Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written three books thus far. I live in Southeast Texas with a dog and a cat, who do not understand the ramblings of their human as I walk and talk my scenes. My neighbors might be a wee bit freaked by that as well.
I am traditionally published through Dead Bound Publishing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled: Love’s Bitter Harvest. As far as what inspired it?
I was in the medical care field for years long ago. And one of the most enriching times of my life was working in the rehabilitation area. I was fascinated by the couples that went through tragedies and how it impacted their marriages. Some would thrive and grow stronger while other crumbled and fell. I wanted to write a book to show how much those couples taught me that if love is true, it will survive, even when we fight it to do so.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really other than I have dreamed every one of my books. I dream them in living color and stereo sound. From beginning to end. When I wake, I immediately note them down and walla, a book is born.
The only other habit I have is this: since I saw the books as movies in my sleep and in my head, I close my eyes when I write. I type away and then stop to read what I have written, for I have no idea before that point. It’s strange, but it works for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ken Follett– All his books. They are amazing how he takes historical facts, usually dry reading, and transforms it to such real and vivid characters and stories.
As far as life changing book? Velveteen Rabbit. So simple yet so emotional.
What are you working on now?
I have a new novella coming out that is a companion work for my very popular Shadow-Keepers series. It’s the story of BOUNCE, which is the main god in the series. It’s very twisted, but the fans have been wanting to know more about the character, so it’s time they learn what and who he is.
And what his purpose in the war the GRID faces.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m torn on social media, though I do have the usual– Facebook, Twitter, etc. I do have a PA that assists with those, but it seems such a heavily saturated venue to stand out.
But honestly? Word of mouth still is the best way. If you can use social media to make that happen, so be it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
WRITE. Don’t worry about how much, how little or how good it might be. Just commit yourself to do it every day. The making it “pretty” comes after it’s done. Don’t worry about all that. That’s what editing is for. Just get it DONE.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stephen King told me: Garbage.
Every first draft is garbage. Just make it completed garbage. Make it nice later. Just be able to say–it’s finished. Now lets make it the best it can be. Finishing is a huge confidence maker. And it takes the pressure off if you know its not the best, but once you can take the heat of finishing off, the rest just flows.
What are you reading now?
An excellent book by an upcoming novelist by the name of R.J. Loom. She’s also a DBP author and her debut novel is: Ilia Stone. I have the pleasure of doing a peer review for it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To write another book! 🙂
But I would love to see one of my books become a screenplay and then on to the screen. I’ve been approached for that process to start. I just need to make sure it’s the right time.
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?
Survival for Dummies
A Idiots Guide to Poisonous Plants
R. L. Stein books (and choose a different choice each time–that equals like what? Six books?)
And a book with blank pages, so I can write.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jas T. Ward Website
Jas T. Ward Amazon Profile
Jas T. Ward’s Social Media Links