Interview With Author Jeremiah Beck
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m originally from Wisconsin. Living the cliché, I grew up on a dairy farm after a short stint in the suburbs. 25-years-ago, I got a job in radio broadcasting and have worked in that field ever since, traveling the world, meeting incredible people, and having the time of my life on the air. In 2019, I began work on a book idea that I’ve had for years, and finally published this year, fulfilling a childhood dream! I live in New Orleans now, which is the greatest city I’ve ever called home, despite my love for Madison, Wisconsin.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is entitled “Recollection.” It’s about a radio DJ with highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM) or “hyperthymesia,” a condition that causes you to remember every single detail of your life, and the emotions attached to those memories never fade. When considering a title, I found the dictionary definition of recollection to fit the themes of my novel, as well as the hook, so I went with it.
The inspiration came after reading an article about someone with this syndrome, and the difficulties that faced in life after witnessing a tragedy they could never forget or get over. This was the catalyst for creating my main character, Jeremy Peoples, as a school shooting survivor with hyperthymesia, and a habit of making terrible decisions to avoid his unavoidable memories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know what constitutes unusual. I’m a pantser through and through, so I find it hard to write and follow an outline. I come up with a premise, the beginning, the main characters, and then an ending, and that is what I need to begin the journey of how “those characters” will get to “that ending” from “that beginning.”
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Irving’s book “A Prayer for Owen Meany” was the book that most influenced “Recollection.” I wanted to create something that dealt with spiritual themes and life struggles, while at the same time operating within a plot that was an interesting journey, with tension and genuinely high stakes.
I’ve also loved Dennis Lehane, JD Salinger, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemmingway, (yes) Stephen King and John Kennedy Poole’s book “A Confederacy of Dunces” remains an all-time favorite. “Columbine” was a fascinating exploration of the Littleton, CO school shooting.
What are you working on now?
A novel about grace… and how to unkill someone. If you like “Recollection,” then I think the themes, characters and storyline will be exactly what you’d expect from my follow-up.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used several book promo sites, and continue to try and master Amazon Ads and Facebook ads, but if I’m honest, I’m still learning how best to promote my book, and can’t say that I’ve “mastered it.” I’m on a “direct-to-reader sales path” currently, so many of my efforts are in that direction, currently, as I build my platform and community.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Publishing the book is Day 1 of your career as an author, not Day Final. Once you hit submit, you go from “I’m writing” to “I’m an author.” One is a hobby. The other is a career. Treat it as such and work accordingly… but if the writing becomes a chore, then reevaluate. Being a business-owner (author) can be a chore, but try hard to keep it from robbing the joy of writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’re not publishing a book, you’re starting a business. Do not expect some publishing company is going to offer you $100,000 for your book while you sit back and write the next one. Publishing a book is either a hobby or a career change, so define your goals early.
What are you reading now?
The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be at the 19th Annual Louisiana Book Fest in Baton Rouge on October 28, and then taking the month of November for NaNoWriMo. By December 1st, I’ll have at least 50,000 words toward my next book, in hopes of publishing in 2025.
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 Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
The Stand by Stephen King
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Franny & Zooey by JD Salinger
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeremiah Beck’s Social Media Links
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