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About the Songwriter: Joan Batchelder was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up with loving foster parents, Mr. & Mrs. James Larner of Raynham, Massachusetts. Like most people, she grew up listening to and enjoying all types of music. Although she has no formal training, she sang in the choirs at church and school. Joan began writing poetry about six years ago. This is how she came about writing song lyrics. Two poets that have inspired her the most are Robert Frost, for his love of nature and Mya Angelou, for her interpretation of the human spirit.

Joan reflects, "I remember the day I wrote this song very well. I was sitting on the couch, looking out at the rain coming down. I was feeling a little down and quite lonely. Picked up the pen and started to write. I found I was writing about myself. The words just seemed to flow as if I was telling someone my story, hoping to be heard." Joan got a professional recording of her song from Nashville with Laura Weber singing the lead track.

Some time after her song was finished, Joan was scanning the internet for new poetry and songwriting contests. That's when she found the Song of the Year songwriting contest. Upon finding out she won, Joan's reaction was one of shock and pure excitement, "When my name appeared, I couldn't believe it. I just sat there looking at the screen for a number of minutes. It was the first time I had won anything. I then proceeded to call my family and some of my friends to tell them the good news."

Joan concedes that she is not a performer. However, since her win in August, Joan's song has been optioned by a prominent recording artist in Texas. Song of the Year provided the song to Sheila Marshall, one of the USA Network's Nashville Star top 10 contestants in 2004. She has been singing Joan's song live at her concerts. "She has brought my song to life for others to hear. I am very grateful," remarks Joan. The song was recently performed in front of 10,000's of people by Sheila at the Houston Rodeo along with many other venues.

Joan currently reside in Norton, Massachusetts. Her family resides in Raynham and Taunton, Massachusetts. They've all heard her music and are very supportive. In fact, they are quite surprised that she had this ability. Her biggest supporters are her niece, Candace, and significant other, Joe. Joan hopes to continue writing song lyrics as well as poetry. She would someday love to publish a compilation of her poetry and, hopefully, write a hit song.