Interview With Author Justin James
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am primarily a fiction author in the horror and paranormal fantasy space, however, I recently began working on some nonfiction material. I am from the small community of Little Rock, Mississippi, and I currently have four publications available.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘The Prophecy of Donald Trump’. The book was inspired by the numerous online conspiracy theories surrounding the presidency of Donald Trump. I found a few of them fascinating and wanted to write about them. I enjoy a good conversation starter and hearing the opinion of others and why people think the way that they do.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have one that I have noticed heavily recently. I have this habit of creating character names and planning back stories, only for the names and stories to change last minute as I begin writing. I’m not disappointed in that, though, as it has led to characters appearing in other works of mine as well. I call it “dynamic” character work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The biggest influence behind my writing, especially in the style of horror that I use, is without a doubt Stephen King. Here’s a fun fact. My favorite King book is ‘Pet Semetary’. Other novelists that have influenced me are Joe Hill, Dean Koontz, and of course my fellow Mississippians William Faulkner and John Grisham.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my first full-length novel. I’ve done novellas previously, but this new project is my first full novel. The project will be in the horror and psychological thriller genres.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My preferred method of promotion is organic promotion through social media apps. I like creating personal connections with my audience and finding other people that genuinely want to naturally find my work and read it, as opposed to just buying ads and hoping someone gives it a click.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to write about anything and everything. Do not stick to just one genre when starting. Have fun with your writing. If you try to narrow down on one genre immediately, you will grow tired of writing. Branch out and have fun. Once you’ve done that, then you can focus on the genres you enjoy writing the most. But always enjoy writing. Writing is about creative expression, having fun, and turning words into art.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best writing advice I ever heard came from Stephen King in a lecture he gave. He spoke about just putting the pen to the paper and letting your imagination wrote the story, almost intuitively and instinctively.
What are you reading now?
I am currently re-reading one of my favorites, which is ‘NOS4A2’ by Joe Hill. The novel is haunting and different from other books about haunted cars.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would say that my next big thing to come is to finish and release my novel that I’m currently working on. I’m really enjoying how it’s coming along so far, and I hope the readers will enjoy it as well.
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?
That’s tough. If I had to choose, I would say ‘Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban’ by J.K. Rowling, ‘Pet Semetary’ by Stephen King, and ‘Olive’s Ocean’ by David Henkes.
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