Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is J.P. Brewner, and I am a 7th grade English teacher who loves to write. I also coach cross country, track, and boys basketball. Since I started writing three years ago, I’ve written two books. The first is The Trifecta: Initiation and the other is the sequel, The Trifecta: Resurrection. The whole series will be five books, so I am beginning work on the third book while also working on a few other writing projects that have been buzzing around in my head.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Trifecta: Resurrection, Book Two in The Trifecta series, will be available on April 7th, 2014. What I love is that this book follows two different characters. The first is Michael Fleming, the super powered main character from book one, but the second is Mr. Mental, the newly resurrected villain of the story. The reader gets to see Michael’s power accelerate while he tries to find his missing brother and defeat an evil genius named Mastermind. Meanwhile, they also experience Mr. Mental’s attempt to resurrect his criminal organization after escaping from a prison where he was incarcerated for the last 16 years.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write for at least an hour a day between 4:30-5:30 in the morning. I believe there are two steps to writing: First write, then revise. After I have all of my ideas out on the page, I go back and revise my work at least four or five times. I try to view my writing from different perspectives, especially from the eyes of young adults because they are my target audience.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury is my favorite author, which is why I try to emulate his use of metaphors and similes. I also like most current young adult authors like Veronica Roth or Rick Riordan because they create relatable characters whom young readers can learn from and look up to.
What are you working on now?
I just finished the final touches on The Trifecta: Resurrection, Book Two in The Trifecta series, so I am working on the third book, but I’m also starting a few other projects. The first is also a supernatural action and adventure book, but I’m also working on a realistic fiction book that takes place in the near future, along with an informational text for teachers on how to teach writing in the classroom.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that checking other authors’ blogs is the most effective way to learn new ways to promote my books. I try what they suggest and then see what works.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent. There are many road blocks along the process of writing and publishing, so you have to keep thinking outside the box while trying anything and everything that you can to improve and promote your writing.
The other big piece of advice is to revise. Too many of my students think that a first draft is all they need, but to truly end up with something great, you have to revise multiple times.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Walt Disney’s quote, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
What are you reading now?
I just finished James Patterson’s Maximum Ride, but I haven’t started anything new yet.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue writing every day, and I just hope that I can increase my following as I release more novels.
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 Great Gatsby, hands down. I’ve enjoyed teaching this book more than any others, but I also love the themes and symbolism that Fitzgerald weaves throughout the novel. I would also bring The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Fahrenheit 451.
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