Author Voices - Interview with Charles W. Jones

I recently sat down with the great people at Author Voices to give them a quick interview about writing and publishing. Click their logo at the bottom of this post to check them out.

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born and raised in Shoshoni, WY, and now live in Aurora, CO.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

After finishing College, and then Cosmetology School, I knew I didn’t belong in Wyoming as there are few opportunities for employment, so I decided to check out a few other places. First, was Salt Lake City, UT, because I knew it very well and liked the beauty of Utah, and quickly learned that wasn’t where I belonged either. I returned to Shoshoni, but not for long as a friend asked to help drive a moving van to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. While, Florida was comfortable and fun, it was just too much of the same weather, so after a year moved back to Wyoming where a spent a few more years. Due to unfortunate circumstances in a relationship, I had to get away from Wyoming, and moved to Colorado with a group of friends, where I’ve been for twenty-two years and happily call home.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I began writing my first book when my father-in-law was dying from Cancer as a way to deal with life. I stopped writing it shortly after he passed away even though it wasn’t finished. A few years later, after life became more reasonable, I decided to finish it, and in 2011 I published it on Amazon without any idea of what I was doing.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I write scary stories that I’ve heard have a tenancy to give the reader nightmares. Clowns, nightmares, and Fallen Angels are some of themes in my stories.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Lovers of horror and thrillers are the best audience for my stories.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

For some reason, I had it my head with my first book that if I published it, people would automatically buy it, read it, and love it. I wasn’t expecting the hardcore need of marketing to get my work in front of people. I began using Twitter and other Social Media to boost, finding that it’s still not an easy task of obtaining and retaining readers.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Get your name out there before you publish. Make sure people know what your brand is and how they need you in their life.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as I can.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Marketing continues to be the thorn in my side. I’ve tried many different strategies, including joining author groups and clubs, and continue to find that Twitter has given me the best return.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing and publishing are the easy things. I can come up with a new story to write and publish it without any problem.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Marketing

When do you think you will write your next book?

I just finished writing my eleventh book and will be publishing it shortly. I also have a short story that I’m writing for an anthology competition. The next book is not to far away from starting (by the end of the year).

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self-published.