Joanna was born in Northampton and lived there until her mum and dad decided to move to Saffron Walden when she was three.
She studied drama at Hull, and later worked part-time for a juggling company whilst studying for an MA in Political Communications in Peckham, London.
Having worked for Alastair Campbell, she left Downing Street after the 2005 election, and now freelances as a government speech and TV scriptwriter.
She has written five books for younger readers, some of which have been shortlisted for numerous awards. My So-Called Life was her first Rachel Riley title for teenage readers, which was followed by five more! The latest The Facts of Life was published at the beginning of this year.
- Joanna dreamt of winning the Grand National and dancing the merengue with Patrick Swayze.
- Her crazy characters for young kids include Maisie Morris, Jake Jellicoe, Solomon Smee and Candy Plastic – a doll with attitude
- Joanna has a season ticket for Arsenal although she's never used it!
- Her fave books when she was a teenager were the Adrian Mole books and anything by Judy Blume
- Joanna has been mistaken for Yvette Fielding, Jennifer Saunders and Tamsin Greig
- When Joanna worked as a wardrobe mistress she had to wash and iron clothes for 80's pop star Roland Gift (ask your mum!)
