Interview With Author John Barnes
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is John Barnes. While I’ve written many things–websites, brochures, ads, etc–this is the first book I’ve written.
It’s called THE END. It was a concept I thought of during high school in the Midwest.
The love of my life is my wife Allison and we live in Las Vegas. We have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. I enjoys the outdoors, sports, art and travel–especially football and paddle boarding (but not at the same time).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called THE END. I’ve wanted to write it since high school. The inspiration behind it was a combination of things.
First, I wanted a story that would be entertaining and real. While it’s fiction, it could very easily be non-fiction.
Second and most important was the messages it would deliver. THE END encourages people to be kind to everyone, regardless of differences. It invites people to step out of their comfort zone and do things for people in need. It is very focused on becoming a better person. Many readers have told me it has made them rethink their life and how they can improve on it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Funny question. But I think the most unusual habit I have is that I would write 1 day a week.
I would think about elements of my story all week, and then write them on Sunday afternoons. That gave me time to play out different scenarios in my mind all week and see where those plot elements would take the story. After thinking about it all week, it became easier to write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the John Grisham stories. I love that the suspense sucks me into the story.
What are you working on now?
In addition to promoting THE END and doing a number of book signings, Allison and I are working on a YouTube channel called Paddleboard Places with Allison & John. We love paddle boarding together, so we started this channel to give other people ideas on where to go.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m too early into the process to make a decision on that yet. My book started shipping late June. There are a lot of websites with different services and promotional methods. Ask again in 6 months…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay with it. There are a lot of distractions out there that keep you from writing. I’d suggest writing even when you don’t feel like it. Then you can go back later and edit it.
Also, I’d have a lot of people read your manuscript before you publish it. I had 8 – 10 friends read it and then hired a professional editor too. Even with all that, I found a spelling error last week. :(.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My dad used to say “the only person who doesn’t have an excuse is the one who got the job done.” He taught me to work and stay with it. He taught me to never give up. Don’t quit. Keep going. Believe in yourself!
What are you reading now?
Honestly, I’ve been reading the Old Testament right now. I’m not looking there for my next idea, but rather to learn about those people and activities from long ago. It’s also interesting to see how they wrote back then–very different from today.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I feel very strongly that THE END is a message for the masses. So what’s next for me is to promote this book throughout the country to deliver its message to as many people as I can through book signings, social media, publicity and more.
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?
First would be the Bible. That’s a must.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
And then whatever the latest adventure novel is at the time.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Barnes’s Social Media Links