Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jason Fisk lives and writes in the suburbs of Chicago. He has worked in a psychiatric unit, labored in a cabinet factory, and mixed cement for a bricklayer. He was born in Ohio, raised in Minnesota, and has spent the last few decades in the Chicago area. He has had essays, short stories, and poems published in various online and print journals. He recently had a small collection of poetry published by Kelsay Books: Sub Urbane. He has also had a number of books and chapbooks published: Sadly Beautiful, essays, poems, and short stories published by Leaf Garden Press; Salt Creek Anthology, a collection of micro-fiction published by Chicago Center for Literature and Photography; the fierce crackle of fragile wings, a collection of poetry published by Six Gallery Press; as well as two poetry chapbooks: The Sagging: Spirits and Skin, and Decay, both published by Propaganda Press.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Craigslist Incident was inspired by a news article that I read about a young lady who took a hit out on herself through a Craigslist advertisement. I couldn’t shake the article, and I began following the situation, reading everything that I could find on the internet. It haunted me. I just knew that I had to write about it. What would drive a young lady to take a hit out on herself, and what kind of person would answer the advertisement?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unfortunately, I do not have any unusual writing habits.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a young reader, I loved Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. It’s the first book that made me cry. I also loved Mark Twain and E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web (the second book that made me cry). Other authors who have influenced me are: William Carlos Williams, John Irving, Flannery O’Connor, Toni Morrison, Miriam Toews, Sandra Cisneros, Chuck Palahniuk, and many more.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on a new novel, and that’s all I’m going to say about it; I don’t want to jinx myself. I also enjoy writing poetry when I have an idea for a poem, and/or I need a break from writing the novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think the best method for promoting books is through word of mouth, so any social media website where I am active and able spread the word about the book is good. I really like Goodreads because it is for people who like to read books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be willing to put in the hard work. Also, read, read, and read some more.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My mom always told my sisters and I to place people over things. I know it’s not writing advice, but it is something that I have adopted as a life philosophy.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Jim Harrison’s Complete Poems. I adore him as a writer.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a novel coming out from Unsolicited Press in June, The Craigslist Incident. I’m very excited about it, so I’d have to say that the novel’s release is the next thing I’m focusing on as a writer.
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 bring Miriam Toews’ All My Puny Sorrows; Jim Harrison’s Complete Poems; John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany; and, last but certainly not least, Toni Morrison’s Beloved.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Fisk Website
Jason Fisk Amazon Profile
Jason Fisk Author Profile on Smashwords
Jason Fisk’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account