Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a sleepy backwater town on the Mexican border in Texas. Graduated from UT Austin in 1973 and went to New York to be an actor. After 10 years and modest success, I took a deal to get my MFA from USC. From there I moved to Charlotte, NC where I presently reside. I’ve appeared on Another World, Search For Tomorrow, Matlock, The Young
Indiana Jones Chronicles. I started out writing plays and have seven full-length and a one-act to my credit. I then turned to writing novels and have publish four and am busily working on my fifth. My overarching goal is to tell a good story–no literary tricks. If I inspire the reader to think about this (and his or her) life, that’s so much gravy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is called Song For The Forsaken. Interesting story about its inspiration: When I started graduate school I was still a fire-breathing atheist. One girl who was a born-again Christian asked me to write a play for her and another gal. I first wrote a one-act, then expanded it to full-length, and then adapted it into a novel
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual, but I do a lot of free-associating out on
my deck: notes, a bit of dialogue, an idea for how to pull some of it
together, etc.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite writer is William Shakespeare. As far as the novel is
concerned, East of Eden tops my list: the wisdom in that book is just
jaw-dropping.
What are you working on now?
I’m in the midst of trying to write a fictional account of my father’s family’s immigration from Poland in the 19th century. And it’s like pulling teeth. What do I know about peasant farmers in 19th-century Poland? But, little by little, it’s coming.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
None.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it as long as you love it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Jack Lemmon was asked if he had any advice for young actors. He turned directly to the camera and said: “It never stops.”
What are you reading now?
I just finished David Hume’s An Enquiry Concerning The Principles of
Morals. I’m now reading George Will’s “The Conservative Sensibility.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, beating out the novel I’m working on now and hawking my work as best I can. I have an interview on The Authors Show. I’m featured in the latest edition of New Reader Magazine and will be so again in South Charlotte Lifestyle Magazine. In addition, I’m doing signings and podcasts and such.
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 Complete Works of William Shakespeare, East of Eden, Aristotle’s
Nichomachean Ethics, George Will’s The Conservative Sensibility.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jan Notzon Website
Jan Notzon Amazon Profile