HJ: Thank you for asking Thomas. I have written my entire life. My first published work was covering an indie rock alternative act.
TR: A rock band, eh? What exactly was your work?
HJ: It was an article on a band from Atlanta. I wrote it for an alternative rock magazine. The genre would be basic rock journalism with a heavy dose of gonzo journalism, you know being there and becoming a part of the action.
TR: Kind of a writing roadie…cool…what made you write it?
HJ: I wrote the article because I got into the show for free, the article helped the band get exposure, plus I got free beer.
TR: HAH! There’s a winning combination, if I ever heard one. So, what have you written since then?
HJ: I have covered various topics, mainly fashion, rock and travel. Fables of the Reconstruction will be my first creative effort based solely on imagination. It is the first book I have ever written.
TR: Very cool! I didn’t realize…what was the inspiration for your it?
HJ: Fables was based on dreams. Once the characters made themselves known, they wouldn’t stop talking to me until I wrote the story. It’s surprising how many artists have the same experience.
TR: Yes, you’re not the first to tell me that. Well, tell us a little about it, and where it’s available.
HJ: Fables of the Reconstructionwill introduce you to Pierre von Minzle and Mary Moore. They are not Adam and Eve, they are the Adam and Lilith of today’s zombie apocalypse. ‘Fables of the Reconstruction’ is a playful yet graphic sexual adventure consisting of what might have been, combined with what possibly might be happening now. It contains Pomba Gira mysticism, Creole voodoo and the seeds of the zombie apocalypse set in Victorian London’s notorious Whitechapel District. Prostitution, drugs and alcohol are involved, as is Jack the Ripper and rock and roll. Sex, magick , zombies. This ain’t your daddy’s shotgun zombie story. Mature content warning – this book is not intended for anyone under 18.
TR: That does sound pretty gritty. Can’t wait to read it 🙂 So besides dreaming, is there a particular place or setting where you get your writing ideas?
HJ: Great question. Most of my ideas appear in dreams, or come to me when I am in water. I also receive inspiration from music.
TR: That follows. What made you choose either traditional or independent publishing?
HJ: There was no choice. Being a fan of indie music, I had to go indie publishing. Everything is there for a writer to publish independently today. All you have to do is have your concept, write it and download it. Written publishing is where the music business was 20 years ago. The writer as an artist, now has more control over their craft and their works. Although, the publishers I’ve worked with have been great, too. We, the writers, just have more options now.
TR: You’re absolutely right! Okay, if you had to choose the most important element in an author’s platform, what would it be?
HJ: Creativity. Creativity remains the most important element in writing. So many people get caught up in the mechanics of writing or in the latest writing trend that they forget to go with their creative spark. We are artists, not English teachers.
TR: Very well said…Now – what mistakes have you made in regards to publishing and marketing your work, and what will you do differently in the future?
HJ: There are too many mistakes to list in one interview. Let’s discuss this topic another day!
TR: Just means I’ll have to have you back for another interview – works for me. Do you have an idea for your next book?
HJ: Yes, thanks again for asking. I am working on Book 2 of Fables. It will be called Reconstruction of the Fables. Maybe you will invite me back in March and we’ll discuss it further. Thank you so much for speaking with me.
Then you need to click on the cover!
Thomas Rydder 