Interview With Author Jason Williams
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Christian writer and story coach with a background in story development and developmental editing. For years, I’ve helped other writers shape their ideas into meaningful narratives, and that passion for the craft eventually led me to step forward with my own work. Ink and the Forge is my first published book, created to guide writers through the process of turning raw sparks of inspiration into fully forged stories. It blends practical tools with encouragement so writers at any stage can feel equipped to build characters, plots, and worlds that last. While this is my debut, it is also the foundation of a series of resources I plan to continue developing for authors who want their words to endure.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Ink and the Forge: Building Stories One Element at a Time. It was inspired by years of working with writers who had powerful ideas but struggled to transform them into complete stories. I wanted to create a guide that breaks the writing process into clear and manageable elements such as character, plot, theme, and worldbuilding so writers can approach their craft with confidence instead of overwhelm. The image of the forge became central because writing is a refining process where sparks of inspiration are hammered into something strong, lasting, and meaningful.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
One of my unusual writing habits is that I often reverse engineer a story before I ever begin drafting. Instead of starting at page one and writing forward, I like to break a story down into its key elements — characters, themes, conflicts, and turning points — and then rebuild it piece by piece. I’ll create detailed templates, outlines, and even custom tools to map out how each element fits together. For me, the framework is part of the art. Once I know how the pieces interlock, the actual drafting feels more natural and focused.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been deeply shaped by both classic and contemporary voices in storytelling and writing craft. From a craft perspective, authors like Stephen King (On Writing), Donald Maass (Writing the Breakout Novel), and James Scott Bell (Plot and Structure) have influenced the way I think about story mechanics and writer mindset. I’ve also drawn inspiration from C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, whose works showed me the power of story to carry both imagination and truth. On the Christian side, Max Lucado’s writing style has been a model of clarity, warmth, and encouragement. Altogether, these influences have reinforced my conviction that stories can both entertain and transform, and that writing guides should aim to empower as well as instruct.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on two new books. The Samaritan’s Road is a biblical adventure novel that retells the parable of the Good Samaritan through a fresh, modern lens, exploring what it means to truly live out compassion. I’m also writing In the Quiet: Between Grief and Grace, a reflective Christian work that looks at how faith meets us in seasons of loss and how God’s presence brings healing even in silence. Both projects are very different in style, but they share the same goal of encouraging and strengthening readers through the power of story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
One of the best methods I’ve found is connecting directly with readers where they already spend time. Amazon’s Author Central and Goodreads have been important for building a presence, while sites like Substack and my personal author website give me a place to share updates, reflections, and behind-the-scenes content. I’ve also had success using targeted Facebook ads for specific launches and joining online book communities where I can talk about writing and faith in a natural way. For me, promotion works best when it feels less like advertising and more like building genuine connections around stories.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to focus on progress rather than perfection. Too many writers get stuck waiting for the perfect idea, outline, or first draft, but writing is a process of discovery. Start small, write consistently, and give yourself permission to make mistakes along the way. Use tools and techniques to guide you, but do not let them replace your unique voice. Above all, remember that your story matters. Someone out there needs the words only you can write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is to treat writing as a daily practice rather than a rare burst of inspiration. Talent may open the door, but consistency is what carries you through to the end of a book. Even on the days when the words feel flat or the ideas seem stuck, showing up matters. Each page adds to the last, and little by little, those small efforts grow into something much larger than you thought possible. Waiting for the perfect mood or perfect conditions only delays the story that is inside you. But if you make writing a habit, the inspiration will come more often, and the work will take shape. The lesson is simple but powerful: discipline creates freedom, persistence builds momentum, and every word written is a step closer to finishing the book only you can write.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I am reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is one of those rare stories that feels fresh every time I return to it. The journey of Bilbo Baggins is simple on the surface, but beneath the adventure there are layers of courage, growth, and the surprising ways ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges. As a writer, I pay attention not only to the characters and plot but also to how Tolkien builds a world that feels both vast and intimate at the same time. His ability to weave humor, danger, and wonder within a single story is something I study closely. Reading The Hobbit reminds me why I love stories in the first place because they invite us into something bigger than ourselves while still reflecting truths about our own lives.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What is next for me as a writer is continuing to build on the foundation I have started. I am working on The Samaritan’s Road, a biblical adventure novel, and In the Quiet: Between Grief and Grace, a reflective Christian work about finding God’s presence in loss. At the same time, I plan to expand the Ink and the Forge series with more resources for writers, digging deeper into areas like character arcs, worldbuilding, and story structure. I am also developing The Ascendant Chronicles Series, an epic fiction project that explores themes of faith, resilience, and the human struggle for meaning in a broken world. My hope is to balance both sides of my calling by creating books that strengthen faith while also equipping other writers to tell the stories only they can write.
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?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I would want books that both feed my soul and keep my imagination alive. I would take the Bible, because it provides comfort, guidance, and strength in any situation. I would bring The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, since its sense of adventure and courage would remind me that even the smallest person can face great challenges. I would also take On Writing by Stephen King, because it blends memoir and practical advice in a way that always recharges my passion for the craft. Finally, I would choose C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, which has been a steady voice of faith and reason in my life and would keep me grounded in hope.
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