Interview With Author Jim Jense
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a semi-retired teacher. I’ve written two non-fiction books and a couple of textbooks.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Osaka! Osaka!: A different kind of history” is inspired by living here. It is the tale of an old father trying to bond with his teenage son by visiting historical places in the city. It is a book that will make people laugh and teach them history at the same time.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I just fill every spare moment with it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to note.
What are you working on now?
“A Drunk in the Midnight Choir: Rejected Ideas from Bad Books.”
Not that my books are bad, but they are not very successful. This book pastes together ideas that were discarded while writing them.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not very good at that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is: Don’t take advice from me about anything except teaching Japanese university students. That is the only thing I am good at.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep your knees bent and your hands up.
What are you reading now?
David Foster Wallace
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish A Drunk in the Midnight Choir
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?
David Foster Wallace
Mark Twain