Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
J.M. Denholme grew up in the Midwest region of the U.S of A., but his DRD4-7R prompted him to go out into the world in his twenties and he has never looked back. Denholme’s travels have taken him far and wide, and he can attest to the fact that “the grass is only as green as you make it.” He doesn’t believe in traveling the same path twice, or that muscle car production ceased circa 1972. His first love was a ’70 Chevelle SS 454, and he’s always on the lookout for an Ella.
Denholme has several manuscripts, of various genres, in the making. Currently, his sole focus is adding the finishing touches to the remaining short stories that will fall under the collective title “Caution, Girl Up Ahead.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Feelin’ nostalgic? Did you come of age during the 90s? Want a taste of life growing up in Midwest, USA? These were some of the things that inspired me to write my latest released book, “Duck’s Misery” … and just some girl called Ella. The 1990s music, clothing styles, popular cars, mindset, the fierce need for independence that existed in the youth–all of it provides a fantastic setting for great stories wanting–needing–to be told.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual writing habits, hmm … Well, my work always begins with pen and paper. When I’ve amassed enough material that promises a world ready to come to life, I then begin piecing it together on my PC in a linear fashion. Sometimes I will have a particular musical playlist going on in the background during my writing to set a mood I require to write a specific character, scene, or genre.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Here’s a short list of some writers whose works, in part or whole, I’ve enjoyed–whether they influence my own writing or not, that’s really up to my readers to determine: Douglas Adams, Richard Adams, Asimov, A.A. Attanasio/ Adam Lee, Clive Barker, Ray Bradbury, Karel Capek, Truman Capote, Roald Dahl, Dante, Doyle, Eddings, C.S. Friedman, Robert Frost, Neil Gaiman, Anna Gavalda, Graham Greene, Hemingway, Frank Herbert, Hugh Howey, Bohumil Hrabal, King, Laozi, Jack London, H.P. Lovecraft, Sergei Lukyanenko, Larry Niven, Dorothy Parker, Poe, Pratchett, Saroyan, Shakespeare, Tolkien, Twain, Zhuangzi …
What are you working on now?
I’m currently adding the finishing touches to “The ’86 Olds”, the second instalment of my collective title “Caution, Girl Up Ahead.” Its planned release is mid-June.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still developing my method for promoting my work … when I’ve nailed it, I’ll be more than happy to share this secret with others.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop, even if you or others feel you lack that certain something–someone WILL like it … and at the very least: writing is therapeutic. Consistently evolve, research your subjects thoroughly, try a different genre, test yourself constantly, hone your particular style or tone. Just … don’t stop, it’s in you and it needs to come out.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve heard countless pieces of great wisdom in my life, and “the best” applies only to those relevant to what’s going on at a particular moment. One piece of wisdom that can be applied at any time is “Always leave the house in a clean pair of boxers.”
What are you reading now?
At the time of writing this interview, Hrabal’s Too Loud A Solitude.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My sole focus is getting all five stories out under my collective title “Caution, Girl Up Ahead” as soon as possible. I’m also looking into copyediting several other manuscripts I have tucked away for possible release in the near future.
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?
Lui I-Ming’s Awakening to the Tao
Adams’ Watership Down
Galante’s Tai Chi: The Supreme Ultimate
Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
Author Websites and Profiles
J.M. Denholme Website
J.M. Denholme Amazon Profile
J.M. Denholme Author Profile on Smashwords
J.M. Denholme’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile