Interview With Author J.L. Hancock
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the former head of innovation for the US SEAL Teams. I was in charge of chasing down emerging technology to research and develop advance concepts for the military. Before that I spent over two decades in the military as a cryptologist hiding deep within the government intelligence agencies and conducting over a hundred combat operations with every branch of special operations forces. The Hawk Enigma is my first book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Hawk Enigma and is loosely based on my time leading innovation for Navy Special Operations. I never intended to become a writer initially. That all changed when I discovered a growth on my back and was soon diagnosed with cancer. The battle was short and the path to remission came quickly. However, I found myself searching for a way to leave more of myself behind for my daughters to understand me.
A year later I was at CalTech attending a symposium on artificial intelligence, a field I worked with extensively in my role, and the plot for my book just popped in my head. Six months later I had finished my first draft.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to write when I travel. So the bulk of my writing takes place late at night, or on plane flights. In order to get into the right headspace, I blare thematic music with no lyrics to help me focus on the mood of the scene I am trying to write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influences are probably Dan Simmons and Michael Crichton. I enjoy the occasional military thriller but the worlds and technology those writers create in their books changed the way I see the world.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the sequel to The Hawk Enigma as well as a stand alone novel called The Devil and the Pendulum. It is a work of fiction based on The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is my primary advertising avenue as of late. It has yielded the best results being that most of my audience tend to be on that platform.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never shy away from a good editor. If you are indie publishing, don’t cut corners and think the only thing you need to make your book great is a copy edit or two. You need objective feedback from a third party. Seek out the right person to help you and your writing will be all the better for it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing may be subjective, but don’t use that as a an excuse to be a poor writer.
What are you reading now?
A Thousand Brains by Jeff Hawkins (non-fiction) and Velocity by Dean Koontz (fiction)
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing! I’ve been doing a number of podcasts and was recently picked up for syndication discussing emerging technology.
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?
The Hyperion Cantos. That’s four right there. I love that series!
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