Author Interview - Jonathan Marshall

What is your writing process like?

I work backwards when writing a story. I visualize a concept/ topic. I then start from how I want the conclusion of the story to be and work backwards with creating the meat of the story.

How do you come up with ideas for stories and characters?

Many of the ideas for my stories come from conversations with my kids. Many are goofy and many are thought provoking.

What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?

I'm doing too much in all areas of my life that I cant find the time to focus on a story. I find when I have the time, the words keep flowing.

How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?

I haven't had any yet, but with everything I believe it's space for us to grow and move forward. I also know that I cant please everyone.

What is the most challenging part of your writing process?

making sure I dedicate the time to follow through with working on my stories.

How long have you been writing, or when did you start?

I've been writing for a while, but made the transition into books in 2019.

What advice would you give writers working on their first book?

Dedicate time to your craft, learn from others and don't compare, and find someone who does what you want to do.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

I was a social worker for many years, so I have been introduced to many different personality types. I try to pull pieces from different area of my life to build individuals. My children's stories are based on my children.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

6 published and 5 in the works. 6 children's books published 3 children's books in the works 1 middle level book and 1 young adult My favorite would be "Me and My Kazoo at the Zoo"

What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?

Writing wasn't difficult, but I will say finding the illustrator I wanted to help bring my story to life was. With the Young Adult novel I am working on, I think the hardest thing is trying to put to words everything I can visually see about the characters in my story and keeping it grounded as well.

What inspired the idea for your book?

All of my books are inspired by my children in some way for or fashion.

What was your hardest scene to write, and why?

In the YA book I am working on, I think the hardest is a scene dealing with loss and the cost it has.

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

Nothing really just space, my laptop and phone where I keep my notes

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?

J.k. Rollings I like the character development throughout the Harry Potter Stories.

When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?

I have a common name, so tons of stuff. Haha. When i google my books, I see the reviews and videos of little ones reading my stories and then all is well with the world.

Jonathan Marshall

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