problems that come up in life and the importance of fighting to keep a marriage together. Also, I love the neat old photos included in the book of places the author spent her childhood — especially the one of her as a child! A wonderful book for young teens or anyone, who loves a gentle, encouraging story.”    Danette