Interview With Author Paul J Jackson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing back in my early twenties but, inevitably, life sort of got in the way and I gave up on my dream of becoming an author. Back then I used pencil and sheets of paper, or old jotters, and I kept them in a carrier bag. Most were unfinished short stories, but I'd also written loads of other plot ideas.
A few years ago, while clearing out the attic, I came across them again and, after reading a few, decided to put them on computer in my spare time. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed writing, and my love of storytelling was rekindled. I'm also glad I hung onto my early scribbles; they've proved very useful.
Since then, I've been published in the Oxford Flash Fiction Anthology 'Sticks and Stones' with my story 'The Lover' and in the Retreat West Anthology for being short-listed in their short story competition. (a story from my Woolworth's bag, teehee)
I've now published four books on Amazon.
'Down a Dark Path' sinister tales of supernatural horror.
'Retribution' the birth of a horrifying urban legend.
'Secrets and Lies' a revenge thriller.
'My Soul to Take' a fantasy, survival thriller.
Whenever I get any free time, I'm writing something, either for a book I'm trying to finish or a competition I hope to win.
I'm also a featured writer on 'Pulp Fictional.com', a writing competition site. https://www.pulpfictional.com
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Retribution is my most recent book. It's a supernatural thriller and the birth of a horrifying urban legend.
It was inspired by a short story I had written a while back, which now appears in the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like so many, and all have left their mark in a way but, I can't say they've influenced me or my writing a great deal. I've always loved horror films and would say that they've been more influential to me growing up.
What are you working on now?
I'm currently working on another horror anthology
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At the moment I'm using twitter and friends to spread the word but, having found this site, I'm going to say places like this.
Book promotion can be so expensive, and some sites are asking mega-bucks to do it, with no guarantee of success. If you're not careful, you can spend more money advertising your book than you would ever get back via sales.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write down any good ideas you have before you forget them, or before they get pushed aside by other good ideas. There's nothing more annoying than forgetting what it was you were going to use in a story by the time you finally get chance to sit down and write it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write down any good ideas you have before you…………………….
What are you reading now?
Nothing at the moment as I'm busy writing stuff but, I am looking forward to Shawn Hutson's two new anthologies.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing.
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?
Probably 'A Scout's Guide to wild edibles', a Ray Mears survival book, something on sea fishing and one on how to make clothes from coconut husks.
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