Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a reader all my life, and I’ve always wanted to try my hand at writing, so I’ve been learning how — with some successes now and then — for years. I’m getting there. Slowly.
I’ve written and published ten novels, over six dozen stories and novellas, and a full-length graphic novel with artist Nike Smith.
I’ve been writing fiction seriously since about 1995, after I’d left my job as a junior high English teacher in tiny Bancroft, Nebraska, and moved out to North Carolina.
In the past I’ve tried bartending, teaching junior high, painting houses, being a secret shopper, working construction, and many more jobs; I prefer fiction writing. For my day job, I work as a technical writer at a software company.
I live with my wife Elizabeth and our two amazing sons in North Carolina.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recently published novel is Finders, Inc., and it’s my first real mystery (all novels are mysteries in some way, but this one is the first with actual detective-like folks in it).
It was inspired by the mountains of North Carolina, and all the quirky people I’ve met up here since I moved here in 2013. I look forward to writing more books about these characters in my “Finder Team” series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve got to get up early if I want to get any good writing done. I can edit and revise pretty much any time of the day, but I’ve got to be up at 4:45 a.m. to write the new stuff.
I also require a lot of coffee.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was hugely influenced by Tolkien, and some day I want to write my own alternate-world fantasy like his. I’m just not quite ready yet!
What are you working on now?
My current book is called Hunter’s Moon, and it’s a sequel to my “rural fantasy” novel Family, Pack. The inspiration for these books comes from events in the life of some members of my family. Given that the main characters in these books are werewolves, I’ll leave it to the readers to decide which details were based on reality.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Amazon quite a bit to do free promos and to try new promotions.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day. Make it an integral part of your life, and don’t short-change your writing time. Be serious about your writing time, but have fun when it comes to the actual writing. That’s harder than you think.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Just write the next sentence.” Dean Wesley Smith
What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have three different series going on right now — a contemporary fantasy/YA series (Contagious Magic), a paranormal mystery series (Finder Team), and a rural fantasy series (Family Pack). Eventually I want to write a book where the Finder Team characters join up with the Family Pack characters. Can’t wait for that one!
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 Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and The Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Jasper Website
Michael Jasper Amazon Profile
Michael Jasper Author Profile on Smashwords
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