About Joanna

Joanna is a storyteller and art dabbler with a permanent case of wanderlust. She lives in California with her family and cat, and has a passion for wildlife and conservation. She still hasn’t decided what she’s going to be when she grows up, though she suspects she will probably be herself. Her novel, YA sci-fi time travel story Threadwalkers, was published in 2017. You can find her other ramblings at joannavolavka.com or by following her on instagram @joannavolavka which is mostly cat photos and pretty plants. Need to get in touch? Email joanna@geekgirlpenpals.com
IGGPPC Director, +5 Charisma Editor
16 01, 2026

5 Ways Bridgerton is Like Dungeons & Dragons

By |2026-01-10T07:47:39+00:00January 16th, 2026|5 Fandom Friday, Culture, TV & Movies|Comments Off on 5 Ways Bridgerton is Like Dungeons & Dragons

I've been thinking about all the ways Bridgerton reminds me of another of my geek loves.... Dungeons & Dragons. So here are 5 ways Bridgerton is totally like D&D. 

28 11, 2025

5 Retro-Nerdy Gifts This Holiday Season

By |2026-01-10T07:31:21+00:00November 28th, 2025|5 Fandom Friday, Books, Culture, Shopping, Staff Picks|Comments Off on 5 Retro-Nerdy Gifts This Holiday Season

It's the gifting season for many of us and we know how challenging it can be to find that perfect thing to give your bestie [...]

24 07, 2025

Her Universe Fashion Show 2025 Defies Gravity in Wicked-Themed Celebration of Geek Couture

By |2026-01-08T07:32:35+00:00July 24th, 2025|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on Her Universe Fashion Show 2025 Defies Gravity in Wicked-Themed Celebration of Geek Couture

The annual Her Universe Fashion show debuted in a new venue this year with more spectacle and more fans able to attend what has become [...]

27 07, 2024

Doctor Who Lands at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

By |2026-01-08T07:12:37+00:00July 27th, 2024|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on Doctor Who Lands at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

DOCTOR WHO - "Doctor Who" stars Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson and showrunner, executive producer and writer Russell T Davies attend San Diego Comic-Con 2024 on Friday, July 26. (Disney/Richard Harbaugh)

26 07, 2024

Her Universe Fashion Show Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

By |2026-01-08T07:12:57+00:00July 26th, 2024|Conventions/Events, Fashion|Comments Off on Her Universe Fashion Show Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

The Her Universe Fashion Show turned ten this year with an standing-room-only crowd in this fan-favorite celebration of Geek Couture. In partnership with Mattel, who [...]

25 07, 2024

Insight Editions at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

By |2026-01-08T07:13:24+00:00July 25th, 2024|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on Insight Editions at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Insight Editions returns to San Diego Comic-Con with signings, giveaways, special promotions, and more! This year's upcoming releases we're excited about include Christina Ricci's A [...]

24 07, 2024

Her Universe Fashion Show 2024: Meet the Designers

By |2026-01-08T07:13:59+00:00July 24th, 2024|Conventions/Events, Fashion|Comments Off on Her Universe Fashion Show 2024: Meet the Designers

Ahead of its 10th event, the Her Universe Fashion Show announced its 25 designers participating in the annual celebration of all things Geek Couture. This [...]

24 07, 2024

San Diego Comic-Con 2024: Offsite Activations We’re Excited to See!

By |2026-01-08T07:14:36+00:00July 24th, 2024|Conventions/Events|Comments Off on San Diego Comic-Con 2024: Offsite Activations We’re Excited to See!

One of the most fun parts of San Diego Comic-Con is the offsite activations! Each year, studios and production companies set up the most creative [...]

7 09, 2023

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Beyond Halloween Town brings us behind the scenes of an enduring classic

By |2023-09-06T21:22:47+00:00September 7th, 2023|Books, Reviews|0 Comments

This August, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas celebrated its 30th anniversary with a beautiful new coffee table book delving into the origins, the creation, and the enduring legacy of this iconic, classic film. Written by Emily Zemler, this book reads like a love letter to the film.