A Writer's Journey Interview Questions: John R. Williams, the author
** Introduce us to your new book, The Reunion and the main characters.
How did you develop your characters?
I strive to keep the characters I create real and identifiable. To me there are no super heroes. Everyone has flaws. We also have our bright spots and can exhibit amazing qualities such as righteousness, loyalty, courage and temperance.
When possible, I design characters that force you to agree with them in one moment and then disagree with them in the next. All of the decisions that my characters make can be related to. I feel that characters who display human qualities are the one readers remember most.
** What do you love the most about your novel/book?
My book is like a time machine. It makes you nostalgic and helps you remember the good old days when all we had to worry about were homework assignments and who we were going to take to prom. The book has a lot of comedy, drama and self discovery too.
** When you write books, do you have certain objectives in mind?
I approach each project differently. I try not to make political or moral statements with my books at this stage. However, I do assist readers in forming their own judgments about common situations that occur in everyday life.
** Did you choose your genre, or did your genre choose you?
Genre’s box you in and I don’t believe creativity should be caged. I can write in any genre but I do admire the freedom that contemporary literature gives me. It changes with the times and provides a true picture of life.
** Please describe your journey to publication. Did you experience lots of rejection? Were you tenacious in getting your works seen by those in the industry? What are some of the challenges you may had to overcome in seeing your books in print?
I took the Self-Publishing route. I published (3) titles single-handedly prior to getting a publishing deal with a major publishing house. Although it was hard work, I learned a great deal about the business of writing. I also loved the control I had over content, pricing, marketing and design. It wasn’t until I hit a plateau that I reached out to publishers and sought a deal. I mailed copies of my book What Could Have Been? [Outskirts Press Publishing] to dozens of companies and they all said no to my work.
I have the letters to prove it in a file cabinet in my office. What they didn’t know was that I was a hustler with an iron will. I kept trying and eventually found a home with Xpress Yourself Publishing. They are based out of Maryland . www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org
** When you first wanted to write novels, did you always know you wanted to do several books, or were you initially happy just to do that first book?
Writing is a career for me. I can see myself involved with writing [in some way] when I am old and gray.
** What thoughts are going through your mind now that your new book, The Reunion, has been released?
I can finally celebrate the accomplishment! This book is my debut novel with a major publishing house, there were so many obstacles that I had to overcome to make The Reunion possible. I am also anxious to see how the public responds to this love story. I put so much of myself into this particular book that I would be disappointed if it isn’t well received.
** What kinds of research did you did, particularly in terms of setting, since your book takes place in multiple locations.
The Reunion takes place in (3) of my favorite cities; Chicago , Atlanta and Dallas . These places are vibrant, sexy, exciting, classy and welcoming. I actually visited each city for a few days and took in sites prior to writing the book. I ate at all of the popular restaurants, enjoyed the nightclubs, drove the highways, frequented the best hotels and met with residents to truly get a first-hand feel for each locale. This made it extremely easy to for me write about these wonderful places.
** What are your literary plans? Where will your book tour take you? Do you plan to travel? If so, where will your travels take you?
I will continue to support my publishing company Xpress Yourself Publishing by being a part of all of their major events in the D.C area. I will also concentrate my touring in major populace cities such as Dallas , Houston , New York , Los Angeles , Miami , New Orleans , Las Vegas , St. Louis and my hometown of Chicago Illinois . My touring starts March 1, 2009. Check my website for tour dates.
** What are some tips for aspiring authors who are interested in breaking into the publishing industry? Please share some resources you recommend for new authors writing their first book.
Everything starts with an original idea and a completed story. So many writers and would be authors don’t realize how critical it is to have a complete work prior to trying to get a publishing deal. Inspiration alone will not get you published. Also invest in a first-rate thesaurus and a good style guide such as the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing to assist you with understanding the theory behind writing.
** Any final thoughts or comments? Here’s your opportunity – go for it!
Please support my book; it is a great book club pick! The Reunion is sure to be a conversation starter. I will even make this commitment to you publicly:
All book clubs that buy (10) or more autographed copies from me directly will gain my participation in their club meeting [via telephone] to discuss the book and give my point of view. Order today and take advantage of me…
John R Williams-THE Author
www.theauthor.us
Cast your vote for John R. Williams as Author of the Year
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