Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Monster Problems is my first novel! I love to write fantasy and science fiction for young readers and I have several more books in development. I am an army brat who lived in Germany and Fort Knox, Kentucky, growing up and I currently live in Cleveland, Ohio, where I root for the Cleveland Indians. I work in Human Resources and in my free time I listen to 80s music, watch movies, and am working on visiting all the MLB stadiums.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Monster Problems is my latest (and first!) book. I took the idea of a magic pen where everything drawn with it becomes real and melded that to some of my experiences as a middle schooler and getting in trouble for drawing instead of paying attention in class. It kind of grew from there!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do my best writing with a mug of coffee nearby and my laptop playing rock and roll music.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve loved comic books since I was a kid and I still read them, my favorites being Spider-Man, Captain America, and the Avengers. My favorite author is sci-fi writer Timothy Zahn, especially his Heir to the Empire trilogy and his Cobra and Blackcollar books. As a kid I loved the Chronicles of Narnia, the Three Investigators, Judy Blume books, and the Ramona books.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the prequel to Monster Problems! It is currently being critiqued by my writers group and is being read by several beta readers (which includes more than a few kids!).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is www.jasonrlady.com, where you can learn more about me and how to order Monster Problems. I have book events in 2020 that will get posted there very soon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t listen to the naysayers, learn all you can about craft, find people who will be supportive and other writers to help encourage you and edit your work. Most importantly, never give up! The journey from first draft to publication for Monster Problems took 13 years!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your friends and family are far more important than anything else in your life, and you must treasure them.
What are you reading now?
The Collectors by Jacqueline West.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keeping my fingers crossed I can do at least three books in this magic pen series, and then dive into a sci-fi series that has tons of potential, the first book I have a first draft written. I also want to gain more social media followers and readers!
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?
Avengers: Under Siege, The Blackcollar by Timothy Zahn, the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Lady Website
Jason Lady Amazon Profile
Jason Lady’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account