Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Johnathan Clayborn. I publish fiction books as “JJ Clayborn” so as not to confuse them with my non-fiction works. I’ve written a couple non-fiction books, and done a lot of freelance writing for websites and blogs. I’m debuting the first novel in my series later this spring.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called “Starsong Chronicles: Exodus”. The entirety of the Starsong Universe as inspired by a dream that I had back in 2004. This book, Exodus, came about from trying to figure out why those events were happening.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If I listen to music when I write, it can’t be anything with lyrics. I find that I get too distracted by the words.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love all of the great Scifi writers; Bradbury, Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, Herbert, Card, etc. But the two that influence my writing the most are Larry Niven and Vernor Vinge.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a couple of things; a crime-fiction book called “The Fall”, a stand along pop-sci thriller called “Skin Deep”, and laying the foundation for more books within my Starsong series. I have 20 books planned out for that series, at least.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use lots of venues. Facebook pages, author interviews like this one, press releases, book clubs, reviewers, youtube.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day. Be confident and tell us your story. And don’t listen to every single Beta-Reader that you use. You have to learn to pick and choose what feedback is important.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t try to please everyone. It’s your story, we’re just along for the ride. You tell us how it goes.
What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Vernor Vinge’s “A Fire Upon the Deep”.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on quickly wrapping up “The Fall” and “Skin Deep” to clear them off my plate. I don’t like to leave things sitting. I’m also mapping out more background details in the Starsong Universe in preparation for the next books.
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?
Honestly, it’d be something practical like: “how to make primitive handtools that work”, “ship-building 101 for dummies” and “sailing for dummies”.
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