Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing seriously after seeing one of my daughters reading a romance novel. After joking with her about how poorly written it was and how I could write something better, my daughter quite calmly told me to prove it. As an IT professional, I did some research and quickly hammered out my first short story, which was a romantic disaster. But I learned a lot and found something I enjoyed doing.
I’ve written one book and several romantic short stories that I just published into a new book. I’m currently working on this new series. I find that I prefer writing for a YA/NA female audience since my daughters enjoy that genre over others.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Dreams and it is a collections of short, romantic stories. It was something that I wanted to do for my wife. She’s the one who’s encouraged me to keep making them better and to push myself.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like listening to rain as it provides white noise and helps me focus.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read a lot of books over the years, but some of the authors that spring to mind are Piers Anthony, Anne McCaffrey, Steven King, Robert A Heinlein, Andy Weir, C.S Lewis, William Goldman, and Craig Alanson. I know that there are a lot of other great authors that I truly do enjoy reading their works.
What are you working on now?
A new series about a girl dealing with one problem after another, she learns about family and friendship and even falls in love, all while becoming a true witch. This coming-of-age fantasy forces the main character to deal with problems she’s not ready or willing to face. This leads to even more unknowns and dangers lurking in the shadows. As she grows from being a scared little girl to a typical teen girl learning to drive while dealing with some very adult issues.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are several websites out there but I’ve found that Amazon.com and kindlepreneur.com are the ones I use the most.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In the end, it’s not about where you’ve been, it’s about the journey you took and all the people you met along the way.
What are you reading now?
Colonyside: A Novel: Planetside, Book 3 by Michael Mammay
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing. I plan on having about 5 – 7 books in the new series and I’ll them move on to a few stand alone 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?
Stranger in a strange land by Robert A. Heinlein
The ship who searched by Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey
Phule’s Company by Robert Asprin
Author Websites and Profiles
John Mac Donald Website
John Mac Donald Amazon Profile