Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Southern California but my fondest memories of my upbringing in Colorado in the mid twentieth century. I had a vivid imagination and practically lived in the world of comic books, old time radio, and early television. My early years living in a rural mountainous area were free of telephones and television, and times when we neighborhood kids created plots for our own ongoing stories in which we were the prime actors. I’ve written two published collections of children stories and a previous book in the “Masked Kid” trilogy, Who Was That Masked Kid.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It came from a desire to expose the present generation to the past: what it was like without television and, above all, cell phones. To give them a taste of not having access to modern electronics, and the culture that helped to form the world they live in today. I try to do this in a humorous and entertaining way.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think my writing habits are unusual, but lately I’ve been having trouble with writer’s block, which never used to be a problem.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King probably has influenced me the most, though I don’t have the penchant for horror that he has. My favorite movie was Stand By Me, which I think influenced the writing of this book the most. Jean Shepherd of “A Christmas Story” fame probably holds an equal place in inspiring these books.
What are you working on now?
I’m continuing my memoirs and considering publishing a book on progressing through a Christian cult to true Orthodox Spirituality.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use facebook primarily.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, and consider self publishing. I found it almost impossible to get an agent that can get the attention of a New York publishing house, and if you’re as old as I am, you don’t have the time to wait.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing.
What are you reading now?
I have been a fan of science fiction, but because my life and philosophy has moved away from the atheism of science fiction, no longer feel at home in that genre. I read a lot of the Tom Clancy derivatives, Clive Cussler, and am presently reading a book, The Gurus, the Young Man, and Father Paisos which is an autobiographical quest of a man in his mid twenties, searching for truth in Hinduism and Orthodox Christianity. Fascinating book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m continuing with my memoirs, but trying to find a way to appeal to people searching for the truth.
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?
The Bible, the Lord of the Rings, Mere Christianity, the Boy Scout Handbook.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Young Website