Date Published: December 9, 2025
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
The Hippocratic Oath dictates, “First, do no harm,” but what if success demands it?
The calm and compassionate Dr. Joyce Porter is proud to work at McArthur Fertility Institute, where miracles happen every day. Couples determined to conceive flock to the clinic, drawn by its unmatched IVF success rate and glowing reputation.
But behind the clinic’s shining facade lies a disturbing secret. When another doctor mentions a peculiarity in the facility’s methods, Joyce investigates. What she discovers is worse than she could have imagined. Now, she must decide whether to confront the institute’s renowned director about his unscrupulous deeds or compromise her ethics by turning a blind eye. She knows staying silent could destroy people’s lives, but speaking out could destroy hers.
As the line between healing and harm blurs, Joyce must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her patients, her integrity, and the future she still hopes to build.
What is
the hardest part of writing your books?
Well, since
this is my first book, what I found most difficult was the middle part of my
story. The first chapter was easy to write in terms of plot line. It took a lot
of editing to make it succinct and intriguing, but I’m really pleased with how
it turned out. I also knew how the story ended. The middle was hard for me
because I didn’t plot the whole thing out. I just wrote a chapter at a time and
asked my critique group for feedback, so it was constantly changing. They were
very helpful in telling me when my characters weren’t acting consistently, when
there was a plot hole, or when the pacing was off. I’ve started my next book,
and I plan to use a plot outline!
What are
your most played songs?
I like
“oldies” from the 70’s and 80’s. Some of my favorites are Billy Joel’s “Piano
Man,” “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant,” and “Just the Way You Are.” When I
want to feel strong and empowered, I play “The Touch” by Stan Bush or “Don’t
Stop Me Now” by Queen. And from newer artists, I like Pharrell Williams “Happy”
and Portugal. The Man—“Feel It Still.” And for a beachy vibe, Jimmy Buffett’s
“Banana Wind,” “Fins,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” And I love Karen
Carpenter’s voice, so “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” are
big on my list. Roger Nichols, who wrote the music for those hits, was the
husband of one of my friends, so those songs have a special significance for
me.
Do you
have critique partners or beta readers?
Yes, I have
both. When I decided I was ready to write a full-length novel, I took a class
at our local community college. I met a wonderful instructor, and through that
class, some other folks who were interested in belonging to a critique group.
We exchanged work a chapter at a time. When the first draft was completed, I
sent it to some other friends (beta readers) who I knew could be trusted to
give me honest feedback. My mentor taught us to listen to the feedback, even if
we didn’t like it. She said if two or more people mentioned something, then we
needed to fix it. The ongoing feedback while writing the first draft really
helped me.
What book
are you reading now?
I just
finished The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. The structure of this book
fascinated me—the idea that the protagonist, Nora, could explore multiple
“lives” influenced by decisions she made in her “root life,” the one she was living
before she attempted suicide. The setting of the library in some “in-between
life and death place” captivated my imagination. My next read is a book my
friend Anna Marie Garcia wrote titled On Grace’s Watch. It is a cozy
mystery, perfect for chilly winter evenings.
How did
you start your writing career?
I’ve always
enjoyed being a storyteller. I wrote my first “book” in the 6th
grade. It was called “The Skating Party.” My friend did drawings for each of
the chapter headings, and my mom typed all five chapters.
When I was
preparing to retire, a colleague asked me what I was planning to do with all my
free time. Without any real thought, I said, “I’m going to write a book.” She
asked me about the plot, and on the spot, I gave her my pitch. She looked
intrigued and said, “I’d read that book.”
Four months into retirement, I began taking writing courses at our local
community college and met some great people, including one outstanding teacher
who has been a wonderful mentor to me. We formed a critique group, and with
their help, In Vitro was “born.”
Tell
us about your next release
My next book
is set 20 plus years after the first book. It is about some of the young adults
whose parents went to the IVF clinic featured in the first book. I’ve written
the first three chapters. Right now, there are four families whose lives are
intertwined through their treatment at the McArthur clinic. I’m invested in
these characters, so I’ll have to continue writing to find out what happens. A
working title is The Sins of Their Father.
About the Author
Her dedication to helping patients and students left her little time to write, but the idea for a novel stuck with her. Inspired by deeply moving stories of couples undergoing IVF, she developed her first novel, In Vitro.
Now retired, M.J. lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a spicy cat named Simon. She volunteers at a local elementary school, where she reads with kindergarteners to foster a love of books. Tai chi, crafting, and wine tasting are a few of her favorite hobbies.
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