Interview With Author Jeffrey Levin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Of course. First, I’d like to thank you for having me. I currently make my living as a commercial real estate attorney, which pays the bills but doesn’t fulfill my creative side. I’ve also previously been in the food service industry, owning a hot-dog stand and working in my family’s catering business. I learned a real appreciation for the people in that industry and the hard work that is required. For creative endeavors, I have been a glass blower, which was enormous fun! I’ve written screen-plays and, as you know, books. Watching is my first published novel. I have a second, Deep Cover, being released on June 27, 2024. It’s a post Cold War espionage thriller. I’m also currently working on Volume 2 of the Watching series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Watching was inspired much as the characters set it out: my wife and I watched a documentary about an unsolved art theft. None of the art has ever been seen. My mind wouldn’t shut off once I stated wondering about what could possibly have happened to it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if they are unusual, as most writers I know have some strange routines. I tend to come up with ideas at odd times: sleeping, on airplanes, while driving. This forces me to make notes, usually on my phone, and send them to myself as emails. My favorite thing while writing is when my characters take me in directions which I hadn’t contemplated. It’s always fun to follow them and see what they come up with!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading classic sci-fi. Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov. Amazing writers with incredible imaginations. Later I started getting more into mystery. James Patterson and James Lee Burke come to mind. I’m also a fan of Stephen King’s work, especially his non-horror writing. A very talented man!
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Volume 2 of the Watching series. It is tentatively titled The Portrait of an Innocent Girl. I could tell you more, but I’d have to kill you.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotion is always the hard part for me. My publisher has had success with Face Book ads. And I have a mailing list of over 500 people that I use to keep them informed. I’m hoping that Awesome Gang will turn out to be awesome for me!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. It’s the only way to improve. It doesn’t have to be perfect right out of the gate. You can always go back (which you will, numerous times) and make it better. But, if you don’t start you’ll never have that opportunity.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Basically, the advice I just gave is the best advice (relative to writing) that I’ve received.
What are you reading now?
It’s odd, but, because I’m currently writing a novel, I don’t read other peoples work. I don’t want to find myself becoming unintentionally influenced.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I finish Volume 2 of the Watching series, I’m going to have to come up with an intriguing idea. I might go back and look at some of my screenplays and notes of ideas that I’ve kept over the years.
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?
Wow, what a tough question! City of Thieves, Dune, Foundation. I’d have a hard time taking a mystery I’d already read because I know the answer.
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