Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up on the mean streets (well really more of a cul de sac) of Orange County. Even as a kid my life plan was the same as it is today: to be a billionaire/astronaut/superhero. But, for now, I live in LA with my artist/rock-climber/restaurant running girlfriend where I spend my time writing, leading field trips for my favorite charity (826LA) and dashing up to the mountains for fly-fishing.
My plays have been produced by multiple theater companies (next up will be a May 2014 production of my play “Canyon” in Connecticut) and I’ve written several screenplays, that are in stages of production ranging from: “development hell” to “starts shooting in January 2014”.
My novel “Monsters of the Apocalypse” is my first venture into publishing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book “Monsters of the Apocalypse” is a post-apocalyptic science fiction adventure. It’s inspired by the paperback science fiction books of the fifties and sixties. I love fun, action packed books, that are filled with dangerous characters. Seeds of Heinlein, Vonnegut and Bester are all through it.
I self published it as an ebook because I felt that in an earlier era this would have been a dime novel, a cheap paperback or in science fiction magazines, but in today’s world that niche has been filled by the “$2.99 and under” ebook.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write on a computer that’s missing a couple keypads. It’s my lucky computer.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kurt Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle’ is the book that influenced me the most. I think it’s a perfect work by the greatest writer of all time.
I read everything Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett write.
I was a kid during the 90’s, a great era for comic books, so I read those constantly (Jim Lee’s X-Men, Frank Miller’s Batman, Jim Starlin’s Infinity Gauntlet… etc) and their influence is very evident in my writing.
What are you working on now?
I have a few film projects I’ve been hired onto and a few plays that are going to be staged this upcoming year. As for novels, I’m working on the follow up to “Monsters of Apocalypse” so hopefully that will be up to par!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had good luck with Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads – but end of the day, my awesome friends and the artists I’ve been privileged to work with in the past have been my greatest method of promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I volunteer with kids (at a charity called 826LA) and they are constantly inspiring me with their energy and imaginations. Find a charity that you like, volunteer some time and you’ll come back inspired.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha
What are you reading now?
I’m just finishing the Hunger Games Trilogy (I know, I’m a little late).
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully NASA will call today and invite me to write my next book in space. I feel my writing would benefit from zero gravity.
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?
Cat’s Cradle, Siddhartha, Where the Sidewalk Ends and Jitterbug Perfume,
Author Websites and Profiles
Jordan Rawlins Website
Jordan Rawlins Amazon Profile
Jordan Rawlins’s Social Media Links
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