Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Jacob Grovey and I’m a writer based in Texas. I have been writing since I was eight. My most recent project, “Dance of the Broken” is my 3rd book overall and my first novel. My previous two books, “My World, My Words: Confessions of a Cluttered Mind” and “The Book of Jacob” are both collections of poetry that I have written.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “Dance of the Broken,” has rather unique origins. One day, I randomly drew a rough sketch of a ballerina on a small piece of paper. Immediately after doing so, I had a title and almost the complete story in my head. I knew that isn’t the sort of thing that happens every day, so I take no credit for it. I feel the whole concept of this story was sent to me by God. My hopes are that people will read this story and become inspired by it because the main character, Elise, is so relatable to them. This book was written to present a strong female character and positive images to those who don’t normally see that.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I don’t really think it’s unusual, but most people find it strange that I still handwrite the majority of my work before typing it. For some reason, the words seem more organic and less forced when I just have a pen and a notebook.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, many authors have influenced me. Many writers have influenced my work and my life. My father, Greg Grovey, Sr., Saul Williams, Chuck Palahniuk, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes and the greatest writer of all times, God have all impacted me greatly!
What are you working on now?
Without releasing too many details, I’m about to start work on a graphic novel. There are other projects in the works, but I won’t say anything about them, yet. 😉
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When promoting, I like to try to personally reach out to any potential readers via my Twitter or Facebook pages. The instant interaction is awesome!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors would be to prepare to fight through frustration. When you complete a project, you’ll want everyone in the world to read what you have spent so much of your time on, but it won’t always work out like that. You have to understand that you are not writing for everyone in the world, you are writing for your audience. It may be difficult to figure out who your audience is, but once you find them (or they find you), there will be no doubt about it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have been given way too much great advice over the years by my friends and family to just give one piece of advice. I will say, there are some famous quotes that inspire me. Muhammad Ali said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life,” Michael Jordan said, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying” and Dr. Maya Angelou once stated, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” To me, those are some great words of wisdom to keep you going, no matter what it is you do.
What are you reading now?
I am about to get started on the book “Unashamed” by the grammy-award winning artist, LeCrae. I’m interested to read more about how his life impacted his music and his overall journey.
What’s next for you as a writer?
For me, what’s next will always be to create and pass along stories that entertain, educate and enlighten.
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?
That’s a good question. If I could only have a few books with me, I would want them to be “Decoded” by Jay-Z, any book by Maya Angelou, at least one of the books written by me, and even though I need to read it more, it is absolutely necessary to have the Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jacob Grovey Website
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Great write up!