Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an artist working from both Amsterdam in the Netherlands and New York City. I used to sing and play guitar in a punk-oriented band callen !JP (pronounced as Illunga Pi). I’m traveling the solo-musician route since 2010.
I also work as a stage-actor from time-to-time.
As if I’m not busy enough already, I also try to be an author. I have written 6 books, three in English, three in Dutch.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Twelve Step Charlie and is inspired on my experiences with skin-cancer.
After I was diagnosed with skin-cancer, I kept up a journal, which I then turned into this memoirish-tale-of-abusement.
The book is a bit about skin-cancer and skin-cancer-awareness, but deals with me trying to deal with “bed news” even more. Going through a roller-coaster of emotion, I started to investigate “men”. Not that I didn’t know anything about other men, but my skin-cancer happened to “pop-up” on my penis.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Playing the radio really loud and make tiny notes. Then shutting myself away for a couple of hours in complete silence to get those notes typed.
Plus I like to drink red wine during the process. I know I’m not supposed to drink on the job, but it kind of helps me to find words easier. Not that I am a drunk behind a typewriter. I only allow myself two glasses of wine during writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Bukowski. The beat poets. Burroughs. Haruki Murakami.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing a lot for a blog which provides additional information about skin-cancer and my mental state dealing with it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t got a clue. I’m not very good at promoting.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Why shouldn’t your voice be heard.
What are you reading now?
The Familiar series by Mark Z. Danielewski.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m thinking about a work of fiction about the world of music and a non-fiction about the world of acting.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1Q84. All three volumes. All literature one needs in life is right there in those pages.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jean Koning Website
Jean Koning Amazon Profile
Jean Koning’s Social Media Links
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