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Interview – J. D. Palmer
When did you start writing novels, what moved you to start writing?
I started writing in 2016. I read an amazing series (Red Rising) and found out the author was 28 at the time. I always knew I’d get around to writing a book, but I just figured it would be when I was older. Suddenly, I had a kick in the pants to get going.
In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
My first book series is post apocalyptic, which I guess is technically sci-fi. But now I’m heading into fantasy. World building is so challenging but so rewarding.
Tell us about your novels. Why should everyone buy them?
These books aren’t…pleasant. The world has ended and most everyone has died, but that’s not what the series is about. When you have to forage for food, and travel, and try to stay warm, you begin to change. I think most everyone would like to think that they’d be a good person in a dystopian landscape. I took a hard look at myself, our culture, our dependence on technology and civilization, and ran these characters through the ringer. I think (hopefully) everyone who reads these books takes a deep look inside and tries to come to terms with what he/she would be willing to do if they were faced with this world, and I think that’s a good thing to know.
What is your all time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
Pawn in Frankincense by Dorothy Dunnett. The whole series is amazing, but this one will always stand out to me as the most beautiful/sorrowful journey a man can make to rescue his son. The details are superb, the characters are flawless, and the ending is haunting in all the right ways.
Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I write about half a book before I figure out the story and the characters. So then I usually just scrap it and start over. I make playlists of songs that match the vibe I’m going for and play them on repeat when I write, that way, if I’m stumped, I can just play a song that stands out to me for a character and it usually snaps me back in.
What author would you love to have dinner with?
Hmmm… If I can time travel then Dorothy Dunnett. Otherwise, since I just read Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens. I want to hear her talk about nature.
Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
I love playing chess. I usually play a game or two before I start writing/working to warm my brain up. I love the outdoors, camping, hiking, you name it.
We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
Keep it balanced. It won’t be completed if you don’t work every day, and it won’t be any good if you work every day. Give yourself a break now and again, but keep at it. The more you work the easier it comes and the more fun it is.
How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
Daily, if I can.
Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your novels? If so do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
I am the worst person with notes. I email myself, or make a voice recording on my phone, or I put sticky notes all around the desk where I work. For some reason if I have time to write in a notebook I feel like I have time to write, so I don’t use one.
How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
History is not something I use much, but I try to be as accurate as possible. Inaccuracies or leaps of faith take me out of a story, especially if it jars with the style and content of the piece, so I think it’s very important to do heavy research before you write.
What are you reading at the moment?
Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence is my upstairs book. My downstairs book is Moonglow by Michael Chabon.
How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
I live in the U.S. and I guess it’s pretty good. I don’t really know how to compare it to other countries, but it’s been very interesting to see where the support comes from. My friends and family and local businesses have all been great, but we live in such a fascinating world nowadays that “local” support is greatly found online. I’m horrible at marketing, but now I have a friend in England who’s helping me out! (Please check out her books, they’re really amazing, her name is Sam Burnell.)
Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
I don’t have anything crazy. I was recently approached about adapting the first book into a screenplay, but I’m not supposed to say much more about that.
A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
In this high tech world with phones and computers and AMAZING storytelling taking place on television, book readers are a dying breed. I’m so proud to be a part of this community. Thanks for having me!
Thank you J. D. Palmer. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
Click here to visit the author page here on circleofbooks.com