Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer from Melbourne, Australia and I like writing about foolish criminals doing foolish things. I have written a dozen or so books including The Other Hotel series, true tales from Melbourne fifth-worst hotel, the 18 Hours series, about the luckless thief Lucky and the Amber Storm series, which are a little more serious, about an assassin struggling to balance her personal and professional life.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
18 Hours to Die. This idea was kicking around in my head for a long time (10 years), but it was originally inspired by a dream. I was being pursued by a particularly green car (Kermit the frog green). I woke up and the idea poured out of me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write outside. Amazing in summer, but it gets pretty cold in winter. Outside is more inspiring than inside in front of a computer. I have two cats who keep me company.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Elmore Leonard is a big influence. Carl Hiaasen. And Jo Nesbo. As well as lots of Australian authors like Gary Disher, Jane Harper and Chris Hammer.
What are you working on now?
I have just finished the latest 18 Hours book, 18 Hours if You’re Lucky, coming out October 1 and the latest Amber Storm book, Storm Damage, coming soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not really sure. If anyone figures it out, please let me know.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day. Some days you just sit there and very little happens, but if you aren’t sitting there, you won’t be when something happens.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everyone seems to want a formula to help them write more quickly. The only writing formula I ever heard that made sense was ass + chair + time = manuscript.
What are you reading now?
Striptease by Carl Hiaasen.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books. My next The Other Hotel book will be a choose your own adventure style, so that’ll be fun.
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?
Probably several Elmore Leonards. I seem to be able to ready him again and again. Maybe Out of Sight and Get Shorty.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jack Stroke Website
Jack Stroke Amazon Profile
Jack Stroke’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.