Indie Author Interview with Ward Jones - Author of the Literary Fiction The Way Up.
Ward Jones was previously a lawyer in private and corporate practice. Since 1995, he has written six novels. A seventh, a sequel to The Way Up, is in progress.
Interview with Ward Jones
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| Author Ward Jones |
Ward Jones: For years my writing background consisted of drafting legal documents, motions, petitions, orders for a court to enter. From these dry and often repetitious documents I went to prose, or something close to it, 16 years ago with a first novel, followed by five others. During those years I learned as much from reading as writing.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
My favorite writers are Alice Munro, Richard Ford, and William Trevor. I am always influenced by good writing, most recently by Alice McDermott whose latest novel "Someone" shows how recollections of childhood, sexual awakenings, motherhood, and old age can be woven into a memorable story.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
I used to write editorials, a way of making my voice heard in a small way. A few were published in the Wall Street Journal. Years later, when I was writing, one was published in NYTimes Book Review. It wasn't until I took an aptitude test that a deeper commitment began to evolve. I scored high in "ideaphoria." An ability to imagine, which encouraged me to pursue writing as a career.
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
I write for two or so hours each morning, another hour in the afternoon.
"[...] easiest about writing is the dialogue once the characters have been brought to life."
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
What I find easiest about writing is the dialogue once the characters have been brought to life, at a time, place, and I'm merely watching them, hearing them.
What's hardest is getting them to that stage, the scaffolding of time, place, setting, social status, personal relationships, desires, aspirations, and all the rest that over time builds reality.
Ward, please tell us a little about your Book 'The Way Up.’
The Way Up is the story of a working class boy, the son of a cruel father who after the death of his younger son becomes even crueler. John Howard, in his late twenties, lives at home after losing his job. The story is about his struggle to find a better, longer lasting job, which would give him the independence he yearns for. A deeper, more personal hunger, is for a passionate relationship with a young woman, one that will last. The narrative follows both quests with an intimacy, and reality, I have sought to create.
.jpg "The Way Up (Ward Jones)") |
| Click to Read an Excerpt |
What inspired you to write the book?
I was inspired by our times, when finding a good job is such a challenge, especially for young people. Like the John Howard of my story they want a good job, and as passionately, a person they can love. What millions like him search for, day after day, year after year.
What do you see as your target audience and where can we buy the book?
My target audience is both young an old. Young, for the reasons mentioned above, old because the story is set in the eighties and nineties when social, political, and economic references will be familiar to them. The book is available, both in print and ebook, on Amazon.
"It's a much better novel now thanks to Dave King, my editor."
How would you describe the success of your book so far?
It's so early I can't call it a success or a failure. Only 2 reader reviews, one based on an earlier version, the second by a lady who obviously has no interest in my subject matter. Before 7 months of editing, and revising, there were two 3 star reviews by Kirkus and Forward Clarion. It's a much better novel now thanks to Dave King, my editor. With that in mind, I've submitted a request to Kirkus for another review.
How long did it take to write the book?
Three years.
Please, tell us where you self-published the book.
Amazon CreateSpace
How smooth went the self-publishing process? Any issues?
There were some issues with formatting, which were corrected.
"For any author communication is of utmost importance."
What are things to look for when self-publishing a book?
For any author communication is of utmost importance. There was always someone I could talk with at Createspace, though not directly with those doing the publishing, which when there were technical issues, such a dropped spacing, slowed the process.
Did you hire a Cover Designer for your book cover?'
No, my son is a talented photographer. He did the cover.
"Patience, persistence, and read as much as you write."
Can you give some tips for other Indie Authors regarding the writing and self-publishing process?
Patience, persistence, and read as much as you write.
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
Yes, a sequel to The Way Up, which follows John Howard through a later stage of life.
Are you planning to move forward as an Indie author or are you looking forward to have one of your next books to be traditionally published?
I haven't thought of that yet, but will when the time comes.
How can readers connect with you?
www.wardrjones.com
www.facebook.com/wardrjones
www.twitter.com/wardrjones
Thank you very much for the Interview, Ward.
About the Book The Way Up
.jpg "The Way Up (Ward Jones)")
This Book is written for readers who want to be enlightened, entertained, but also moved.
The life of a young man, John Howard, at times heroic, at times comic, who tries, in the small ways he can, to make his life better. This son of a cruel father, submissive mother, is brought to life for the pages of The Way Up.
Link to the Book
Link to the Paperback The Way Up with Excerpt on Amazon
Link to the eBook The Way Up with Excerpt on Amazon
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