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Interview with Joana A. Park

Published 2018-05-30.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
My daughter Lani. I always tell her stories and she suggested that I'd write them and tell them to everyone I can reach. Very good advice.
When did you first start writing?
I'm a late bloomer. I began writing in my 30's. I finally got published in 2013.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
It had to be over 30 years ago. It was kind of what they call fan fiction now. It was a story about my friends and I and whatever boy band that was popular at that time.
What is your writing process?
Its a mess. I don't write in order. I just write then go back and juggle things around until they fit. It seems to work for me.
What inspires you?
Everything does. Music, Change in weather, Smells. Just anything.
Do you believe in muses?
I do. Having someone or something that inspires you is very important. My muse has always been Kim Jun Myeon (SUHO) from the Korean pop group EXO. From the first time I saw & heard him, he just had IT. I could mold him into a King or a murderer. He so pretty to look at, so full of energy and that smile ignites many dreams. He's very talented and inspiring!
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Knowing that people enjoy it.
What do you read for pleasure?
I love reading mystery novels. I also read poetry a lot.
Who are your favorite authors?
I enjoy Jane Austen, Stephen King, poet E. E. Cummings
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My LG Tablet
Describe your desk
My desk is pretty neat. Just my laptop, a few inspirational pictures, some treats usually gummy spearmint leaves.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans are the best, they are awesome! They are actually the most important part because without them I couldn't do this.
What are you working on next?
Right now, I just released "벚꽃의 비밀 The Secret of the Cherry Blossoms", a book I co-wrote with author Choua Vang - Lee. Its a sweet love adventure told in 3 different views. Its a very sweet book. In 2017, I will release "천국 전송 Heaven Sent" Also co-written with author Choua Vang-Lee. Its a story about Guardian Angels.
What is your latest book "Heaven Sent" about?
It is a mini prequel to "The Secret of the Cherry Blossoms". It is about the character Anni and her life before she left to Seoul with her friends.
Which of your book is your favorite?
I love all my books, they are all different. But Pink Ribbons has a special place in my heart because it's my true personal story. I talk about how I battled breast cancer with the love and help of Suho, leader of EXO.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest book is Pink Ribbons. I combine my true personal battle with breast cancer with a fantasy love story of a girl who meets her idol. In my book, the idol is represented by Suho of EXO. Believe it or not, his presence and words helped me a lot during that time. He is my hero.
If you could say anything to anyone n the world, what would it be?
김준면. 언젠가 너와 결혼 해 줄래?
If you could have one wish what would it be?
I'd like to make "Pink Ribbons" an audiobook with Choua Vang Lee as Charlie and Suho (Kim JunMyeon) from EXO as Myeon. I feel people would be interested in that. That would be my wish. Sounds simple enough... Keeping my fingers crossed.
Suho inspires terminally ill fan in Joana A Park's Pink Ribbons (read about it at link below)
http://kdramabuzz.com/suho-exo-inspires-terminally-ill-fan-pink-ribbons/
Pink Ribbons in Hallyu Magazine #34
https://issuu.com/hallyumagazine/docs/34
SUHO of EXO inspires cancer patient in Joana A Park’s Pink Ribbons…
https://medium.com/@kpopnews/suho-of-exo-inspires-cancer-patient-in-joana-a-parks-pink-ribbons-37d6711be10e
MUST READ BOOKS by Korean Authors
http://blog.inspiremekorea.com/entertainment/k-books/must-read-books-by-korean-authors/
EXO inspires fan to publish book - The Korea Times
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2018/05/682_249701.html
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Books by This Author

Escape by
Price: Free! Words: 16,570. Language: English. Published: December 6, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General
What appears to be love at first sight becomes a twisted fate for Katya and Michael. Through a heart-wrenching battle, Katya must choose to save the man she loves or kill him in order to save herself. What will Katya choose? Will she sacrifice her life to save his life? To save their love? Katya's made up her mind and she's ready to make her move.Would you risk your life to save your favorite idol
Pink Ribbons by
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Joana combines her reality with a splash of daydream by bringing us her personal charming story. Through her words, we experience with her the hardest battle of her life and how she found love, hope, strength, and courage from her bias Kim JunMyeon/Suho from EXO. All proceeds of this book will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
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