Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a former US Navy Chief Petty Officer who caught the bug to become an author. So far, I’ve written 10 books, all within the apocalyptic genre.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Fire Storm. It was inspired by the rest of the series and continues the story line and character arcs introduced in previous books.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing really comes to mind. However, I do have a tendency to drink lots of Pepsi, eat Jack Link’s beef jerky and listen to eclectic music while writing. Nothing beats Weird Al and Gregorian chants coupled with some Warren Zevon.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors that have influenced me are Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, John Ringo, and Lee Child. All their works are incredible. I can’t think of one specific book that influenced me, I’ve read quite a bit.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a different book and stepping away from the apocalyptic genre to see if I can do something else. I tell the wife I’m writing some trashy, paranormal romance novel, but she knows I’m kidding.
Or am I?
Seriously, I’m not writing a trashy, paranormal romance novel. Honest. I’m not.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried some methods that could have worked, but there was no real way to gauge reactions/response. What seems to work is posting on social media. I know, how contrived. It works for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know. If you get stuck in some scene, put down some basics then go back and fill in the details. If you can’t find the info you’re looking for, network with other authors or try talking to some readers. You’d be amazed what some readers can come up with. I’ve had readers contact me and ask about something and damn, if it wasn’t good idea.
If all that doesn’t work, research your ass off so you at least sound like you know what you’re talking about.
Find a good editor and hang onto them. Don’t ever think you don’t need an editor. Also cultivate some beta readers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A winner never quits, a quitter never wins.
What are you reading now?
The Road to Damascus by John Ringo
What’s next for you as a writer?
The next stage for me is to move into doing commercials for American Express, shaving cream, beer, and fast cars. What more is there in life?
On a more serious note, what’s next is to branch out into a couple other genres and see what happens.
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?
Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan. The original novel of Swiss Family Robinson (its about 1800 pages).
Author Websites and Profiles
J.R. Jackson Website
J.R. Jackson Amazon Profile