Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Grail of the Grimoire is my first published novel and third completed manuscript, the others never seeing the light of day and never will. Grail’s trilogy will continue in early 2019.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Grail of the Grimoire came from reading Harry Potter with my daughter. The first chapter of Half-Blood Prince is about a meeting between the Muggle prime minister and the Minister of Magic and it got me wondering about what would happen if magic and the “normal” world interacted more closely, but I knew I didn’t want to put the story in the present day. After weighing some other options (that may become new trilogies somewhere down the line), I figured out that the Third Crusade doesn’t get enough attention, especially in books for non-adult or new adult readers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My favorite place to work is the airport. It’s so busy and full of white noise that it is easy to get lost in your work. We’re lucky in that Tampa International is one of the best airports in the country. It’s easy to get in and out of and has some great restaurants and shops if I need a break. If parking was cheaper, I’d be there a lot more often.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In college, I had a rough period where I was bored with writing and stuck for ideas. My program thought everyone needed to write literary fiction and I’m just not that smart or skillful. So I wrote a note to the British writer Nick Hornby asking for advice. He was very busy at the time (About a Boy had just come out), but I still received a response about a week later. It basically told me to write what I wanted as that is the only way to survive in this business. I framed the note.
What are you working on now?
I’m working toward wrapping up Grail’s trilogy in the first part of 2019. I’ve had some distractions in the second half of 2018, but I’m starting to make progress again. After that, we’ll see where the muse wants me to go.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Prolific Works (formerly Instafreebie) has been great for growing my email list. I see at least one sale every time I send out a newsletter, which is usually once a week or so. You have to make sure to join as many group giveaways as you can.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Unless you have a huge traditional press backing you with a marketing budget, you won’t sell a lot of your debut. But it’s a vital part of the process to figure out what works for you in terms of productivity and marketing. It’s different for everyone. The things you will learn in the first six months or so will last the rest of your career.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My favorite quote has always been this from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re probably right.” Goals are only daunting in our minds.
What are you reading now?
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. I’m on somewhat of a Japanese culture kick at the moment. My favorite book of 2018 was Educated by Tara Westover. Not only was it a harrowing true story, but it helped me better understand how different other people, other Americans, can be from my experience.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep putting words on the page. Or iPad, as it were. The best way to sell more books is to have a new one coming out.
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?
A survival manual, a book on shipbuilding, and another on navigation… just kidding!
I’m usually not one to reread books, but these are the ones I have:
Any late Harry Potter (Order of the Phoenix and up)
A Shakespeare anthology
Dante’s Divine Comedy
Author Websites and Profiles
J.S. Sterling Website
J.S. Sterling Amazon Profile
J.S. Sterling’s Social Media Links
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