LIGGAN is the founder of the Hanover Writers Club and the annual Hanover Book Festival event. In her quest to encourage other writers, Joanne also teaches writing courses for the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen and Hanover Parks & Recreation, and presents lectures and workshops at various writers groups, schools, civic organizations, book clubs, and libraries.

JOANNE has been a realtor for over 22 years and is an agent at Olde Towne Properties of Va., Inc. She is also the office manager, sales representative, and Vice President of her husband’s home construction company, Liggan Homes, Inc., a Virginia corporation since 1974. Among the most respected home construction specialists in the area, Liggan Homes, Inc. has built homes in the counties of Henrico, Hanover, King William, New Kent, Matthews, Gloucester, Goochland, Colonial Heights, as well as the City of Richmond, and is presently building in the Town of West Point.

Specializing in classic rock from the 50’s through the 80’s, Hearts Afire offers musical entertainment for any event, from private parties to community festivals. The band consists of four extremely talented musicians, and each performance showcases the instrumental and/or vocal talents of each of the band members. JOANNE is the lead vocalist and manager of the group with her husband, Jerry, as the lead guitarist. The bass player, Richard Johnson, and the drummer, Jimmy Traylor, are backup vocalists, creating the fabulous 3-part harmony of this group. Jimmy also sings lead on many hits such as Mustang Sally and Old Time Rock & Roll.

JOANNE is a member of Gethsemane Church of Christ in Mechanicsville, Virginia. She enjoys in-depth Bible studies that delve into, not only the scriptures, but the writers of those scriptures, in order to determine their true intent. It is this passion for truth she wishes to share with other Christians in order to learn from each other through an on-line Bible study she calls FACTS: Faith And Commitment Through Scripture. Her greatest desire is to use her writing abilities in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. It is her faith that affords her the ability to realize her dreams. Although she lives a hectic and full life and sometimes wonders how she will find time to fit everything into her schedule, she believes in Philippians 4:13 --

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."