Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from a small town in middle Tennessee. I’ve lived here all my life but have visited quite a few places. I’ve loved books since I was little, largely thanks to my grandma, and have wanted to tell stories of my own since my freshman year of high school. It took me a few years to reach the point I could actually pursue that dream, though.
Sink or Swim is the first book that I’ve published, so far. It definitely won’t be the last! Series of books are my favorite to read if I have to choose, but as long as I enjoy the story I’ll read just about anything.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sink or Swim is my latest, and first, book. It’s the beginning of The Rose Chronicles which will follow Vince Rose throughout his life of piracy and as a political weapon. Nothing imparticular inspired it. I love adventurous books, pirates, and series. That sums up the initial idea and then the series idea started to grow and advance. From there it was new drafts, revisions, editing, and bouncing ideas around until I felt ready to take that big leap of faith.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I really don’t have anything extremely unusual. I like to have coffee on hand like plenty of other people while I work. Other than that, it’s just the standard practice of typing, thinking, procrastinating, and double-checking my work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a lot of authors that I admire and look up to for many reasons. Brent Weeks with his Night Angel Trilogy was a huge pointer in how important relationships are between characters. That’s probably one of the best ones. Ari Berk was another great one. I’ve read his Undertaker Trilogy multiple times and still love it. I feel like I always notice or catch onto something new with that one.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Swink or Swim and tinkering on another series I want to write in the not-to-faraway future. Between those two I stay plenty busy writing!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it for you and for what you think it means.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Your book will be someone’s favorite.” It’s helped me push through a lot. Even if your book is for a very niche genre, someone will pick it up one day and absolutely love it.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Woman in Cabin Ten” by Ruth Warren. It was a really good read and a nice change of pace, but I’m ready to pick up a new series in a new world. I just haven’t found which one to start next. There’s a few I still need to finish so most likely one of those.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue The Rose Chronicles and work on another series I started tinkering with this year. I hope to have the next book out in the second half of 2020 or the beginning of 2021. Here’s hoping, right?
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?
Dang! This is a particularly mean question. I’ll go with The Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams, I’ve been meaning to finish that series. I could just start fresh and really focus.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jimmy Anderson Amazon Profile
Jimmy Anderson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account