Interview With Author Jim Melvin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up on the shores of western Florida and spent much of my childhood swimming in shark-infested waters long before the movie “Jaws” put a scare into everyone. At the time, I probably was too skinny to attract a bull shark’s attention. About ten other boys my age lived on his same street, and we hung out morning, noon and night playing the usual sports that young boys love — football, baseball, “kill the carrier,” etc. — but as a group we also played fantastical games that contained magic, monsters and superheroes. It was in this setting that my imagination was born and nurtured.
My latest work is book 1 of a teen fantasy adventure trilogy titled “Dark Circles,” which is about a group of kids who are transported to a magical land where it can be deadly to sleep. Book 1 titled “Do You Believe in Magic?” is now available on Amazon and officially launched on May 25, 2023. Book 2 titled “Do You Believe in Monsters?” debuted on Oct. 30, 2023. Book 3 titled “Do You Believe in Miracles?” is set for February 2024. The “Dark Circles” series is appropriate for ages 13 and older. This is a great coming-of-age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
I am the author of “The Death Wizard Chronicles,” an action-packed, six-book epic fantasy for mature readers that was published by Bell Bridge Books. Book 1 is titled “Forged in Death.” It is followed by “Chained by Fear,” “Shadowed by Demons,” “Torn by War,” “Blinded by Power” and “Healed by Hope.” Jim also has three short stories related to the series: “Torg’s First Death,” “The Black Fortress,” and “Rise of the Sun God.” “The Death Wizard Chronicles” is appropriate for ages 18 and older.
I am also the lead writer and editor for the nonfiction book “Eclipse Over Clemson: The day Tigertown will never forget,” which chronicled the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse that passed over Clemson University. The on-campus event which I coordinated was a once-in-a-lifetime experience attended by more than 50,000 people.
I live in a valley surrounded by mountains in the Southern Appalachians. I was previously an award-winning journalist at several large newspapers and a communications director at Clemson.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is book 2 of a teen adventure series titled “Dark Circles.” Book 2 is titled “Do You Believe in Monsters?” I am best known for my six-book epic fantasy series “The Death Wizard Chronicles,” which is for mature adults. So I decided to try my hand at a series more appropriate for 13 and older. Hence, “Dark Circles” was born. Book 1 of the series debuted in May and is titled “Do You Believe in Magic?” Book 2 (“Do You Believe in Monsters?”) is a new release that came out on Oct. 30. Book 3 (“Do You Believe in Miracles?”) is scheduled for February 2024.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am the type who rarely if ever skips a day. I usually write 2-3 hours each evening, aiming for 2,000 words. I then spend an hour in the morning editing what I wrote the night before. In doing this, I average about 60,000 words a month.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I go back a ways, so two authors influenced me early on: J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen King. As time progress, I became a huge fan of George R.R. Martin, Steven Erickson, and Stephen Donaldson. I also enjoy Neil Gaiman and many, many others. Richard Powers blows me away.
What are you working on now?
I am beginning book 3 of “Dark Circles,” which will be titled “Do You Believe in Miracles?” Book 3 is going to be really intense, so I’m kind of scared. But I will power through.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If you want the nuts and bolts wrapped in a pretty package, please check out jim-melvin.com. If you want to learn more about my writing, check out jimmelvin.substack.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are a new author who plans to self-publish, check out a guru like David Gaughran. Most of what he offers is free, and it will advance you light-years into the future. My other advice is relatively common: You will accomplish nothing if you don’t write the damn book. Writing the book/books trumps all. Marketing comes in a distant second.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to write a crappy first draft, with the idea that you will whip it into shape during subsequent revisions. Your book isn’t done until you say so.
What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will spend the next three months writing book 3 of “Dark Circles.” After that, I have at least six books that I will whip into shape and self-publish in 2024.
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?
1. The Lord of the Rings
2. The Game of Thrones series
3. John Updike’s Rabbit Run
4. Steven Erickson’s 10-book series Books of the Malazan Fallen
Author Websites and Profiles
Jim Melvin’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.