Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a small town in Michigan, called Manistee and entered the military after high school. I’m a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and I hold a Masters in Business Administration and have published 12 books, with 3 different series of children’s books, to include science fiction, fantasy, conservation, and the deployment genres. I published my first children’s story in 2004 and my writing style has been inspired by my military service. Through my writing I try to address a variety of life issues for young readers. I married a French woman, who later became a U.S. Citizen and we have a son, Luke, and daughter, Emilie.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My Invisible Friend Did It! is my latest book. My daughter, who sometimes blames her brother for things she leaves out around the house, inspired the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing unusual. I use outlines and divide my time up for writing and advertizing. I like schedules that keep me on track, by setting goals, etc.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gary Paulsen has been the biggest influence on my writing style; however, J.K. Rowling, and Ernest Hemingway are also a big part. I read all kinds of books, and I enjoy both first and third person point of views.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Joe Devlin At The Enemy’s Hand, the fourth book of the Space Academy Series, along with three picture books, What Will I Play While You Are Away (edition 3), Sneezy Jeff Maroon: I’m Going to Sneeze, and Boy Does Wildlife Fly!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method has been using Amazon Kindle free days. It’s the best exposure for a new author to get your book out to readers fast.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice is to write, write, and write. Divide your time to allow writing first for each day, followed by advertizing last. Don’t limit yourself to just one story. If you have a new plot, write it down for later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice was to write and not worry about publishing. That means don’t write with the idea of publishing the first thing you finish. There’s a lot to learn, sentence structure, etc.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Star War, Riptide.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to finish the Joe Devlin, Space Academy Series in the next couple of years, before publishing a spy novel.
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 would take three books with me, The Catcher in the Rye, The last Star Wars book ever written, and The Great Gatsby.
Author Websites and Profiles
James Thomas Website
James Thomas Amazon Profile
James Thomas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Inspiring interview. I know of James and his wonderful children’s works and learned a few more interesting things about him. He is certainly one author that I look up to, as I consider many of the topics he covers in his children’s books to be important ones that have been overlooked. I also admire that James writes for multiple age groups.
Thanks for the interesting interview.