Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In 1995 I answered a magazine ad asking for short western fiction stories. I sent my first story “Caught Red Handed” to Western Digest in Calgary. An additional 6 more of my short stories were published in later editions. That inspired me to seek out additional publishers.
My first book, “Matsutake mushroom (A non fiction guide book and summary of a season of commercial picking and selling the popular mushroom.) was published by Naturegraph publishers in 1997. I am an outdoors-man, hunter, fisherman gather my own winter firewood and such. My wife and I live in the mountains of Northern California. It is about an hour commute time to Eureka for shopping. So far, I have written 15 western fiction novels. Three of those are “Blackhorse Westerns” published by Robert Hale, LTD in Great Britain.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel, published by Sundown Press, is “Bounty Poachers,” which is volume 3 of a 4 book series. After I wrote the first book in that series , I realized that I had good characters and could carry the story on, so I decided to make it a series (my first)..
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not write on a particular schedule. Often times it is because an idea came to me and If I have the time, I make good use of it. I may write for an hour or so, sometimes all day long but not everyday.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Randisi, James Reasoner and Frank Roderus. All three men are original members of Western Fictioneers.
What are you working on now?
I now have plans to take another of my original novels and expand the story into a continuation. Not necessarily a series but it would be a second book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Whenever I have a book set to be released, I send an announcement to relatives and friends. I also send an announcement to all the members of Western Fictioneers. I then send announcements to two newspapers, which shows up a few days later in their lifestyle sections.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
All I can say is that if you like what you write about, stick with it, keep trying and sooner or later someone will allow you to be heard.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read over, revise, if necessary, before you send it in.
What are you reading now?
A western fiction novel by J Lee Butts.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I had four novels published this year, I plan to keep writing but not to equal or exceed any quota. Most likely I’ll write one novel and a few short stories in the next year.
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?
Well, the Bible for one, the others would be western fiction, can’t name a particular author because there are so many good ones.
Author Websites and Profiles
J.L. (Jerry) Guin Website
J.L. (Jerry) Guin Amazon Profile
J.L. (Jerry) Guin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile