Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Joseph but I go by many aliases including J.U. Scribe which is my penname. I currently live in Wisconsin where I was born and raised although I have roots in Nigeria. I’m a Mobile tester by day but at night I’m free to be whomever. It wasn’t until this year that I could call myself a writer. Although if you meet me I’m quite conservative, but in my mind I’m free to escape into the realm of imagination.
My earliest shot as a writer came in the 4th grade where I wrote my first Children’s Book. Since then I’ve done a lot of growing up physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Since then I’ve went on to create a whole series of books centered on my main character, Troy, a Roman boy who comes from royalty. More about my series can be found on my bloghttp://writersnookblog.wordpress.com/. My debut novelette is “Before the Legend- The Prologue,” which starts our tale when the character is four years old. The series is meant to follow the character as he gets older and develops into the young man that he becomes. My goal as a writer is to create complex characters and rich storylines that engage the reader and leaves you wanting to more.
When I’m not writing my stories, I’m blogging. I do have a creative side and have a range of interests including graphic and web design, drawing, painting, and listening to music. To find out what I’m up to next, follow me on the links below.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Before the Legend- The Prologue is the latest book to be published although people may be surprised to know it was inspired by my first book, “Roman Identity.” I felt the story needed a backstory to show how Troy was affected by earlier events that shaped his character. That’s when Before the Legend was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is considered unusual but I love listening to music when I’m writing a chapter to put me in the right frame of mind or mood. Even after a chapter is finished, I associate a certain song that fits the mood of my story and will go back to that chapter just so I can put on my headphones and play the music as I’m reading a particular scene.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say Lois Lowry’s works, particularly The Giver has influenced my works and even certain themes or motifs would flavor my own works. The Bible is another influence as well as other historical writings that nurtured an interest in learning about past cultures and time periods.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on promoting on my debut novelette, “Before the Legend.” When I’m not doing that I’ll be resuming work on the trilogy to the series, Chasing Blue.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would definitely say word of mouth and using social media such as Facebook to promote your story to your network of friends and to other strangers who may have similar interests to you.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say to do your homework. Don’t expect immediate results because the market is very competitive; coming from personal experience. Also try your very best to reach out to others for constructive feedback and continue to refine your work to the very best of your ability because people judge self-publishers a lot more harshly than those who go through a publisher. That’s the common consensus I get from several indie writers. Also never overlook word of mouth for marketing. As an indie writer you need all the connections you can get.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of the best advice I got was not to rely too much on others because it can be as debilitating as a crutch. I found those words to be true in life in general. In this process I found myself juggling various roles by myself. It’s not to say that you can’t reach out for help but don’t rely to heavily on others because people humans are imperfect.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading these questions to fill out lol.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m planning on finishing the trilogy of my series which is the final conclusion to the series. Whether I publish it or not is too early to say at the moment.
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 Bible
The Giver
A Survival Guide
Author Websites and Profiles
J.U. Scribe Website
J.U. Scribe Author Profile on Smashwords
J.U. Scribe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile