A NEW year, a new face - jOAN EARLY

by La-Tessa Montgomery

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A bit about you:

1.   How long have you been writing? I began writing about eight years ago following a twenty year career in mortgage banking and mortgage law. Also I grew up listening to stories told and read by my grandmother.  It fostered my love for books and expanded my knowledge well beyond classes and textbooks.  I love creating stories and characters to entertain readers, and I encourage everyone to teach a child the excitements of the printed word.

2.   What convinced you to get started on your first book?  Were there any major challenges that almost prevented you from going ahead with it? My first effort was a short story for Ebony Magazine’s literary contest. Unable to condense my thoughts into short story length, I completed the 114 page novel. I did write a short story for Ebony the following year and won first place.

Congratulations on your first place win!

3.   Did you ever imagine that you would become a published author?  What did you do when you got THE call ?  The call from Ebony stating I was a finalist in the contest was my first big moment. After that, I considered writing my next career.

4.   What are some of your favorite authors, genres, and/or books? I love American writers, especially Southern writers. I will read anything interesting except horror.  I especially like Stephen L. Carter.

5.   What are some of the things you like to do you do in your down time?   My husband, Dale, and I own an automobile dealership, which he runs, and I help with promotions. I cook because I like my food better than eating out.   But when I’m not writing, I’m reading or spending time with my husband and family.

All about Look Both Ways:

1.   What was you inspiration for Look Both Ways?  After hearing news stories about faulty lending practices, I decided to create a character that could use my experience to shed light on the realities of the industry.

2.   Do you have any favorite characters or scenes that you wouldn’t mind sharing or providing a little more insight on?   I love Reverend Cartwright, who is a combination of the quietly dynamic men I most admire: my husband, my son Jeff, and my TV sweetheart, Dennis Haysbert.

3.    Did you face any major challenges writing this particular story?  If so, what were they?  LOOK BOTH WAYS was a relativity easy story for me to do, because only a little research was needed. 

All about the Fans:

1.    What’s next for you?  Do you have any upcoming releases or projects you are working on?   I have another romance novel, SARA’S REWARD, available in e-book and at New Concepts Publishing.  I have two future releases with Genesis Press, FIREFLIES in October AND OAK BLUFFS early next year.  I am currently working on two stories for Genesis and a story of historical fiction taken from my childhood in a small Mississippi town.

2.    Do you have any reader events coming up (book signing, tours, etc.)?  I have several local book signings and one in Memphis in the planning stages.

Cool, keep me posted, especially about the one in Memphis.

3.    How can your readers stay in touch with you?  Visit my website at www.joanearly.com ; or they can e-mail me at joan.early@Yahoo.com.

4.    What advice or encouragement do you have for aspiring authors?  Build your vocabulary; take classes and workshops; read, read, read; and  have an abundance of patience.