Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing poetry, song lyrics and musical composition in my early teens. After writing some stories, I decided to study creative writing, scriptwriting and writing for the stage to help provide some structure to the way I approached my work and each specific genre.
My first scripts for TV and the stage were selected for a script workshop and performance. Television Arts Performance Showcase (TAPS) invited me to attend a two-day workshop at a TV Studios hosted by members of the TV industry and a theatre company performed my short play on the London Fringe.
I have created my own author website which has a blog and other resources and I’ve recently self-published my first ebook.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beyond The Rainbow’s End is the first book I’ve published. It’s a collection of five eclectic short stories which cover a variety of genre from humour to science fiction.
The inspiration behind each story has come from my own experience of the people, situations and places I’ve come into contact with over the years.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of. However, I guess I’m pretty unconventional when it comes to how, when and where I write. I don’t have a dedicated room or writing desk and so am not tied to a specific location. Instead, I tend to write on the move using my trusted, dedicated mobile writing App on my phone or ipad. Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, my faithful App is always on hand, ready for me to jot down the next chapter or plot line.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are a number of authors and books that have influenced the way I think. Among others, they include The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov and various works by psychiatrist and psychotherapist CG Jung whom founded analytical psychology. Other authors that have inspired me include Honoré de Balzac, Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Somerset Maugham.
What are you working on now?
My first novella which is a big undertaking after completing a book of short stories, but I’m enjoying the challenge.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best website is obviously Awesomegang 🙂
There are so many websites now dedicated to helping indie authors promote their books, that the main difficulty is finding the right one to suit your needs and pocket. I’ve spent countless hours searching various sources and assessing their offers of free or paid promotions. It is time consuming, but I have found it’s the only way to determine exactly what it is that I want to achieve with my book promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be productive, grow a thick skin against those who do not share your vision. Above all, never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes – MARCEL PROUST.
What are you reading now?
Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost.
What’s next for you as a writer?
In addition to working on my novella, I’m continuing to research other ways to promote my ebook Beyond The Rainbow’s End.
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?
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Sixty-Five Short Stories by W. Somerset Maugham
Old Goriot by Honore de Balzac
Omnibus collection of stories by P.G. Wodehouse
Author Websites and Profiles
James Pitter Website
James Pitter Amazon Profile
James Pitter Author Profile on Smashwords
James Pitter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account