Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Northport, Alabama with my wife, Terri, and two sons. I have written three novels. The first two never saw the light of day, but I did learn a lot about writing a novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel “Souls Harbor” really just came to me one morning and demanded to be told. Sometimes I get ideas from writing prompts, or just every day things I see or hear.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I kick things around in my head for a while, sometimes years. But when I sit down to write it doesn’t matter where or when I do it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Of course, the masters like Hemmingway, Walt Whitman, Truman Capote, Hitchcock, are influenced to us all, but I really love Anthony Doerr and Ken Follett right now. Doerr is amazing. I love his writing.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m editing my second novel “A man with no eyes”. I finished the first draft earlier in the year and will work on that most of 2020 with a possible release coming in early 2021.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a pretty big facebook following, and I use twitter. I do not have a giant budget, but I have paid for some ads and services.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. No matter what. My first two novels never went beyond a desk drawer, but I learned a lot just writing them. Writing is a craft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry that people might not like your work. If you don’t write it, no one will ever have a chance to like it.
What are you reading now?
Anthony Doerr’s “The Shell Collector” for the second time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To just continue to write and put myself out there.
What is your favorite book of all time?
To kill a mocking bird. It was so real, so simple, but very moving. Being southern, I’m drawn to southern writers.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Ryland Website
John Ryland Amazon Profile
John Ryland’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account