I was born in Japan and lived there for the first two years of my life. My parents were teaching English over there and I was a happy surprise. My middle name is actually Kyoko.
2. What is your nickname?
I don’t really have one. Although, my sister calls me Joobi sometimes. I couldn’t tell you why.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Being stuck somewhere without snacks. If you ask anyone that knows me they will tell you how hungry I can get.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Scribble something down, write it again, and again and again.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Personable, friendly, kind, uplifting, relatable.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Elizabeth Bennet, from Pride and Prejudice. Because she values herself, stands up for what she believes, and is also kind and compassionate. Fun fact: I did a personality test, which told me that Elizabeth Bennet had the same personality type as me.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
That’s such a hard question… Maybe 1965, because I’m a hippy at heart and the second-wave feminist movement was in full swing. I would have loved to be a part of those protests. Also, the Great Barrier Reef and other environmental wonders would still be largely untouched by humans and climate change.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
‘I did not see this coming!’ 10-year-old Jess thought she was going to be the No.1 female trumpet player in the world.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Probably my mother. Her passion for preventative education, gender-neutral parenting/teaching and female empowerment can be seen in everything I do today. She is also an author and has published over 100 books for kids. My parents run Educate 2 Empower publishing so you could say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I was not really a writer growing up. I read a lot but I was very visual. Photography and painting were my preferred mediums of creativity. However, my mother has always encouraged writing as a form of expression and activism, so I’d say she planted the idea long ago.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Right now, it’s ‘nuance’. The more I learn the more I realise nothing is black and white, everything and everyone has shades of grey.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jessica, by Bryce Courtney. I can’t help but become immersed up in the narrative every time I read it. Plus, it’s a big book so it would take me longer to get sick of.
Jessica Sanders is an author, advocate and social worker. She has volunteered for several women’s rights organisations, supported women and children fleeing family violence, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in alliance with African women fighting for their rights to land, and lectured at schools teaching the importance of acceptance towards self and others. For more information, see www.fivemile.com.au.
