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
Awards/special recognition: Sweet Jane was a 2019 Faulkner/Wisdom Creative Writing Competition Finalist
Are you an indie or self-published author? Do you want to build your author network? Get your name out on Who’s That Indie Author!
Email bvitelli2009@gmail.com for a bio template and other details.
This is a great post idea. I’ve never heard of this author but she sounds really cool and now I really want to read some of her work!
Hi Angela – thanks for stopping by to meet Joanne. I’m glad you were able to add some books to your reading list!
Thanks Angela. If you’re on Kindle Unlimited, Sweet Jane is available there. It’s also available as a paperback on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. My second book will be released next summer. It’s the story of a girl who falls in love at thirteen.
Hi, Barb – Thank you for introducing us to Joanne. It is a pleasure to meet her here!
Hi Donna – I enjoyed learning more about her too. Thanks for the visit 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the interview. If you have Kindle Unlimited Sweet Jane is available there. Thanks!
Thanks for introducing us to Joanne, Barbara. I enjoyed learning about her. Prince of Tides is one of my favorites, too.
Hi Jill. Thanks for stopping by to meet Joanne. I keep meaning to read Prince of Tides. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it!
Hi Jill, I love Pat Conroy. Beach Music is another favorite. Happy you enjoyed the interview.
Hello, Joanne. I enjoyed meeting you here and I find we have a few things in common, including writing as an encore career. (I’m a retired teacher.) I’ve read Prince of Tides and also The Goldfinch. The latter is such a LONG book, but extremely well written. Did you know it was made into a movie?
Congratulations on your novel and the award, quite an accomplishment!
Thanks, Barbara, for introducing me to another writer!
Hi Marian – thank you for visiting and saying hello to Joanne. I just mentioned in an earlier comment that I’ve been meaning to read Prince of Tides. Did you like The Goldfinch? I know how long it is!
Thank you, Marian. Donna Tartt writes lengthy novels, but I enjoy all her work. I did see that there was a movie, but I usually prefer the written version. Maybe I’ll see it sometime.
Hi Barbara,
I enjoyed this interview with Joanne and look forward to reading her book. Congratulations, Joanne!
Lauren 💗
Hi Lauren – I’m glad you enjoyed meeting Joanne and that you are interested in reading her book. Thanks for the visit!
Thanks so much Lauren. I hope you enjoy Sweet Jane. My second novel will be released next summer.
Great to meet Joanne, Barbara. I found her answers entertaining. I love reading about other writer’s lives and writing processes.
Hi Robbie – I also like learning about other writers and especially their writing processes. Thanks for visiting 🙂
Thank you for reading the interview.!
Thanks for reading the interview.
Barbara, thanks so much for doing the interview. I will be having a Goodreads giveaway in the near future. Please follow me there to be notified when it happens.