Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an Atlanta-based writer and author. “Sour Milk for the Soul” is my third book. The other two are “I Was Just Sayin'” and “Excellence in Brand Advertising.” The former is a collection of essays from my column on ajc.com. The second was a business text.
In addition to a variety of freelance assignments through the years, I wrote a weekly column for “The Atlanta Journal-Constitution” for five years. My work has also appeared in “AUTOpilot”, “Atlanta”, “Creative Loafing”, “OZ” and a variety of newspapers and magazines. I’ve spoken across the country and performed stand-up comedy.
I have two dogs and two cats; all rescues.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Sour Milk for the Soul” was something that started rolling around in my head four years ago. As time went on the stories stayed in my head and started adding up. a college friend, Greg Marshall, suggested I commit them to paper, collect same and see if enough were generated to rate a book. Good advice.
The essays are mean to be a satiric take on the feel-good series. It’s all in good fun.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
More often than not the stories are written beginning with the end. I think of something that makes me laugh, write it down and start working backwards.
The other thing is, when I’m spending a lot of time at the keyboard, if my cat Rosie crawls into my lap I take it as a cosmic sign to stop for a few minutes and recharge. And Rosie get a lot of attention.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frank Deford, Tony Kornheiser, Rick Reilly
What are you working on now?
Sour Milk, vol. 2
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media. It’s free, reaches a lot of people BUT YOU HAVE TO PUT IN THE WORK!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Read, Read.
Then write. No stopping. No self-editing. Get it out of your head and on the screen or on paper. After you unload your words, THEN start editing. The more you consistently write the larger the flow of ideas will come.
And what you write in 60 days will be better than today’s work — respect both.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.
What are you reading now?
“Dope Sick” by Beth Macy
What’s next for you as a writer?
A boatload more words.
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?
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
The Last Lion, all three books, by William Manchester
Author Websites and Profiles
JD Osterman Website
JD Osterman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account