Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Brazilian journalist, screenwriter and multimedia producer. I have recently self-published my first novel, “The Missing Spirit”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Missing Spirit” began as a sort of fantasy-themed journal after an abrupt return home having spent years living overseas. The reverse culture shock was very intense and I had this daily urge to escape elsewhere while I tried to cope with the life I’d left behind. After a few months, the journal turned into a story of its own: a journey about a young human girl trying to find her place in a world ruled by gods.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I don’t write according to how creative I’m feeling at the moment. I always determine exactly how many pages I’m going to write until I’m done for the day. If I’m inspired, great, if I’m not, then I’ll write for the sake of it. When I go over them on the following day I’m often surprised by mediocre material I thought would be brilliant and great material I was sure would be rubbish.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, H.P. Lovecraft, J. K. Rowling, Walt Whitman and Terry Pratchett.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a sequel for “The Missing Spirit”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to have a solid digital presence, using an author website, a blog, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your gut, be stubborn and don’t be afraid of hearing “no”. The more “no”s you hear, the more special that first “yes” will feel.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write the book you want to read”.
What are you reading now?
I’m finishing “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to connect with new readers and try to understand how my work resonates with them while I work on the next 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?
100 Years of Solitude, The Little Prince, Robinson Crusoe and Dune.
Author Websites and Profiles
P. J. Maia Website
P. J. Maia Amazon Profile
P. J. Maia’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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