1. What is your name and where do you call home?
My name is J. H. Walker. I live in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies about 35 minutes from Boulder. I have spectacular views of a meadow and red rock cliffs on one side and a valley that stretches for miles on the other. Deer trail through my meadow almost every day. Sometimes herds of elk bed down in the meadow. We have a bear that eats our apples every year…actually that’s a little scary. But we love living surrounded by nature.
2. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?
Rewrite Redemption is a YA romance with paranormal and sci-fi elements. It has a complex plot and in-depth characters.
3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I do and it is. Right now, I’m working on the sequel. As to whether there will be two or three books, I’m not sure yet. I have to wait and see where the story takes me.
4. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
I’ve always loved books and been a voracious reader. But I’m an artist and for many years, I’ve found incredible creative fulfillment in my art studio. It’s only in the last decade that it even occurred to me that I could pursue both paths. I’ve only been writing for a few years. I think that the emergence of such a rich and wonderful YA market nudged me towards writing my first book. There’s just something about whole YA experience - the euphoria of a first love, the sorrow of a first heartbreak - things are just so much more intense when you’re young. And besides, I love paranormal and fantasy worlds and YA literature is very accepting of the unusual.
5. Do you gift books to readers for book reviews?
I do. Contact me and I’ll arrange it.
6. How did you come up with the title for your book?
It just hit me in the middle of the night.
7. Do you have a book trailer? And what are your thoughts on book trailers?
I do. You can see it at my website www.jhwalkerbooks.com I love trailers.
8. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers, or audiobooks?
I’ve never been an audiobook fan. I’d rather read. I didn’t think that I would like eBooks. I have an extensive library - with a ladder and everything. In fact, our home was designed around my library. I assumed that I would always be a purist and want the feel of a book in my hands. But then I got a Kindle and low and behold, I absolutely love it. Anywhere you go, you have a whole library with you. It’s easy to hold and use. You can get a book almost instantly. It’s simply amazing.
9. Are you a self-published / Indie author?
I am. I’m a progressive and I’ve always been unconventional. I believe that self-publishing is the future. I’m doing it deliberately. I think that if your work is good enough, you can find an audience. Then there are no deadlines and you don’t have to spend years waiting around for the small chance that someone will actually read your manuscript. You completely own your brand. You call all the shots. It’s the path that works for me.
10. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?
Too many times to count.
11. What is your favorite film based on a book?
“To Kill a Mockingbird” It’s an old one, I know. But I believe it to be one of the most important books ever written. It sparked a social conscience in me at a young age. And in this case, the movie was as good as the book.
12. What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
At the moment, I’m really enjoying YA books that have paranormal and/or sci-fi/ fantasy elements. I’ve always loved dystopia. I’m not really into hard core paranormal—I’m not that fond of horrific violence. But I love the unusual and strange.
13. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I’ve just started Fever by Lauren DeStefano. I’m reading it on my Kindle.
14. Do you have any advice for other writers? And what’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
I don’t think that I’m anyone to be giving advice. But here’s one thing I’ve learned. When you think you’re done, you’re not done. You can vastly improve your writing by going over it and over it.
15. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?
Yes, I’m an artist and a political junkie. I’m also a nature lover and do a lot of gardening.
16. Where can your readers follow you?
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jhwalkerbooks
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6907642.J_H_Walker
Twitter: @jhwalkerbooks
Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world!
Rachel, thanks so much for hosting me on your site. It was a pleasure.
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