My Book Place

Tell us about yourself.:
My name is Jess Blenkarn, I am currently a 22-year-old student from Southern Ontario. I wrote and self-published my first book at age 15 while in the 10th grade, called Irrefutable Annihilation. Over the next two years, I wrote and self-published two more books, called Soul Survivor and West of Dawn. In 2020, I wrote The Sixth Book in 3 months, and in 2021, World Castle Publishing professionally published it.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in a small town (~800 people) about an hour outside of Toronto. A lot of my books are about small town characters, since it's really all I've ever known. I think this brings a sense of honesty to my writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None, really. I just find that my first draft is usually very similar to the final draft. I guess that's because I do so much planning that the first draft is exactly what I wanted. But I'm not sure how unusual that is.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. I can't stress this enough. No matter who tells you that you cannot be a writer. Prove them wrong every day of your life.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Jess Blenkarn

Tell us about yourself.:
ohn Lander is a photographer and writer based in Japan. Having lived in Japan 30+ years with considerable knowledge about local culture, foods and his specialty: Japanese gardens. After teaching at Keio University and Tsukuba University for 25 years, John Lander turned to photography and writing travel features. At present, John is devoted almost exclusively to photography – specializing in Japanese gardens, quirky offbeat roadside attractions, onsen hot springs and Japanese festivals. Located near Kamakura on the outskirts of Tokyo & Yokohama he has easy access to both Shonan Beach and the bright lights of Tokyo. The newest book "The Shikoku Pilgrimage – Japan's Sacred Trail" is being released September 2021. Other books on Japan include: " World Heritage Japan" River Books, 2018, "Hidden Gardens of Japan" IBC, 2017 and "Offbeat Japan" 2017, IBC

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in Illinois our on the prairies, which was fine for a child but at the same time, it gave me a passionate desire to get to California or even further afield.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am more of a photographer than a writer these days – I have found that I can express myself better through photography than language

What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in Illinois our on the prairies, which was fine for a child but at the same time, it gave me a passionate desire to get to California or even further afield.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Perserverance. Perserverance. And Perserverance.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: John Lander

Tell us about yourself.:
Born young, I was transported to the great southern penal colony of Australia at an early age. I developed a love of the ocean and all things watery there. This led to a more universal desire to defend and protect nature and the planet.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
Growing up in Australia and being blessed with a father who was something of a wanderer and adventurer perhaps set the tone for my writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do a lot of 'old school' pen and paper writing. I have to use one special pen exclusively – my current pen is carved from hazel; a wood used in Celtic tradition for wands and divining rods.

What authors have influenced you?
Growing up in Australia and being blessed with a father who was something of a wanderer and adventurer perhaps set the tone for my writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write often and write widely.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Len Varley