E Jean Simpson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far, I’ve gotten 4 books published and counting. I am currently working on another project.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
From the Lens of my Camera: This and That and a Big Black Cat is the name of my newest book. It was inspired by wanting to present photographic work which I had taken during the ‘digital age’ in photography. There are pictures and write ups for a lot of places we’ve seen in Canada. I had also recently lost my ‘catpanion’ Cairo (The Big Black Cat) and wanted to remember him. We have since adopted a real sweet little tiger stripped black, grey, brown and white kitten which we have named Ramses the Great. His adoption was also to honour Cairo’s life. We missed him. We love our new ‘catpanion’. There were other ‘catpanions’ and ‘boss’ animals in our life that I got to honour in the same chapter. I just liked the idea of being able to do something positive during a really rough time. The pandemic was in full swing and I took to writing and making books. At 57, I finally decided to do books….after years of saying I should. It was really a mix of things.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My books are more photography than writing. So, I just take my camera and go out and see what I can do. I try to be productive and find things I can do. My current project, takes some of what I learned in the process and puts it down so that others might benefit from what I learned. It’s a different style from my others (teaser) I like to spend some time working on a project most days. Whether it is advertisement type tasks, or getting material started or getting ideas for future books. I make sure to keep them all down so they are ready for me when I’m ready for them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m actually more a historical fiction and historical non-fiction reader. I love Tudor History and Ancient Egyptian History. I love the idea of being creative and have a variety of genres that I enjoy.

What are you working on now?
In my latest work, I am trying to get down everything I am learning now and how to go forward in order to help others trying to do the same. Just because something is difficult to do doesn’t always mean it’s impossible and sometimes it is good to help make it possible for others.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t really found the best method yet. I think my approach to books is somewhat different than that of other Authors. I don’t use top of the line stuff to do my arts. I try to make it real and show people that you don’t have to have the highest priced everything to still do good work. It’s what comes from inside that gets you to where you want to be. Success isn’t always the same thing to everyone and it never should be.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do what you love. Everyone says it, but do people really do it? If you explore your world, you may find that what you love isn’t what you thought you valued and loved. Finding what you are good at and love is hard. Speak your truth. Truth is often underappreciated and improperly used. Truth isn’t liked because it generally doesn’t come with tinsel and bows. But, truth doesn’t have to be destructive, except that it might destroy who you thought you were so that you can become who you are meant to be. So, don’t fear truth or moving forward. Be who you are meant to be and be honest with yourself about who you are and who you want to be.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be honest with yourself. Treat everyone with respect.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading a historical fiction book called “A Divided Inheritance” by Deborah Swift. As I said, I’m attracted to historical fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m nearing the end of a current project. I hope that it will be of help to other Canadian authors and Authors in general. It will be written from a Canadian perspective because I’m Canadian.

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?
Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass Lewis Caroll
Kenilworth by Sir Walter Scott
Christian Jacq (his series was wonderful about Ancient Egypt)

Author Websites and Profiles
E Jean Simpson Website
E Jean Simpson Amazon Profile

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