Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Fantasy and Science Fiction author born and raised in Southern California, eventually pursuing a degree in Physics from the University of California, Santa Cruz and migrating to the middle of the country to Texas. He now calls Colorado Springs home, along with my wife, two daughters and son.
One of my earliest literary memories is of Frodo and Sam outside the gate at Bree. The wall was bigger, the night darker, and the thunder louder, but reading J.R.R. Tolkien sparked a lifetime love of reading fantasy that later expanded to include science fiction.
Currently published, I have the complete Eligium series available both individually and as a box set on Amazon. You can also find The Geneva Factor under the pen name Jacob Allen.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a Kindle Vella project titled A Shot in the Dark. The idea came from a science fiction series I’m working on and was originally intended as a spin-off. The published episodes are Part 1 of a five part journey for the protagonist.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My wife will never understand it, but I enjoy listening to classic rock while I’m writing. There’s something about the energy of the music that provides momentum. I’ve also got a candle with a “Lanai” scent. The island vibe keeps me relaxed and fluid.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Where to begin? In no particular order…Tolkien, Arthur C. Clarke, C. S. Lewis, J.D. Robb, Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Michael Anderle, A.G. Riddle to name a few.
What are you working on now?
My current project is a science fiction series I plan to launch later this year. The first two books are drafted and I’m about a quarter of the way through an initial draft of the third book. Set in Earth’s far future, it has some of my favorite scifi elements; including science-y concepts, strategy, and political conspiracies. There’s a mystery at the heart of the plot that required a long-game in plotting, which has been a lot of fun.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still working on this one!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write. Write. You can take a hundred online classes and hear all sorts of noise, but nothing builds your skill as a writer like the act of putting pen to paper. Even thirty minutes a day adds up to thousands of words.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Establish a set of annual goals and then focus that down to no more than three per quarter. More than that is overwhelm. Each week set objectives that progress your big three.
What are you reading now?
I’m in the middle of a re-read of The Wheel of Time. Currently on Winter’s Heart and looking forward to the Big Event at the end. (If you know, you know.)
What’s next for you as a writer?
I really want to be intentional about the launch of this next series so will be spending time establishing my brand in the market and helping readers find my books. I have a backlog of other ideas ready to start plotting, but I am focusing on a quality experience for my readers.
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?
I really want to be intentional about the launch of this next series so will be spending time establishing my brand in the market and helping readers find my books. I have a backlog of other ideas ready to start plotting, but I am focusing on a quality experience for my readers.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jake Allen Coleman Amazon Profile
Jake Allen Coleman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account