Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Open for Submissions
Exclusive Interview with
J.L.Canfield
When did you start writing?
At age six, I wrote my first play. Throughout elementary school, I wrote plays which were performed by the classes. In Junior High, I switched gears and took up journalism. In High School, I wrote monologues, stand up comedy, plays, and short stories. A few years again when I picked my pen back up, I began writing stories and books.
What makes writing your passion?
It's what excites me. I get a feeling of being alive when I produce a chapter in a new book. My energy is always higher when I am creating a work for others to get lost in.
How long have you been writing?
2011 is when I cam back to the world of writing. I began writing articles again then. When I felt my creative muscles were back and needed stretching, I began my journey into the author world.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I couldn't believe my debut novel was picked up by a small house. I felt I was dreaming. When my third work was picked up and published by a medium sized house, I cried. To haVe a larger company willing to take a chance on my work was humbling. I am truly grateful to them.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
Most of the ones I create have been birthed from people I know.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
That people, family, friends, don't think it's a real job. Writing is harder than people think.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Writers block is an excuse people use who don't know how to write. A good writer admits to stumbling blocks on how to get the story moving. A great writer just starts typing words until the the pieces come together and then the story begins.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
The same thing that keeps other artist going. When you are gifted with a talent, that talent does blossom until you have practiced countless hours. However like all artists, the desire to improve, stretch creative muscles, learn more different genres keeps me wanting to write,
My advice to new authors, give your works to others, not family or friends, but other writers to read and ask for and be willing to take the criticism and praise they give. Ignore the praise, focus on the parts they tell you need to be improved. Go to workshops, and read, read, read, the genre you want to write in, Get to know it so well, you begin to think and speak lin that genre style.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Don't listen to those who said you can not make a living as a writer.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I try not to read them, just skim them. The bad ones I pay more attention to simply to see was there something I can take away from it and perhaps work to improve upon. But reviews are only peoples opinion. Everybody has one and everybody's is different and that is okay.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Flattered then humbled. I am thankful someone has chosen to read my works and flattered they felt compelled to offer their opinion on it. Everybody time is precious and so I am grateful they used some of theirs sharing thoughts on my work.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes. All good writers. write what they know. Everyone is in my works are based on people I know and things that have happened. Like all good writers, names are changed and events become like a Fishermans story, they get larger and better as they are told.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
none of characters are based on me. That wouldn't make a good story.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
yes it is. It is the first thing that attracts readers.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
No, my fans know that can always ask questions and I will respond. Young or new writers know that can ask me to read something and again, I happily oblige. Its engagement with my readers that spur me to writer better. I don't want to disappoint them with my works.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I feel grateful.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I don't have one, I have several because all of them have made me think in different ways.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Maeve Binchy
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes, I am actually doing that now. I figured out how to improve the ending to make it more satisfying for readers.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Toss up between Martha Grimes and John Grisham
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.
grow up. You may not be happy with your life, but that's no reason to pull down others. Spend the time you use in badmouthing things you know nothing about and use it to find the good things in your world.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you for taking time to read my works. Let me hear from you because you are the reason I write and you are who help me perfect my craft.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
Currently, I live in Virginia. I'm divorced.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am bi-vocational. I work in men's clothing and I write. I am also creating an online tee shirt site called the Artful Worder,
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Who has free time any more? I read and watch sports, football, hockey, college basketball.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
My first two are off make for the moment.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I listen to all genres. Rock is my favorite and yes Eddie Van Halen was and still is my favorite guitarist in that realm.
Share a secret with us 🙂
If I tell you, it wouldn't be a secret, would it?