Interview with Jason J. Nugent
Published 2016-01-01.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
As a freshman in college, I wrote a story about "what I did over the summer" but it was from my friend's point of view who broke up with his long-time girlfriend not long after we graduated high school. It was a dark piece because he was dealing with the emotional trauma of the break-up and the transition to college. My instructor loved it, my friend loved, and I knew I had the ability to keep writing.
What is your writing process?
I typically create a brief outline for guidance as I write. I'm normally a "pantser" and have learned to give myself guide rails and still feel like I'm writing freely without obstruction. I also research basic aspects of the story ahead of time. Great research lends to spectacular writing.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I remember the first novel I ever read and it was "Pet Cemetery" by Stephen King. I was hooked.
How do you approach cover design?
I hate generic looking covers with bland fonts and unnecessary photos. Give me something that looks like what the contents make you feel like. That's a great cover!
What are your five favorite books, and why?
I enjoy most everything by Stephen King. His style and creepiness have always attracted me. I devoured the entire "Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan. I love a great tale of good versus evil. I also can't get enough of the "Saxon Tales" from Bernard Cornwell. I studied Medieval History in college and I can relate to the setting. His writing is so descriptive and spot on.
What do you read for pleasure?
I enjoy John Scalzi, Brandon Sanderson, and indie authors like Luke Smitherd and Jennifer Foehner Wells.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I use an IPad Mini. I can get all the major ebook retailers on one device (and play games when I need a break!)
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I use Twitter and Google+ a lot. I've been able to reach a greater audience by staying active and engaged with my followers.
Describe your desk
It's a black glass-topped small desk with pressed wood trim. It's the perfect size for writing, though the glass can get cold!
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. The friends, city, and experiences I had growing up in the city have informed much of what I write. I bring much of that time in my life to my stories and use the city as the setting when it fits.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love being so involved in the process that my characters and places become real to me. I can hear their distinct voices and experience the places as if I'm right there. The story flows from there.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
