Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is T. J. Blake, I’m 23 years old and I have written four novels.
I would say that at the moment, I am pondering between the horror and thriller genres, but still looking to explore many genres and implement them into my stories. Having written a dystopian horror book series called ‘The Endurance Series’, a standalone dark thriller ‘The Author’, a short dark fantasy story called ‘Alive’, and my latest psychological thriller, ‘Deception: A Love of Lies’, you can see that I enjoy writing darker stories; which are riddled with mystery and suspense.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is called Deception: A Love of Lies.
I started working on Deception when I was studying for my final year of university, where I spent three years studying Creative Writing with English Language & Communications. For my Creative Writing dissertation, I wanted to work on a book idea of mine which required work, and a lot of it. The main reason being that this specific book idea did require research, and I mean, why not combine business (or studying) with pleasure?
My main inspiration was that I wanted to embrace something which is so common for many people across the globe – in this case, dog walking – and twist it to make people think next time they head out on a dog walk. The most important part was to make the story realistic, so that it makes you check your windows and doors at night – cruel I know.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say so. I’m just the typical writer who fades from the real world and enters a new sphere. I’m also very irritating to be around when I write, as I can just completely ignore my surroundings (therefore ignore people and conversation). I just require tea (lots of it) and peace.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Loads, so many different authors and books. I couldn’t name specifics but I would say all the books that I have read from numerous genres. I would also say films have influenced me too. Obviously, the legend himself Stephen King is a great writer who I aspire to be like. I admire his versatility.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the marketing for Deception, but in terms of writing, I will be writing the conclusion to ‘The Endurance Series’, which I have already started.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to use numerous sites. I also like to give new sites a chance to show me what they’ve got – there are many bloggers who I have met and glad to be working with.
I also use Fiverr to promote work, as well as my own T. J. Blake #Author blog and social media pages.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. Sometimes writing can seem slow, almost possible to be noticed or have your writing read, but then it can be hectic and suddenly take off from nothing.
I’m by no means a successful author, but I love writing and I find it extremely therapeutic, and I will continue to fight for what I desire – to become a successful author.
If you’re a writer and that is what you want to do, don’t listen to anyone who decides to joke about your passion or tries talking you out of doing what you’re doing. They’re not worth listening to.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My best advice actually came from a lecturer at Kingston University, who taught me the art of ‘showing’ a reader rather than ‘telling’. I used to be guilty of this, but now I’m not.
To help me with this, he went through my work (which was then called ‘The Dog Walk’, now known as ‘Deception’) and obliterated it with his red pen. He crossed out all the parts where I was telling the reader what to see or giving them back story, and basically wrote ‘rubbish’ next to those sections. After those five 15-minute sessions, I felt that I learnt more than I ever could have during those one to one sessions than I could have in a lecture theatre for two hours.
What are you reading now?
At the moment I am looking for new reads – feel free to recommend anything in the comments!
But currently, I’m reading Stephen King’s ‘Dreamcatcher’.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not particularly sure. I’m just going to continue writing stories until I’m all out of ideas.
The next step is to complete The Endurance Series, and then I have about three other book ideas after that.
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 would take 3 books, just because I would be busy exploring and thinking of new book ideas too!
Stephen King (Green Mile, Carrie, The Shining, whichever one!)
One of the Harry Potter books, just because I haven’t read one for years!
And maybe a more modern book, like Gone Girl.
How are you realistically meant to pick just three or four though!?
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