Author Interview – J.L. Lawson

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

Travel, Fly-fish, Sail. Mostly camping allows us to do all that at the same time… almost.

Do you have an organized process or tips for writing well? Do you have a writing schedule?

I thought I’d tackle these two at the same time; they are similar. Every day, from around seven-thirtyuntil around four. I sit down at my laptop, cover the previous evening’s email, find where I left off the day before and relax. The characters then take over for the next eight hours or so and I chuckle, shed a tear, hold my breath and sigh at everything they attempt to do—and sometimes accomplish. Then I get up go down to the smoking porch, open a beer have a smoke, and start “pre-writing” for the next day. Have dinner, check the weather forecast, go to sleep, get and do it all over again.

The only interruptions to my routine over weeks and months at a time are, holidays, grandchildren’s birthdays, urgent household matters and annual vacation travel. (Wonder when that last is going to resume?)

Sometimes it’s so hard to keep at it – What keeps you going?

I don’t understand the question. Are you suggesting that writing for a living isn’t the best gig in town? I feel like the luckiest man in the world when I sit at my laptop and tell stories. Seriously? What’s not to love?

How often do you write? And when do you write? Do you have an organized process or tips for writing well? Do you have a writing schedule?

I thought I’d tackle these two at the same time; they are similar. Every day, from around seven-thirty until around four. I sit down at my laptop, cover the previous evening’s email, find where I left off the day before and relax. The characters then take over for the next eight hours or so and I chuckle, shed a tear, hold my breath and sigh at everything they attempt to do—and sometimes accomplish. Then I get up go down to the smoking porch, open a beer have a smoke, and start “pre-writing” for the next day. Have dinner, check the weather forecast, go to sleep, get and do it all over again.

The only interruptions to my routine over weeks and months at a time are, holidays, grandchildren’s birthdays, urgent household matters and annual vacation travel. (Wonder when that last is going to resume?)

Sometimes it’s so hard to keep at it – What keeps you going?

I don’t understand the question. Are you suggesting that writing for a living isn’t the best gig in town? I feel like the luckiest man in the world when I sit at my laptop and tell stories. Seriously? What’s not to love?

What movie do you love to watch?

Back when I moved around a lot more, the first movies in the VCR after getting everything out of boxes and settling in would be: The Quiet Man, Highlander, and Princess Bride. Not much has changed.

Are you a city slicker or a country lover?

Does it have to be so black and white? I live in the country and love it. Wouldn’t have it any other way. At the same time, I love spending loads of time in New York City, San Francisco, Austin or in Santa Fe—although that latter may actually not qualify per se.

What’s the reason for your life? Have you figured out your reason for being here yet?

Oaks make acorns. Of all the species of organic life on earth, Humans grow souls—or that is their purpose anyway. Obviously not all people do.

How do you feel about self-publishing?

Depends on when you ask. Right now: Very Good about it. A few years ago: terrified.

Do you know your neighbors?

Absolutely! We depend on them and they depend on us. Living out in the country isn’t like keeping an urban apartment. We have dogs to deter coyotes, raccoons, deer and bobtails from making a permanent home here. We all contribute to making sure that the vagaries of nature don’t have the last word on our safety and comfort.

Do you find the time to read?

Most definitely. Between blogger sites I enjoy, articles in Cracked, and my latest new-found jewel: Debora Geary’s “Witches…” I am on cloud nine. Of course I can’t both read other folks stuff AND write at the same time. Not because of a shadow of possible influence—perish the thought. It’s simply a matter of time. Example: I picked up the first book of D. Geary’s series and promptly spent the next six days reading everything she’s published to date—no time for my writing routine. In like manner, when I’m writing it’s an all day everyday investment of time and energies—no time for my reading routine. Sigh.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Metaphysical/Fantasy/Action Adventure

Rating – G

More details about the author & the book

Connect with J.L. Lawson on Facebook

Website http://voyagerpress.org/

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Science Fiction/Metaphysical/Adventure

Rating – G

More details about the author & the book

Connect with J.L. Lawson on Facebook

Website http://voyagerpress.org/

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Science Fiction/Metaphysical/Adventure

Rating – G

More details about the author & the book

Connect with J.L. Lawson on Facebook

Website http://voyagerpress.org/