How much research did Mr. Jones have to do to write this book? Does he have a planned time to write each day? Who is the one person, dead or alive, that he would most like to spend one hour with? What advice does he have for unpublished authors?
Do you plan out the entire book before writing it? Or do you just sit down and write?
I have to work from an outline. I need to know where I’m going with a story before I can begin. Granted, outlines aren’t set in stone and if a character takes me in a different direction I follow their lead. But given the complex stories I like to create, an outline helps me keeps things organized and less chaotic.
Do you have a set time to write each day? Or do you wait to be inspired?
I have a full-time job as well so my writing schedule is primarily narrowed down to late night and weekends. I long for the day where I’ll be granted the option of writing full-time.
How much research, if any, did you have to do for this book?
A lot! Contrary to what most readers think after reading the book, I’m not Greek nor have I ever pledged a fraternity so I really had to read a lot about these organizations’ histories. I also interviewed friends who are Greek to really capture the lifestyle. Since I’ve been questioned repeatedly if I am Greek myself by people who have read the book, I guess all the research paid off.
Do you ever become bored with what you are writing? If you do, how do you get past that point?
Rarely. I don’t know if I’d call it bored though. Usually when I’m in the middle of a story and I’m setting up all the action that will unfold in the story’s climax I tend to get anxious and frustrated with writing the “slow” parts. But that’s because I know where the story is going and I just want to hurry up and get there.
Are you successful enough to write full time?
No. I wish. Maybe one day.
What is your favorite genre in which to write?
Mysteries/Thriller, Horror.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I’ll read mostly anything that captures my attention and keeps it. But my favorite genres, of course, are the ones I like to write in.
How do you manage to balance your time between family, friends, and writing?
I haven’t successfully been able to do this yet. I’m still learning. I’ll have to get back to you in a couple years. :)
If you could spend one hour with just one person, dead or alive, whom would you choose? Why?
The late, great E. Lynn Harris. He was a writing mentor for me. I’ve read every one of his books and he has inspired me down this path in more ways than he’ll ever know. I was dreamed of becoming a best-selling author just like him and getting the chance to meet him just so I could tell him that myself. But shortly before self-publishing my debut novel, Never Dead, he died unexpectedly. It really saddens me. I didn’t even know him but it felt like part of my dream died with him.
Do you have any advice for writers who are striving to be published?
It’s simple: Never give up! Ever!
Thank you, Mr. Jones, for such a fantasitc interview. I look forward to your next book.
If you would like to purchase a copy of The Eternal Sphinxman for your own personal enjoyment, I have provided a link from Amazon below.
