The Author Interviews, Round 1: #6: Jason. J. Nugent
The Author Interviews continues this weekend withJason. J. Nugent, author of Moments of Darkness.
You are living in the world from your latest novel. Where are you? What is it like?In the novel I’m planning on releasing in March 2017, I’m on a human colonized planet orbiting a red sun. It’s dangerous and many natural phenomenon are deadly to humans.You are your most recent protagonist. Who are you? What is the first thing you do?In the novel my name is Eron. I’m a seventeen-year old boy facing the harrowing trials known as The Selection.Who is your favourite author? Why?Stephen King. His ability to capture every day life and twist it to scare you and make you reconsider it is amazing. His use of language, accessible and engaging, is what draws me to him.Where do you get your ideas?It depends. I’ve been inspired by random photos I found online. Many of my flash fiction stories started that way. Other times an interesting concept or character emerge needing to be written about.Why do you write?I enjoy the creation process. I enjoy making something from only my thoughts. The best part is sharing that with others.How do you deal with bad reviews, rejection and criticism?I try to learn the lesson inherent in those remarks. For whatever reason the story I wrote didn’t resonate with the reader and I use it as an opportunity to hone my craft and strive to write better.What do you find difficult about writing?The revision process. It’s necessary and helps make a good story great, but I hate spending a ton of time reading it over and over and over again. I’ve learned to appreciate it more but it’s still my least favorite part of writing.What do you love the most about writing?I love to share my odd stories with new readers. I love creating my worlds and characters.Do you ever outsource (editing and cover design) your work?For my two dark fiction short story collections, I did all the revisions and editing. I created the cover for (Almost) Average Anthology but I outsourced the cover of Moments of Darkness to an artist friend. I’ve also hired him to do the cover of my upcoming novel The Selection and I’ve hired an editor.What is your opinion on the indie vs traditional publishing argument?I certainly see benefits and pitfalls of both. So far I’ve gone the indie route. If I can produce the same quality as a traditionally published book, why not? It reminds me of the early internet. Scholars chided the new technology as a source of information because anyone can upload content, which is true, but over time and with careful scrutiny, it has turned into a valid research tool. Indie publishing is similar. There are still books sold without any thought to editing and polish, but to succeed you need to invest in your product and make it the best it can be.Talk us through your creative process from start to finish.I find if I think about the story a lot before I ever write a word, I can create a stronger piece. I like to let it stew a bit beforehand and then get it out on the screen (or notebook). I try not to edit as I go. I’ve found that it slows me down and my thoughts will get lost in the process.What advice would you give to aspiring writers?Never stop learning and perfecting your craft. Look for ways to improve. Every writer needs to continue growing.Give us your top three book marketing/ promotion tips.Be genuine. Be consistent. Don’t be a jerk. Your readers and potential readers will pick up on that.Would you agree a good book must withstand more than one read?I think a good book will capture you and make you want to read it again.What do you look for when shopping on Amazon for a Kindle book? Are any of them more important to you than others?I look for a professional cover and a great blurb.Do you have a favourite genre?Horror, fantasy, and scifi.What would it take for you to leave a book review?I’ve been trying to leave one for every book I read. I’m getting better! They’re critical for authors and I feel like I can’t expect reviews if I don’t leave any myself.After downloading book one of a series for free or discounted on Amazon, do you ever go back and pay more for book two? If not, why?Yeah certainly. If I’m into the series I’ll gladly give the author my money!Do you ever visit an author's website? If so, what do you look at?I do. I like to see more of their personality.If an author offered you a free book, would you sign up to their mailing list?Sure thing. I have and I will.Do you ever enter giveaways and/ or order signed copies?Yep. I like to try and help other authors share their message. And who knows, I might get a book!Are you more likely to buy a book if there are various formats available?It’s nice knowing there are other formats but it’s not a deal breaker.What are the biggest giveaways that a book is self-published?I don’t care if it’s self-published or traditionally published. If the content is good, well edited, and well presented, then I’m in. Self published authors have an unfortunate label branded on them which seems to indicate inferior quality. Some fit that description but more often than not, it’s not the case. Just because your book is “published” by “XYZ Publishers” doesn’t mean a thing.Thank you to Jason for this interesting interview. If you would like to support the author, please consider purchasing a copy of the book here:
You are living in the world from your latest novel. Where are you? What is it like?In the novel I’m planning on releasing in March 2017, I’m on a human colonized planet orbiting a red sun. It’s dangerous and many natural phenomenon are deadly to humans.You are your most recent protagonist. Who are you? What is the first thing you do?In the novel my name is Eron. I’m a seventeen-year old boy facing the harrowing trials known as The Selection.Who is your favourite author? Why?Stephen King. His ability to capture every day life and twist it to scare you and make you reconsider it is amazing. His use of language, accessible and engaging, is what draws me to him.Where do you get your ideas?It depends. I’ve been inspired by random photos I found online. Many of my flash fiction stories started that way. Other times an interesting concept or character emerge needing to be written about.Why do you write?I enjoy the creation process. I enjoy making something from only my thoughts. The best part is sharing that with others.How do you deal with bad reviews, rejection and criticism?I try to learn the lesson inherent in those remarks. For whatever reason the story I wrote didn’t resonate with the reader and I use it as an opportunity to hone my craft and strive to write better.What do you find difficult about writing?The revision process. It’s necessary and helps make a good story great, but I hate spending a ton of time reading it over and over and over again. I’ve learned to appreciate it more but it’s still my least favorite part of writing.What do you love the most about writing?I love to share my odd stories with new readers. I love creating my worlds and characters.Do you ever outsource (editing and cover design) your work?For my two dark fiction short story collections, I did all the revisions and editing. I created the cover for (Almost) Average Anthology but I outsourced the cover of Moments of Darkness to an artist friend. I’ve also hired him to do the cover of my upcoming novel The Selection and I’ve hired an editor.What is your opinion on the indie vs traditional publishing argument?I certainly see benefits and pitfalls of both. So far I’ve gone the indie route. If I can produce the same quality as a traditionally published book, why not? It reminds me of the early internet. Scholars chided the new technology as a source of information because anyone can upload content, which is true, but over time and with careful scrutiny, it has turned into a valid research tool. Indie publishing is similar. There are still books sold without any thought to editing and polish, but to succeed you need to invest in your product and make it the best it can be.Talk us through your creative process from start to finish.I find if I think about the story a lot before I ever write a word, I can create a stronger piece. I like to let it stew a bit beforehand and then get it out on the screen (or notebook). I try not to edit as I go. I’ve found that it slows me down and my thoughts will get lost in the process.What advice would you give to aspiring writers?Never stop learning and perfecting your craft. Look for ways to improve. Every writer needs to continue growing.Give us your top three book marketing/ promotion tips.Be genuine. Be consistent. Don’t be a jerk. Your readers and potential readers will pick up on that.Would you agree a good book must withstand more than one read?I think a good book will capture you and make you want to read it again.What do you look for when shopping on Amazon for a Kindle book? Are any of them more important to you than others?I look for a professional cover and a great blurb.Do you have a favourite genre?Horror, fantasy, and scifi.What would it take for you to leave a book review?I’ve been trying to leave one for every book I read. I’m getting better! They’re critical for authors and I feel like I can’t expect reviews if I don’t leave any myself.After downloading book one of a series for free or discounted on Amazon, do you ever go back and pay more for book two? If not, why?Yeah certainly. If I’m into the series I’ll gladly give the author my money!Do you ever visit an author's website? If so, what do you look at?I do. I like to see more of their personality.If an author offered you a free book, would you sign up to their mailing list?Sure thing. I have and I will.Do you ever enter giveaways and/ or order signed copies?Yep. I like to try and help other authors share their message. And who knows, I might get a book!Are you more likely to buy a book if there are various formats available?It’s nice knowing there are other formats but it’s not a deal breaker.What are the biggest giveaways that a book is self-published?I don’t care if it’s self-published or traditionally published. If the content is good, well edited, and well presented, then I’m in. Self published authors have an unfortunate label branded on them which seems to indicate inferior quality. Some fit that description but more often than not, it’s not the case. Just because your book is “published” by “XYZ Publishers” doesn’t mean a thing.Thank you to Jason for this interesting interview. If you would like to support the author, please consider purchasing a copy of the book here:
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