Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
When not ranting about society and its ills, I write short stories for literary and men’s magazines like “The Stake,” “SingleLife,” “A Carolina Literary Companion,” “Aura Literary/Arts Review,” and others. I have penned three eBooks: TAX BREAK, WINGS OF HONOR and SEX and the AMERICAN MALE. You can find them at Amazon.com and other ebook retailers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sex and the American Male is my latest book. When Douglas Adams died a number of years ago, I thought that in honor of him I’d come up with a sort of “Hitchhiker’s Guide to American Culture.” In fact, in the forward I have a little “Ode to Douglas Adams” that I hope sounds a little like his work. However, I was also inspired by the crazy mass consumerism that seems to have consumed America (pun intended). From nutty people who go blood-thirsty crazy in an effort to get the latest Cabbage Patch doll to used car salesmen who use sex and patriotism to hawk their gas guzzlers it all seemed surreal to me. So I decided to chronicle it. Okay, okay, I was also inspired by “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” which had some skits that were not only hilarious but seemed to lead to the next one. I hope my book has the same affect.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In the “old” days I used to write everything on a notepad and then would type it up on a cheap manual typewriter I had purchased for about $10 at a pawn shop. I eventually was able to afford one of those box-like little iMacs, and so transcribed my bad handwriting to that. Now I typically write on an iPad my thoughts and early stages of stories/books and transfer it to a much upgraded iMac to flesh out the details.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kurt Vonnegut’s “Breakfast of Champions,” Douglas Adams “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” Ludlum’s “Bourne” series, everything by James Thurber. I also was inspired by Leon Uris, James Michener, Mark Twain… Darn, the list is pretty long
What are you working on now?
I have several books I’m working on, both are mystery/adventure style books and follow-ups to my “Tax Break,” which is about a man who planted a bomb at the IRS and is chased cross-country by the Feds and an Austin cop.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Wish I had a best method. I’ve used Twitter, Facebook, et al and have not noticed any change in sales.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to write to gain fame and fortune, you’d be better off trying to get on American Idol. Write because you like to tell stories (or whatever internal reason you may have).
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was from Leon Uris’ “QBVII” the author, speaking as the main character was to address a room full of would-be writers:
IT CAME MY TIME TO SPEAK AT THE BANQUET. I STUDIED THE TENSE, EAGER FACES AS I APPROACHED THE ROSTRUM. “WHO HERE WANTS TO BE A WRITER?” I ASKED. EVERYONE IN THE ROOM RAISED HIS HAND. “WHY THE HELL AREN’T YOU HOME WRITING?” I SAID, AND LEFT THE STAGE. THAT ENDED MY CAREER IN WRITERS’ SEMINARS.
Uris, Leon (2011-09-27). QB VII (p. 161).
What are you reading now?
Zealot: The life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan plus a bunch of magazines/newletters I subscribe to.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably keep blogging and writing along until they cut the power to my place.
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?
A book on shipbuilding when stranded on desert islands, one on how to grow your own food, plus some motivational book to keep my spirits up while I try to build a ship and plant food.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jay Williams Website
Jay Williams Amazon Profile
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