J.W. Davis
Q: J.W....what made you become
a writer?
A: While I have always
enjoyed writing poetry, I never saw myself as a writer until recently. When I
was unable to continue teaching due to health problems, I
suddenly found myself in a position where there was no excuse not to write. I
spent a couple months working out my world lore using my history background on
ancient cultures then sat down and started writing. It is the best career
choice I ever made.
Q: What is your typical
writing day like?
A: I have some sleeping
difficulties, so I don't have a set schedule. I do however make myself write
something, or at least edit a chapter, every single day.
Currently I am doing a lot of gardening and summer projects, which has cut into
my writing, so I have only been writing 500-1500 words a day. I think the most I
have written at one sitting was a bit over 8000.
Q: Do you outline? If
so, how extensive are your outlines?
A: I don't outline in a
traditional sense. What I do is write notes for each of my characters. I have a
notebook for each. I write down their motivations, fears, and the direction
they are heading in the story. I like to let my characters drive the story. I
discovered early on that if I created too much detail in my plot it restricted
my ability to grow the character organically. So now I develop my characters
and let the story unfold as I write with a basic skeletal plot. It works for
me.
Q: How many revisions
will you typically do on a novel?
A: I revise a lot. I
write what I call a rough-in chapter. I am a horrible typist so I scan it for
typos then print it. I read the chapter and cross out large segments while I
re-write in the sidelines. Then I type the edits and do more edits as I go.
Then I let it sit for days or even weeks and come back with fresh eyes to see
if more edits are needed. When the novel is finished, I read the entire book
aloud and make more edits. I also use beta readers and will edit per their
advice. Then I send it off to an editor.
Q: What is your best tip
for editing a manuscript?
A: If you are struggling, walk away and come back with fresh eyes later.
Q: Which writing habits
and/or tricks of the trade have made you a better writer?
A: Being dedicated to
the process. What I mean by this is I will deny any other aspect of my life in
order to get my daily writing completed. The key for me is immersion. I need to
be immersed into my world and my characters. If I stray too long from my story,
it becomes a slow and arduous process to get back to a place where the story
flows naturally.
Q: Do you ever suffer
through writer’s block? If so, how do you fight it?
A: I can always write. What
happens to me is I find places where the story doesn't feel right. It feels
forced. Sometimes I take a break and do chapter edits so I can return later
with a fresh perspective. Other times I put on music and pace, letting my
mind wonder aimlessly about the characters and the story. If the segment is
hostile or contentious, I play something hard like Rock. If it is more of a
playful setting, I play something fun like Pop. I have numerous playlists that correspond to the emotional situation in my storyline. This always seems to
work for me.
Q: What drew you to
write your preferred genre(s)?
A: I have always loved
fantasy. Reading Tolkien and then Terry Brooks when I was young forever burned
a fondness in me for epic fantasy. There is just something wonderful about
being drawn into an exotic setting where the fantastical becomes real.
Q: Do you utilize beta
readers?
A: Yes. I loved the
input from my beta readers so much during my first book I decided to add three
more to read my second. Even the suggestions I don't use are enormously
insightful. Being able to get into the mind of your audience is invaluable. I
can't think of a single reason not to use them. Of course, I am very thick
skinned and value criticism. That is not easy for everyone.
Q: In your most recently
published novel, what’s one scene you really enjoyed writing—and why?
A: That is a tough
question. I love writing action scenes of course but I also love when I can
write something that will touch my reader in a personal and heartfelt manner.
If I had to pick a single scene, it would be the chapter where Jasa, a child
pickpocket, is introduced. When I was writing the scene, it felt flat and
uneventful. There was some emotional dialogue early in the chapter but the end
felt like a contrived walking off into the sunset moment. It drove me nuts. I
eventually decided to add this sharp streetwise child, and he completed the
chapter in a surprising and wonderful way. He immediately became a core
character for me, and was a favorite character for my beta readers.
Q: What makes the main
character(s) of your most recent novel so special?
A: Meeka. For me it is
her ability to maintain a level of innocence while maturing with the story. She
endures some tough moments without being the stereotypical whiny teenager. I
despise whiny characters. She is also fiercely loyal to her friends and loved
ones, even to her own demise. She is compassionate yet she will not hesitate to
kill if she believes it is needed. I dislike stories that think female
characters can only be tough once they have suffered some tragedy that
"toughens" them up. Meeka can be your best friend or someone to be
feared. I love that.
Q: What is your best
advice for author self-promotion?
A: I am horrid at
self-promotion. I don't even hang my plaques and awards in my office because it
makes me feel arrogant. Promotion has to be done though. It comes down to networking
I think and making new friends in the industry. Allow yourself some pride in
your accomplishments and set aside some time each day to put yourself in as
many social venues as possible.
Q: How do you deal with
negative reviews?
A: I haven't had a full
negative review yet, but as long as it is constructive, I would welcome one. I
always look for opportunity to grow so negative reviews are just growth
opportunities to me. The moment we think we have reached the summit, there is
no place to climb.
Q: What is your favorite
aspect of being an indie author?
A: I like being on the
cutting edge of things. I think there is an enormous shift coming to literature
and I love being in the middle of that change. It's fun feeling like a pioneer.
Q: What is your least
favorite aspect of being an indie author?
A: Promotion. It just
sucks up time I would rather be typing away on my story. Plus, because indie
publishing is in its infancy, there is a lack of venue for promotion that isn't
drowning with the surge. It reminds me of the early days of the internet when
everyone had a website but nobody could ever find you.
Q: What is your current
writing project?
A: I am working on the
second book in my trilogy, The Bow Maiden Chronicles. Guardians of the
Grove was book one. I haven't settled on the next title yet. I
expect to be at the halfway point by the end of the month with a release date
toward the end of this year [2015].
Q: What are three of
your favorite novels?
A: 1) A Stranger in a
Strange Land by Robert Heinlein. I loved the irreverence and humor. 2) Heart of
Darkness, by Joseph Conrad. I loved the journey into a dark place of the human
soul and then emerging on the other side. 3) The Elfstones of Shannara, by Terry
Brooks. This was the first fantasy book I ever read outside of Tolkien. I love
it because it ignited in me my passion for fantasy and it is just a fun read.
Q: If you could have
lunch with any novelist, living or dead, who would it be? What would you talk
to them about?
A: Samuel Clemens [Mark Twain] hands
down. I love irreverent humor and a sharp wit. I would let him beat me at
billiards while we discussed religion, politics, and the silly and horrible
things humans do to one another.
Q: What is your best piece
of advice for budding authors?
A: Be fearless in your
pursuit and don't run from criticism, engage it. Be humble enough to allow
yourself to become better.
Q: What is your favorite
inspirational quote?
A: "Good friends, good
books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life." - Mark Twain
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