Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I'm a young man currently living in Alberta, Canada. I have published four books so far. I intend to publish over one hundred. Writing and creating for me is my inherent reaction to being alive. Some people seek money or power. I want to be able to sit in a little cabin, with my wife, writing more and more books. Even if I had trillions of dollars. I would still be up at 8am to start writing books at 9am. It is how I programmed.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Burden of the Monarch: Blade of Rails. I was inspired by all the fantasy I have ever read in my life. All the games I've played, the stories I wanted to see in them. I think most of my writing comes from observing a massive amount of material and using it as a catalyst to determine what it specifically is that I want to be creating myself. I have created a story and universe that allows me to discuss a variety of real world topics without them being shoved into the readers face. Nothing is worse then a story with something important to say and none of the skill required to actually deliver it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I'm an overtly analytical person myself. However I'm also aware of how annoying it can be. So my work has very complex characters but I never put an imposition on you as the reader to pay attention to all the details. Everything is connected, everything makes sense, but I haven't laid it out in the way an accountant would; taking all the fun out of it in the first place. I call myself out on anything that could go awry in the plot or developing narrative to infuse comedy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lots of CRPG series actually. My experience playing D&D. I would say Neverwinter Nights 2. China Miéville is a fantastic author. I admire Stephen King for showing me great stories obscured by annoying writing habits; motivating me to not repeat the same mistakes. Christopher Hitchens as well for constantly challenging my brain and using words I didn't know existed.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to Blade of Rails as well as an independent D&D campaign.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I'm still trying to learn the best way to promote my books. I have found facebook advertising is not helpful as it has never produced any interest none the less sales.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just push through. If something sucks, finish it, read it, gain a complex understanding of why it sucks then write something new! Getting attached to a project while you're developing yourself and your style is like getting attached to a footprint. Let all your writing be a part of you, a visualization of your dedication to writing. Maybe it is this project that meets your standards, maybe next one. At the core of my advice you cannot get discouraged. You will have to write hundreds of thousands of words. If that isn't something you want to do; writing isn't something you want to do.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”
― Ira Glass
What are you reading now?
I'm re-reading the comic series 'The Boys' by Garth Ennis.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the entire Burden of the Monarch series. In the future I would love to publish a full D&D adventure with custom graphics and art.
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?
I'm a survivalist so I would much rather take a knife and my hammock. But if it has to be books. I would bring everything Terry Pratchett has ever authored. His books are incredibly re-readable alongside touching on themes I feel would keep my brain happy while alone on an island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Josh Perry Website
Josh Perry’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile