Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started storytelling when I was about five. I’d just seen Peter Pan for the first time and after being terribly disappointed that the Darling children had to leave Neverland, I created my own story where they stayed forever, because that sounded like the most fun thing in the world. When I was a teen, the titular character of my first book came to me in a dream, so I set out to write his story and have been going ever since, with two published books and various articles and poems to my name.
(My debut novel, “Tedenbarr of Have Lath,” is a charming adventure story set in medieval times. It follows Tedenbarr and his mishaps as he travels around the countryside after a vicious pirate attack leaves him stranded far from home. On the way he has to dodge bandits, traverse perilous mountains and deserts, and try his best not to get caught up in the brewing civil war threatening to rip the kingdom apart.)
Outside of writing, I love gardening, playing flute and piano, and cosplaying as characters from my novels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Thorunn” is an epic sci-fi adventure story focusing on three teens whose paths collide after the government starts meddling in their lives. As “Thorunn” opens, we learn that human scientists have stumbled upon an amazing natural resource—called hinnom sap—and are preparing to seize the Hinnom Forest and strip it bare, with no thought or regard to the people and creatures living within.
What follows is an epic journey and battle of wills as Kenton—one of the protagonists—and his friends seek to protect the Hinnom Forest and themselves from devastation and the fate that befell Tribe Anshi.
The novel is aimed at a young adult audience and deals with several typical issues teens find themselves caught up in, keeping the narrative relatable even while the greater plot deals with the spectacular.
I drew on a number of different sources for inspiration while drafting and writing “Thorunn,” one of them being the issue of deforestation and all the ecological problems that can cause. The Amazon Rainforest in particular was always in the back of my mind while I worked on the novel. I also really love classic sci-fi, mining much inspiration from pulp works of the 30’s through the 60’s, and had oodles of fun dreaming up all the futuristic tech for the novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My pantser approach to writing spills out into my habits surrounding the process, so it’s all very haphazard. Every so often I’ll sit at a desk and write, but more often, I’ll cosy up in my bedroom, or lie on the ground with my legs kicked up, or in the summer I’ll write outside, soaking up the sun and letting the birdsong inspire me as I write. Recently, I’ve been vlogging my work, so that’s been a fun and interesting project.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I still really love the “Redwall” series, because of the rich descriptions, nuanced characters, and the ability Brian Jacques’ works have to take you to a completely different world. Edgar Rice Burroughs is another favourite of mine, and I think all aspiring sci-fi writers should read Michael Crichton at least once.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on a young adult portal fantasy focusing on a lost (kidnapped!) princess who discovers she’s a pawn in a twisted game of revenge. I also have a duology and a trilogy set in the same universe of my first book that I’m planning to write after the publication of my third novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
With marketing, figuring out how adapt to the ever-changing algorithm of the bigger social media sites can be rather tricky, so I tend to focus on creating the best content I can, alternating between sharing snippets from my novels both upcoming and published, featuring my books in various aesthetic settings, sharing writing advice and memes, and connecting with other writers.
I’ve also found Amazon ads to be effective from time to time, and I’ve quite enjoyed Allauthor’s cover of the month contest. Facebook groups can be another great way to spread the word, as well as handing out bookmarks and flyers in person at any given opportunity.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stress over reviews. They’re important, but the more you keep building your brand and connecting with readers, the more they will come. Don’t pay for reviews either, and always try to find something positive in a negative review.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read. It doesn’t matter what it is, nonfiction, fiction, comic books, novels, scripts from plays or films, or even the back of a cereal box. (And yes, audiobooks absolutely count as reading!)
What are you reading now?
Recently I’ve been loving everything by Jeff Wheeler, and I’m currently enjoying his “Grave Kingdom” series. I also just finished a book of poems featuring the controversial conservatorship of Britney Jean Spears by Robert Haviland, which I advise everyone to pick up and read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to be focusing on doing more in-person events in the upcoming year, as well as publishing articles on my website’s blog with accompanying videos on my authortube channel. I’m also looking forward to participating in writing events throughout the year on social media sites such as tumblr and twitter. Beyond that, I have so many ideas that I’m looking forward to exploring; I’d like to pen a few movie scripts, and maybe even a play or musical.
And of course, I’ll keep writing those books!
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?
Does it count as cheating if I bring my single-bound, giant collection of Agatha Christie mysteries?
Author Websites and Profiles
Esther T. Jones Website
Esther T. Jones Amazon Profile
Esther T. Jones’s Social Media Links
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