Tell us about yourself.:
I tried to ascend to the fifth-dimension through a McDonald's based meditation method. If that doesn't tell you all you need to know about me, then I don't know what will.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
Swindon. A place nicknamed 'The Bum Hole of The World.' It influenced my writing less than my humour. You've got to be somewhat cynically sarcastic to live in a dull place like this.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. I'm entirely usual. And that there pretentious attempt to subvert this question I realise how truly sedated my writing process really is.
What authors have influenced you?
Swindon. A place nicknamed 'The Bum Hole of The World.' It influenced my writing less than my humour. You've got to be somewhat cynically sarcastic to live in a dull place like this.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't compare yourself to anyone but who you were yesterday. I believe that's a Jordan Peterson quote and also serves to answer the previous question, perhaps better. Once you stop comparing yourself to others, you allow yourself to grow as an individual in your own style.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
It's not so much advice, but the Tom Waits quote, 'I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.' It reminds me that it's better to be torched that dulled; to keep my mind running a mile a minute, instead of dousing my creative flames for peace of mind.
What are you reading now?
Troy by Stephen Fry. It's brilliant. He makes it incredibly easy to follow the complexities of Greek mythology. I usually stick to nonfiction and investigative journalism, however.
What’s your biggest weakness?
If this were a job interview I'd say my optimism or positivity; my ability to make the best of any situation.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Tuk Tuk for Two by Adam Fletcher. However, I do love The Men Who Stare At Goats by Jon Ronson.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Reading. Drinking.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
It's definitely not the first book I ever read but the most memorable book in my reading career is Sex, Drugs and Sausage Rolls by Robert Rankin.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
As I started writing my latest book, Don't Hold Your Breath: The Airheaded World of Breatharianism, I crammed a load of investigative journalism books into my brain. This allowed me quickly learn how journalists weave stories together.
What are you working on now?
Promoting my current book, Don't Hold Your Breath: The Airheaded World of Breatharianism.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Word of mouth. Nothing beats networking. I love reaching out to people over social media and sending across early review copies of the book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I already have a plan for my next book, though I won't reveal any details. I'm also trying to get into music journalism.
How well do you work under pressure?
I like to take my time, I'm a very relaxed person. But I've been trained through the mundanities of bar work and the catering industry to keep cool under pressure.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
It comes naturally. I just let my humour and personality come through.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
A cheese platter.
James Tyler Ball’s Author Websites and Profiles
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