Author name: Joanne Kukanza Easley
Genre: Literary Fiction
Book: Sweet Jane
What’s your story and how did you become a writer? I’ve always been an avid reader and have had aspirations to write for years. As a young adult, I started taking classes and workshops. When I retired, I became serious about getting published. Although I was born in Chicago, I call the Texas Hill Country home. My small ranch is the perfect setting to write.
How do you balance your work with other demands? I’m a retired registered nurse, so I am blessed with the gift of time to write. My three little rescue terriers take up a good deal of time, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Name one of the happiest moments in your life: The day my first adopted son was placed in my arms.
What’s your approach to writing? Are you a “pantser” or a planner? I’m a hybrid. I start out with a character, imagine her back story and current conflict. As I write the novel, I become more of a planner.
Could you write in a café with people around? Yes. No problem.
Have you ever written dialogue in a second language? If so, how did you do it? In my next novel, one of the characters is from Hungary and when stressed lapses into Hungarian. I used several translation websites to help with the dialogue.
What’s your favorite book and what are you reading now? It’s so hard to pick just one, but I’ll go with Pat Conroy’s Prince of Tides. Right now, I’m rereading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.
What’s your favorite way to read a book: hardcover, paperback, eReader? You nailed my order of preference, although I rarely buy a hardcover these days. I finally broke down and bought a Kindle.
Do you think print books will always be around? I really hope so. I do love the feel of turning the pages.
Would you ever read a book on your phone? No. I consider my phone both a useful tool and a nuisance.
What’s your go-to device? iPhone, Android or something else? I do have a new iPhone and it’s great for Instagram and recording videos, but I’m usually on my laptop.
How long could you go without checking your phone? All day.
Do you listen to audiobooks? If you do, what do you do while you’re listening? I haven’t delved into audiobooks. I’m a very visual person.
Do you like using social media to promote yourself and your book? If so, what’s your favorite platform? I do a lot of promotion on social media. Facebook is my favorite.
Website and social media links:
Website: sweetjanenovel.com
YouTube: Joanne Kukanza Easley Author
Twitter: @jeasleytx
Facebook: @J.Easleywrites
Instagram: joanneeasleywriter
Goodreads: Joanne Kukanza Easley