Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I work in an office during the day, so like to be fairly active in my spare time.
I have a broad taste in films and books. I enjoy watching films on the television and reading. I like eating out and going to the cinema.
I listen to all types of music – there’s a whole variety out there on the internet!
I’ve been practicing martial arts for a number of years.
I enjoy walking, cycling, exploring different places, ballroom dancing and modern jive (Ceroc). I’m also interested in Shiatsu and complementary therapies.
I have written one book.
I am currently working on a second book called the Goddard Method of Judo. This will explain how to do judo in a similar style to the way I approached Ballroom and Latin.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called “The Goddard Method of Ballroom and Latin Dancing”.
The reason I wrote this book is that people can get overwhelmed with the level of detail in lessons, books and YouTube videos. I want to get across to readers an executive summary level of detail; so I have written instructions that break down dances into bite-size chunks to help you better understand what you are doing when taking lessons, looking at reference guides or perhaps learning new moves with a partner.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a visual person. My dance book started out as a series of infographics (information graphics) that I transformed into a book over time as the the number of guides grew. I had published a selection of these on my WordPress website.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
W E Johns. Frank Hampson. Jim Butcher. Robert Jordan. Bill Waterson.
What are you working on now?
One non-fiction book and I have a number of ideas written down for some fiction books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon/Kindle is the best website for promoting my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a book > Talk to friends on how to publish it (I got advice from a work colleague who had self-published) > Look for deals on e-book creation and front cover design on sites like Fiverr or Gumtree (your front cover is an important selling tool) > Publish.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t let anger rule you. Put the energy into doing something. (Not that I have anger management issues you understand ;0).
Or if you want to be more positive…..don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, if you enjoyed doing it today, you can do it again tomorrow.
What are you reading now?
Three books concurrently by W E Johns, Jim Butcher and Bill Waterson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Still working on my second book and trying to promote the first. I timed the launch of a book about dancing (a social activity) at the start of a global pandemic that prohibits social activities………..
Still ‘lockdown’ could be a good time to try new hobbies or practice an old one with your other half.
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?
One book by the following authors as I keep re-reading them:
W E Johns.
David Gemmell.
Terry Pratchett.
Agatha Christie.
Author Websites and Profiles
James Goddard Website
James Goddard Amazon Profile
James Goddard’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile