Exclusive Interview with
Barb Jones
When did you start writing?
I've always written stories, poems, etc since I was a child. I loved telling stories and it became a passion of mine.
What makes writing your passion?
To be able to tell stories from my imagination or from my dreams. I love to create characters and worlds that would captivate an audience.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing since at least nine years of age. As a storyteller, much younger but in the fourth grade is when a teacher encouraged me to put my stories on paper for others to enjoy.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I felt excited because I created a world in which characters would come to life. I couldn't wait to share it.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I don't have a story behind my characters. I create characters that reflect all aspects of life.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I think when people only care about the money involved. I write for the joy and passion because it makes me happy.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Usually, that would entail lifting weights and spending more time in the gym to clear my mind.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I periodically will read them but it's mostly to see how my readers felt about the characters and if they make suggestions, I pay close attention.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I'm glad I made someone's day with my book.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Sometimes, or through things I have witnessed from "people watching".
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes. the book cover opens the door to engage the reader.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love my readers. I will interact with them, have coffee, etc . I even have contests to interact with them - such as creating a character, etc.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I am very humbled by the experience.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
"You can't bring me down!"
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you for all your support and I hope to be able to return the favor any day.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Florida, enjoying the sunshine. I am not married but have two wonderful kids.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am a personal fitness trainer, master life coach, IT Executive.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
When I am not writing, I'm traveling, in the gym, usually outside, anything as long as I am active.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, I was born and raise in Hawaii.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
No.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Only the works in progress that are part of the Blood Prophecy series, a new historical fiction, and a new Demon Hunter series.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
We lack teaching them the basics to prepare them for life.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Have a four day work week going forward.
What is your favorite music?
Rock
Share a secret with us 🙂
I love blind dates!