An Interview with the Author

I thought it would be fun to try something new on the blog—an interview series. Instead of waiting around for someone to interview me, I decided to flip the script and ask myself 15 questions I think every author should answer.

But here’s the twist: I want this to become a community project. If you’re an author, I’d love to feature your answers too. Send them my way, and I’ll share them here so readers can see all the different ways writers approach their craft.

Here are my answers:

---

1. What’s the story behind your very first piece of writing?

Let’s go with new age Jason rather than my middle/high school works. At the tail end of Covid I had the idea for June Day. It was like a cold I couldn’t shake, just ate at me until I wrote the short story. I posted it on Reddit and one person said, “Wow, this is really good,” and from there I decided to make more short stories—which led to my first book.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I’ve always wanted to be creative in some way. Graphic art, videos, and then writing—but it wasn’t until June Day that I thought I could actually do this.

3. Do you outline your stories, or discover them as you go?

Generally I discover as I go. I do really rough outlines sometimes, but most of my novels are based off short stories I wrote, so the groundwork was already there.

4. Which authors or books have influenced your style?

• Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
• Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
• Sphere – Michael Crichton
• And anything by Jules Verne

5. What’s your writing routine like?

I write at work mostly, in my downtime. Lots of morning writing when it’s slow.

6. Do you prefer short stories, novellas, or novels?

Short stories and novellas. I find getting over the novella word count hump is hard.

7. What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Word count.

8. What’s the most rewarding part of being an author?

The money… LOL. No, I’m joking. Just having a creative outlet is rewarding in itself.

9. How do you handle writer’s block?

I take a break and come back later when I have fresh ideas. Might be hours, might be days.

10. What advice would you give to new writers?

Write, write, write some more. We all suck at it, that’s what editors are for. Practice.

11. What themes keep showing up in your work?

Isolation and technology.

12. Do you listen to music while writing?

Yes! Oh gosh, so many songs and artists. AFI, Eminem, Run The Jewels, Gorillaz, Blink-182, NOFX… just to name a few.

13. One book you think everyone should read?

Ooo either Ender’s Game or Hitchhiker’s Guide. Both are fantastic novels—Hitchhiker’s if you want humor, Ender if you want more military-style stuff going on.

14. What’s next for you?

• Curious Tales Vol. 2
• Publish The Infinite Man
• June Day 2
• A new novel I’m calling Project Nautilus

15. What do you hope readers feel after finishing your work?

I hope they feel like they aren’t alone and that things will be okay.

---

Want to Join In?

Now it’s your turn. Authors, I’d love to feature your answers to these 15 questions. Send them to me, and I’ll share them here on the blog so readers can discover your work too.

Let’s make this an ongoing series that showcases the many voices of today’s writers.

Send the following to jason@curioustalesbooks.com

Subject : Author Self Interview
Your name (or pen name)
Your website, good reads, or author bio. (Just one please)
Twitter @

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability and I’ll post it here on my blog with your links! If you have any questions feel free to reach out via email or on X/Twitter.

What’s the story behind your very first piece of writing?

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

Do you outline your stories, or do you discover them as you write?

Which authors or books have had the biggest influence on your writing style?

What’s your writing routine like—daily habits, rituals, or quirks?

Do you prefer writing short stories, novels, or something else entirely? Why?

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

What’s the most rewarding part of being an author?

How do you handle writer’s block or creative burnout?

If you could give one piece of advice to a new writer, what would it be?

What themes or questions keep showing up in your work, even unintentionally?

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what’s on your playlist?

What’s one book (outside your own) you think everyone should read, and why?

What’s next for you—any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

Finally, what do you hope readers feel or take away after reading your work?

Please note I get to these in the order they come in and depending on volume and my time depends on how long it will take me to post it. If you don’t see your interview up within 7 days feel free to resubmit or reach out to me on X