Okay, I was toying around and daydreaming about speaking in front of a small audience about my work the other day. So, I decided to just type into a Search bar Author Questions. I clicked on what I saw first and copied the question and gave answers. At least this gives a little insight into me. As an author, try to answer these yourself. Enjoy!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I think I’ve always enjoyed writing since I was in the 4th grade, so since I was 10. I wrote a short story for class and it was pretty horrible in retrospect, but at the time, I felt it was movie-worthy. Something of a Die Hard meets the French Connection.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Depends on the kind of book. Granted, I have only written a handful, but some call for more attention than others. The Time Travel book took a couple of months, but that was patchy time commitments. The Dusk series I have written has been an ongoing saga of years.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
When I am committed to writing, I generally take an hour a day. When I get thoughts I can’t get rid of then I put in hours on the weekend.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Hmm, quirk? I talk to myself as if I’m in the scene in the book while I’m in the car. It helps get the right flow out, for me at least.
How do books get published?
Through patience, persistence and putting yourself out there. (I have patience down, persistence is growing and I’m trying to put myself out there as much as possible. So, the publishing should happen any time now)
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Ideas can come from anywhere. I see a part in a movie where it takes my mind away, a concept I wanted to see but never have or simply writing about the thing that randomly circulate in my head at any given time.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
On this, I am simply gauging when I completed my first book. I started writing a book, Out of the Dusk,
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m a huge movie buff, love seeing all the different stories they can tell. I do also love when it’s nice enough outside to go for bike rides, walks, hiking and throwing the ball around with my daughter.
What does your family think of your writing?
It’s hard to know, I’m not sure all of my family has read my works. My parents are very supportive of my creativity and help me edit my thoughts.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Mainly, people have comfort words and bad habits. I used the word “that” waaaaay too much. Grammar gets in the way of good thought.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
In total, I have just (2) complete books. I have a revolving (4) others I comb through until I get one to bite. As for my favorite… I love Carter’s character, he was super fun to write. In all, the concepts I have for the Dusk Series are my favorite to conjure.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
A writer, Sandra Brannan, told me once to never stop writing. That would be my message to pass on. When you stop, it’s like a muscle and it takes longer to get creativity back into the shape you once had it. Each mistake or accomplishment makes you stronger as long as you keep writing.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I get a few nods from a couple of devout readers. Honestly, I am just happy to know people read it. No one has hated it yet, so I get encouragement to get published.
Do you like to create books for adults?
As opposed to children? I think some of my books would cause children to loose their innocence. So, yes, mainly adults.
What do you think makes a good story?
You need to have good dialog, a couple of strong characters and something that makes readers thankful to be on the journey with you. And when it’s over, they should hate you for stopping or not having more.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Honestly, I wanted to be a garbage man. Riding around and slinging bags of trash from the bumper of those steel beasts seemed like the best job ever.
Jonas Lee 