Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for decades, but this is my first go at indie publishing a series of novels. Like most writers my age, I started out trying to get traditionally published, and ran into problems with publishers who wanted me to self-promote and come with an established reader base. Now, indie publishing is a completely different animal, and I have ten years of experience in marketing, so it seemed like a good time to give it another go.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “Into the BeanStalk”.
Believe it or not, the concept was entirely inspired by wordplay. I was actually in the middle of writing a fantasy novel, and this idea popped into my head about “jacking into a beanstalk” — as in, “jacking into the matrix”.
So, I just started writing it. Entirely based on the title. Ironically enough, the title ended up becoming a huge pain the butt because beta readers were pointing out that it sounded kind of dirty.
That’s why it’s now “Into the BeanStalk”.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than writing for long stretches when the mood strikes me, I wouldn’t say so.
I’m a discovery writer, so I don’t outline. I just throw vague ideas into the mix and see how they turn out. Personally, this style fits me because it allows me to judge the work as I’m writing it.
If I get bored, I know my readers will be bored. If I’m excited by some twist, readers usually feel the same way. So if I’m writing a scene, and I’m starting to lose interest, I know it’s time to have some lunatic kick down the door, and bring some conflict.
Good thing I always have a bank of lunatic characters waiting in the wings for those occasions.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Early on, it was Robert Jordan. I’ve always been an avid reader, but the Wheel of Time really sucked me in. I read a lot of Crichton, Vonnegut, and Niven, and enjoyed them all for different reasons.
The next big influence hit me about ten years ago: The Dark Tower series. I was surprised, because I was never much of a King fan. Turned out, that was just because I don’t read horror. The Dark Tower made me want to become a novelist.
What are you working on now?
Book two of the Jack: series, Into the Looking Glass. I’m hoping to have it out by the end of July, since a lot of BeanStalk readers are eager for the sequel. (Thank you, readers!)
I’m also passively working on a fantasy novel, though I’m seriously considering sending it to agents, rather than indie publishing it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had a lot of success with StoryOrigin when it comes to building a mailing list. And I would have to say that mailing lists are the golden goose of indie book marketing, at least from what I’ve seen so far.
I don’t even touch social media. Hate it. I’ve spent a long time in the marketing industry now, and I know that building a social media following becomes a very time-consuming business in and of itself. I didn’t get into this to tweet; I want to write books. So, I focus on email and paid advertising.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure you’re in it to write, not to have a book published. Those are two very different goals. You have to love the act of writing, or it will be very difficult to succeed.
And that love can be nurtured, if you have the right mindset. Improve the craft, get better, and you’ll find the work becomes easier.
If you’re only focused on “getting a book out there”, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. Concentrate on improving your skill and speed at the keyboard. The books will come easier, and it won’t seem like work anymore.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s tough. If I could only give one bit of advice, it would be to write a lot. Not to pad out word counts, but to improve as a writer.
But aside from that, I’d say Brandon Sanderson’s rule about “the three Ps” is pretty useful in storytelling. Focus on Promise (setting expectations for your story), Progress (moving the story along), and Payoff (delivering on your promises).
If you keep that in mind, you won’t go far wrong.
What are you reading now?
“Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing the Jack: series is my top priority. I’ve never had this many readers asking me for sequels, so I’d be stupid not to deliver.
Once I’ve gotten a few Jack: books out, I have tons of ideas for spinoff stories in the same universe.
I want to finish the fantasy novel sometime this year, as well.
What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s pretty much impossible to answer!
Author Websites and Profiles
J. Paul Roe Website
J. Paul Roe Amazon Profile