Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
J.A. Angelo is a United State’s Army veteran, loving husband and father. He has worked with children from a variety of cultures and backgrounds teaching them about the importance of family values that will go on to benefit them throughout their life. J.A. and his wife enjoy volunteering within their local school district and are leaders in various non-profit organizations for children. They also donate to various national and local charities supporting children and veterans.
A Trail of Honesty is my first book. I have another book in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
With A Trail of Honesty, I was asked by the pastor if I had a story to share at my dad’s funeral. It took me all morning to write a story that allowed me to share a memory of my dad, but at the same time, allowed me to spread a moral to all of the kids at his funeral – including my own kiddos. During the service, which was an emotional moment for everyone, the story made some adults and all of the children laugh. This was the ultimate goal of my story, not only was I trying to write a story with a moral in memory of my dad I was also trying to lift everyone’s spirits in memory of my pops. He was a practical jokester and loved telling that story to anyone that would listen. After the service, the pastor came up to me and mentioned that my story would make a great children’s picture book. After approximately six years, I decided to make his eulogy a story to share with everyone that buys A Trail of Honesty.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use a storyboard app for my writing, which allows me to organize my thoughts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Grisham is a local author that I met at a craft fair years ago. I took his inspiration once I decided to publish a portion of my dad’s eulogy.
What are you working on now?
I am working on another children’s book on social issues. This one is on anti-bullying. I have a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of recouping some of my marketing cost to apply to my next book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe book signing events are the best way to market a book. Complete with book merchandise that I give away to kids that show up for my event. I went a step further for my next signing and ordered mouse pads for the parents.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your heart. It will tell you when you are ready.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never give up!” and “Live and learn!”
What are you reading now?
I am reading Congress and Its Members because I am studying for my Master’s in PoliSci. I hope to make my thesis a book. My topic of choice is national security.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The level of marketing for my next book depends on the success of my Kickstarter campaign. So, please consider donating. You will receive a perk.
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?
Anything by Iris Johansson, Dean Koontz, or John Grisham.
Author Websites and Profiles
J.A. Angelo Website
J.A. Angelo Amazon Profile
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