Insights: The Interview - L.R.Johnson
https://www.facebook.com/ErskineQuint.Thebook.Thefilm.Thetrilogy
How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.
I always had the urge to write and it started with satire, then developed into full-blown manuscripts. To get published required and agent, which I have in New Zealand. My German publisher loved my English books and decided to publish them in German.
When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?
It is always best to complete one project in my opinion.
Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?
Erskine Quint was my favourite character, a classic English aristocrat and totally fascinating, adventurous, remarkably intelligent, a true mega-entertaining character.
Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?
I use my creative juices to write unless I have been given a commission.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Sapiens, a must read, and much more important than the Bible or Koran.
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing [genre].
releasing my creativity.
What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?
Rejection from publishers
Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?
My favourite character, Erskine Quint, is somebody I could never be, mega-rich, a super athlete, more intelligent than any normal person could be, and a handsome dude who women melt for. That is not me.
Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
My book deals with discrimination and prejudice of minortities
Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?
They will always be entertained.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, either my writing manifests itself from my creative juices, or research if I am writing on commission.
As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?
Having my books accepted by traditional publishers is a feat, and a compliment, but it means nothing to anybody apart oneself, and family members.
Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?
The publishing world is one of the most difficult world's businesses to break into. Forget becoming a best-seller, forget selling millions of books, forget becoming famous until you have had at least a 100 rejections, more publishers who expect you to do all the marketing and selling, and even when you have their contract (if you are lucky), you will have to wait for maybe years, and then if you reach that point in your hopeful career, that is just the beginning, and all I can advise is, KEEP ON GOING, never give up if your work has been accepted by a respectable publisher. Self-publishing is a dead end.
To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?
none, I have no problems writing and the complete Erskine Quint Trilogy is my favourite. Action packed, and very amusing (But readers will require open-minds and a grand sense of humour) Here an outstanding review: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/catherine-graham/the-new-douglas-adams-has_b_2155774.html
Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?
no
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Mountain Biking and walking our dog.
Was there anything you had to research for the book?
I have written many books and all required some form of research.
Did you have any say in the cover design?
yes
What are you reading right now?
A book pertaining to the aree I reside in, The Eifel, Germany, a beautiful, hilly, peaceful area with a fascinating history.
What can we anticipate from you moving forward?
I have one book published in German, just released, my autobiography will be published this year, and I am currently writing a fictional novel about a serial-killer with a difference.
Do you have any movie or tv adaptations in the works?
Yes, I had a Hollywood movie contract which got lost in the sands of covid, and financial restraints in Hollywood.
Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
No, it came later after my wife and I created our own business which gave me freedom of thought.
How long did it take you to write this book?
normally a year for every book I have written.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
no
Are any of the characters in your book based on people in your real life? If so, can you tell us more about that process and how it influenced your writing?
Depends on if my books are fiction or nonfiction. I recently wrote my autobiography which obviously has family members and friends within the manuscript. My fiction books are pure creativity.
Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?
No