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Interview with Jean-Jacques de Chazal

Published 2014-12-20.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy of writing for me lives in its purpose, that is to communicate, to share with others pertinent actualities of our world and humanity.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When I am not writing my time is spent making a living.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
"Cry the Beloved Country" by Alan Paton had an impact in my teens and Kahil Gibran's "The Prophet" turned my writing life around when I was a young man.
What do you write and why?
"You see, my writings are not one dimensional, they tend to be universal, global and at the same time intensely personal".

I think this accurate.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I do not write stories.
What is your writing process?
Intuitive.
How do you approach cover design?
With great care and honesty, because the cover is seen first by the potential reader. I find filling my books with pertinent writings easier than designing a cover.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The Gospels because it tells the story of the God of Love. Kahlil Gibran who inspired me since a very tender age. Alan Paton because of his great heart and understanding of the South African realities. ... I cannot think of any others right now.
What do you read for pleasure?
Not a lot. There is no pleasure in reading. There is dread and joy.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I am not technical when it comes to that, I do not know. I would say whatever works.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Word of mouth.
Describe your desk
Relatively accessible.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on an island where most of the cultures of the world managed somehow ( not without hiccups) to get along.And the world at large did not. A question of love alongside the (sometimes evil) bullshit saturating our lives, somehow surfaced and ignited the essence of my writings.
When did you first start writing?
I was sixteen.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Essentially our humanity with its dilemmas Also and always, the God factor..
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Love.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Has not yet in terms of business, but then again it has, in terms of reaching out, that is more important than monetary gain.
Smashwords is amazing that way.
What do your fans mean to you?
Friendships.
What are you working on next?
Wait for it.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Love.
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Books by This Author

When Love is Not Love by
Price: $3.50 USD. Words: 6,610. Language: English. Published: December 15, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Relationships & Family » Marriage
We live, we love and then we die. This is about the love part, and what we perhaps need a deeper understanding of what the word love means.
Dare to Take Root by
Price: $3.50 USD. Words: 3,720. Language: English. Published: December 5, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Christianity, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Christian Life / Personal Growth
A Journey into, and through, the human condition attached to very short readings.
Reflections and Contemplations by
Price: $3.50 USD. Words: 4,500. Language: English. Published: December 2, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Inspirational, Nonfiction » Philosophy » Good & evil
In depth, expressive observations with a minimum combination of words, loaded with thought provoking meaning.
Food for Thought by
Price: $3.50 USD. Words: 4,150. Language: English. Published: November 16, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Inspirational
easy to read yet loaded with meaning and very thought provoking
Out of the Blue by
Price: $3.50 USD. Words: 3,240. Language: English. Published: November 15, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Inspiration » Personal inspiration
challenging thoughts requiring presence of mind and open heart.