Interview with J.M. Stoneback
Published 2016-01-08.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
My husband motivated me to become a author. My college professors told me, I had great writing skills. I decide to go after my passion.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
It allowed me to get my name out there to readers and it help with marketing, they offer a lot of free resources
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
It helps with my anxiety. It open doors to escape reality.
What do your fans mean to you?
A lot, I love it when my fans tell me that they can relate to my characters. I love it when my stories touches their soul.
What are you working on next?
I am working on a paranormal romance between a ghoul and human it take place in Alaska. I want to write something for the young adults.
Who are your favorite authors?
I have a ton of favorite author but to narrow it down to four I would say Stephen King, Mary Kubica, and Nicholas Sparks, and Suzanne Collins.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My husband and my children.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Reading and spending time with family, I watch anime and play video games.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I go to Barnes and Noble store in my hometown and take my nook with me and every book, I want, I downloaded it while I am in the store.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I wrote my first story in high school, it was a fan fiction on Sailor Moon.
What is your writing process?
First, I read a book. Reading is very important when it comes to writing.
Second, I start with a conflict.
Third I outline the story and plot the story.
Fourth I write 1,000 words a day.
Once I get to my goals for words, I take six weeks off and start on another story.
I edit the story at least five time. To make it easier on edit and revision, I pinpoint on what to work on for example: Monday I will work on get rid of filter words. Tuesday I work on the five senses.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I read that had an impact on me was Harry Potter . I could relate to Harry Potter background.
How do you approach cover design?
I ask myself would I buy this book if it has this book cover.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
My five favorite books are the Hunger Games becuase it had a love story and action. The Good Girl it had a plot twist at the end. The Choice because it touch my soul. At First Sight because it touches my soul. The Good Marriage becuase I didn't expect the ending.
What do you read for pleasure?
Romance, psychological thrillers, and horror.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My nook from Barnes and Noble
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Letting the customer buy the book for free. It about getting g your name out there.
Describe your desk
My desk is glass with pictures over it. I seldom use my desk, I mainly write on my laptop.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a little town called Columbus, it is in Georgia. The Riverwalk in my town encourage me to write, I often fantasize about living on a beach or a river bank.
When did you first start writing?
When I was fifteen years old.
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