Interview With Author JAMES R. LAWRENCE
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an award-winning writer and English teacher with a knack for crafting unforgettable twists. My latest novel is my 12th book. I’m the author of the historical Mr. REE series, gripping novellas, and my latest thriller, Estranged. My other works include Portland Bound, Daisy Ingle’s Secret Circle, Soldier Boy, Love is Mad, Lake of Fire, The Musketeers: All for One, and Echoes in the Wind. I live in Appleton, Wisconsin, with my wife and two lovable dogs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Estranged. I think I was intrigued with the premise that a family-member would have no idea that a parent or sibling could be hiding a horrific secret, and they would have absolutely no idea. I wanted to see what would happen if the truth came out.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prewrite everything. I know exactly how many chapters my book will have before I even begin. I create character-personality charts so that everyone is unique. Most writers I know dread the planning stage of writing, but it is perhaps my favorite part.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up learning about classic novels, so I have to say I prefer Dickens, Austen, Poe, Christie, and Twain. However, Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers is my favorite book.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing Mr. REE in the Castle, which is book 5 and the final book in the first Mr. REE detective series. It follows a 14-year-old young woman in 1869 who discovers her father is a famous detective and sets out to find him and, of course, help him solve mysteries. The story arch over the five books is their journey following clues to a pirate treasure.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a difficult question to answer because I was never traditionally good at marketing. I just wanted to write. But with Estranged, I went all out and used Book Bub ads, Amazon Ads, Bargain Booksey, and Awesome Gang. I also have posted daily on all my social media sites and a few dozen Facebook promotion groups. And it has definitely helped generate sales.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always tell new writers to write every day and roughly the same time in the same space. It trains your brain to be in writing mode. The planning stage can be done at any time. As far as publishing, I send out queries to agents, give it about 6 months, and if that provides no mainstream publishing avenues, I self-publish with pride on Amazon Direct Publishing, which is totally free.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is to write because you love to write, and not because you are destined to be the greatest writer of all time. It could be very frustrating not achieving ‘the dream.’ But for someone like me, publishing twelve novels is the dream. I love my stories and feels pretty good when someone writes a glowing review. It makes it all worth it.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a novella titled ‘Murder Premonition’ by Nubian Star, and up-and-coming author from my home state of Wisconsin. It also has a scary storyline with a predator that makes your skin crawl.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I never stop going. I hope to complete Mr. REE in the Castle in about a month, promote it as well, and then start my next book, Eerie Street, a collection of my horror short stories. In between, I will appear as a featured author at several Midwest writer conferences.
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?
Shakespeare’s First Folio, The Three Musketeers, A Christmas Carol, and Sense and Sensibility.
Author Websites and Profiles
JAMES R. LAWRENCE Amazon Profile
JAMES R. LAWRENCE’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.