J.A. Thomas Interview

Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer?

Ans. Well, I'm a Colorado native, grew up in the state and spent my whole life exploring it. I have worked in numerous industries, but was trained as a hardware engineer and really loved doing that job. I'd always enjoyed writing, but had trouble fleshing out satisfying endings to the stories I wrote. Then I read a novel I'd waited years to read (I won't name it!), by a writer I still have mad respect for (I won't name them!), and I was...massively disappointed. I saw the plot twist coming from a mile out, and given the quality of the author's prior work, I immediately realized that if one of the best in the game can have a misfire late in their career, why can't I compose a winner right out of the gate? So I began writing my first novel, 'The Gap'.

Q. What genre(s) do you primarily write in, and what draws you to that particular genre?

Ans. Horror is my happy place. I grew up watching horror movies, reading horror novels, teaching myself how to do special make-up effects, the works. I REALLY wanted to be the next Tom Savini when I grew up, but Greg Nicotero beat me to it!

Q. What is your favorite book, and what about it resonates with you the most?

Ans. "The Halloween Tree", by Ray Bradbury. Or "Danny, Champion of the World" by Roald Dahl. Both made their mark on me early in life. I think they were the first children's books I ever read that acknowledged that the world of a child isn't necessarily safe; kids are particularly vulnerable. Bad things can, and do, happen to them. And those stories didn't lie about it.

Q. Who is your favorite author, and how have they influenced your writing?

Ans. Clive Cussler still takes the top spot for me. He was a huge influence. Met him once during a talk at a college, I was 1 year old or so, was really into his novels at the time and jumped at the chance to meet him, get my paperback autographed. The guy was hilarious! He regaled the audience with tales of his days in advertising, inventing the Ajax White Knight, and how he'd decided to become a writer to make more money. He was very gracious and signed every book I brought along. Just a class act all the way, and his success inspired me to at least give it a try. Life is short, I'm older than Clive was when he began, so what do I have to lose?

Q. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life, such as work, family, or hobbies?

Ans. It's difficult. I tend to favor family engagement over writing, so I'm doing things right, but my work suffers for it. And having to handle all my own promotion at this stage of the game takes up a lot of my time that would better be spent writing, as well.

Q. How do you show appreciation and love to your followers and readers? Do you actively engage with them on social media or through other means?

Ans. I would love to engage with my readers, but as of this writing haven't had the chance to do so. I do thank my followers on my Facebook page, I'm happy to autograph print editions and even offer them for sale.

Q. What do you enjoy most about being an author, and what keeps you motivated to continue writing?

Ans. The fearlessness of creation is appealing, and being appreciated for it is fulfilling. But I suppose I will write no matter what. It sure isn't the money making the words flow. If someone enjoyed my writing, then I take it as a tremendous compliment, and with great relief. Writing is rife with self-doubt. If you were entertained, then I did something right!

Q. Have you ever faced writer's block, and if so, how do you overcome it?

Ans. So far I haven't faced writer's block, and I am grateful.

Q. Can you share any interesting or funny anecdotes from your writing journey?

Ans. If you want to make a million dollars as a self-published author, start with two million dollars!

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

Ans. Write as much as you can, every day. Take notes. Write down character names and scenarios. Don't let rejection get you down; grow from it. And remember that, no matter how good you become, someone is always going to hate your work. ALWAYS! Even books in the 'Game of Thrones' series have one-star reviews! Let failures be your fuel for future success, and get to work.

Q. Do you have any upcoming projects or works in progress that you'd like to share with your readers?

Ans. Yes, I've begun my second novel. I have also been prepping some short stories for publication in anthologies/magazines...if they'll accept them!

Q. Finally, what are your goals and aspirations as a writer? Where do you see yourself and your writing career in the future?

Ans. I want to inspire someone else to write, as I was inspired. I don't care about fame, but I do want the reader to enjoy themselves. I wouldn't mind making big money, but if it were the only criterion, I would've given up already. I think I have some stories to tell, so I'm going to tell them. I want to branch out and write in a few different genres, under pseudonyms, while continuing to publish horror. Westerns are of particular interest to me, as I grew up in the West and spent much of my formative years bouncing around in towns that have real-world ties to the Old West.