Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written a four-book series, and I admit to feeling particularly proud when the doorstep of the 360,000 and 775-page complete quartet paperback proof turned up.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is called Fourth Room. There are lots of themes of four throughout the book from Johari’s Window, the Conscious Competence Model, the four Inspirational Leaders traits, and even Led Zeppelin’s first four albums – as I took a more pastoral feel on With Two Eyes (Book Three) just like Led Zep 3!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I hate commuting, so I do my thinking and plotting while I’m driving to work. Then I’ll write it down wherever I have a few moments, and I can pull my notebook out – even in the car park.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The books I write are more gritty and real than the ones I read. I really enjoy Fantasy authors like Stephen Donaldson, David Eddings, Tolkien and George R.R. Martin. I have devoured dozens of music biographies as well.
What are you working on now?
Putting the Audible Box Set of the New Reform Quartet together as I am the narrator and producer. Audible doesn’t just bundle the four books together like on Kindle. You have to re-upload everything again because their Quality Control standards are always changing. It does mean the audio quality will be even higher than the originals – and the complete set will be over 45 hours long. Hopefully, I’ll have it ready for sale by the end of the year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, it is probably, channelling my Facebook friends and followers through to my website.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book first, and lose yourself in your story. The formatting and marketing can wait – don’t let this become a distraction.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Aim low and always be pleasantly surprised when you beat this. This is a recipe for happiness, as far as I’m concerned.
What are you reading now?
Game of Thrones – Dance of Dragons.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to do something more relaxing next, as this has started to feel like a bit of a business – where’s the fun in that! I’m thinking of writing poetry again for a while – that’s definitely not in the get rich quick category.
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?
I suppose series is out of the question! Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, I’ve not only read it but also listened to the 65-hour version on Audible. Lord of the Rings by Tolkien (it is all in one book – honest). Wilt by Tom Sharpe, if I’m on a desert island, then I’m going to need something to make me laugh out loud from time to time. Through the Eyes of Magic by John Drumbo French, the greatest rock and roll memoir ever! Over 800 pages of fantastic detail of his time spent in the cult-like conditions of being in Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band from Safe As Milk, through Trout Mask Replica and beyond.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jim Lowe Website
Jim Lowe Amazon Profile
Jim Lowe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account