Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an indie-author from Leicester. I’ve been writing since my early teenage years with what was effectively fan-fiction. In my early twenties, I wrote the premise to what would become my debut novel, Knightstar, but I shelved it for a good few years. I picked it up again, rebooted it, and rewrote it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Knightstar is a superhero teen book for young adults. I’ve always been a fan of superheroes and love reading, especially action-packed novels and ones with a strong plot-line. It seemed natural to meld the two together. Also, I used to work at a book shop and was the Children’s Bookseller. For that role, I worked with a lot of authors, organised author events, and would make nice displays for particular books. I would always imagine that to be me, so I decided to put pen to paper (or rather finger to keyboard) and wrote my first book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I think are unusual. I will try and plan out a whole series, and sometimes work backwards from the finale.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There have been so many authors that have influenced me. The ones that have influenced me the most are J.K. Rowling, Anthony Horowitz, and Pittacus Lore.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing on the second book in the Knightstar series. Without saying too much, it follows the characters from the first books, builds upon the overall story arc, and introduces new characters and stories.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still working on what works and what doesn’t. I put most of my promotion on Facebook and Twitter, and I’m starting to use Good Reads a little bit more.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can, especially in the genre you are writing about. Also, make sure your book is as good as you can get it and don’t rush into releasing the book. Once you have the book as good as you can get it, don’t give up trying to promote it. Some things will work and some things won’t. There won’t be overnight successes, so always keep trying.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can always edit words, but you can never edit a blank page.
What are you reading now?
Not only do I write superhero fiction, but I’m a fan of it as well. I’m currently reading, The Siege of the Supers by Logan Rutherford.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing! I’ve got six more books to write in the Knightstar series, and I’ve even got some ideas floating around in my head about a completely new trilogy of books!
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?
Ohh, that’s a difficult one. I would say “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien (a bit of a cheat with it being three-in-one), “Department 19” by Will Hill, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” by J.K. Rowlings, and “The Fate of Ten” by Pittacus Lore.
Author Websites and Profiles
James Martin Amazon Profile
James Martin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account