Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been dreaming up stories since I was a child. I would often spend weeks or even months creating full length stories in my mind. Io Hunter and the Guardians of Aldernar is the first of those stories that I’ve written down. I have two more books that I’m working on at the moment. I hope to have one published by this summer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first and latest is called Io Hunter and the Guardians of Aldernar. The initial inspiration for the book came from watching an episode of the CW show The Flash. I decided to create my own characters with super powers. But I didn’t want to create a completely fantastical world for this book. I wanted the story to reflect current events going on around the world. There’s an element of fantasy but a lot of the book addresses real world issues. The characters must use their super powers to defend their democracy from takeover by a hostile dictatorship.
I explain this in more detail on my blog but ex-members of the Westboro Baptist Church also influenced the book. I was interested in exploring how people who have a past that they want to leave behind can still be held accountable for it. So, I gave the main character Io Hunter a past that leads those around her to doubt her.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual but I create the whole story in my head first before writing it down.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t know if I would say influenced in terms of my own writing but I’ve read a lot of the works of classic authors like Charles Dickens and The Bronte sisters. I’ve also read a lot of classics for children as well as modern young adult novels. I also love to read the works of indie authors. There are a lot of low price gems in self-published works.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on two more young adult fantasy stories. When they’re done, I want to write another Io Hunter book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve just started promoting, so I’m learning all of this now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author, so I’m looking for advice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For self-publishing, not to expect overnight success.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a few books by indie writers. The Great Game by OJ Lowe, Edelaine’s Folly by Morigan Shaw, and The Covenant (A Zaheem’s Saga Book 1) by Shannah MB Weller.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish up the two books I’m writing now and continue to promote my current book.
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?
Wuthering Heights, Lord of the Flies, and The Secret Garden.
Author Websites and Profiles
J.C. Ahmed Website
J.C. Ahmed Amazon Profile
J.C. Ahmed’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account