Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing off and on since I was about eight years old, and have recently published a novel and a short story.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Phoebe’s Secret is about a nonverbal autistic girl surviving in the Shadow Bay Asylum during the 1950s. During my research of autism, I came across an article written by Philip Reyes where he explained what it means to be a nonverbal autistic. The link to the article: http://faithhopeloveautism.blogspot.com/2015/04/world-autism-awareness-day-2015.html
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say my writing habits are unusual, but I do spend a few hours after work each night writing with my cats and dog, who beg me to include them as main characters in my books.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King and Dean Koontz are my favorite authors, and have read their books since I discovered them as a teenager. I also like Edgar Allen Poe. The Odd Thomas and Christopher Snow characters by Koontz are among my favorites.
What are you working on now?
A new novel in the Shadow Bay series, a followup to Phoebe’s Secret, from the point of view of her friend, Gabriel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t listen to others who doubt or question your dreams. I was told at a young age that writing isn’t a feasible career, and I regret listening to it. I’ve wasted so many years letting that wrong belief affect my writing and I gave up too many times. Never give up. Read books, especially in the genre you are writing. For motivation and advice, listen to podcasts on the writing process and interviews with successful authors. Some of my favorites are: The Creative Penn, Self Publishing Podcast, Rocking Self Publishing, Sell More Books Show, and the Worried Writer Podcast. Books I recommend on the writing process are Stephen King’s On Writing, Joanna Penn’s The Author Mindset, Stephen Pressfield’s War of Art, and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. I believe every successful author has said that. Hanging on my office wall is two quotes by King and Koontz.
Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around. -Stephen King
Writing talent is a gift. It’s nothing I ever earned. -Dean Koontz
What are you reading now?
House of Skin by Jonathan Janz, Hacker by Ted Dekker, Dustfall by Glynn James and J. Thorn.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Find more time to 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?
Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz, Misery by Stephen King, The Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jesse Dagett Website
Jesse Dagett Amazon Profile
Jesse Dagett’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account