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How long have you begin writing? I have written off and on all my life, but I began writing semi-seriously five years ago when I started my first blog. That led to some poetry and short stories for the blogzine Truckin’, which led to some feature articles and tournament reporting for several poker websites, then I started writing creatively again when I had a disagreement with an editor a couple of summers ago. So either 30+ years or since 2005, whichever you prefer.
What inspired you to become a writer? I don’t know if I decided one day “I want to be a writer,” or if it’s just something I’ve always done. I decided to pursue publishing my own novels when I read Joe Konrath’s blog a year or so ago. His story and the stories of several other people around the internet really inspired me to take my future into my own hands, writing-wise.
What is your biggest challenge of being an author? Promotion is probably the toughest thing. Getting someone to know that the books are out there, and to get them to give me a chance. I feel like once I get somebody into the first couple of chapters, I’ve got them for the whole book. But getting noticed out there in the wild world of the internet is tough.
What do you love most about being an author? Interacting with my readers is great. Anytime I hear from someone who one of my books has brought a little joy to, it just makes my day.
What do you do when you are not writing? I still have a day job, selling theatrical lighting equipment. In my free time (yeah, right) I love to go to concerts (bluegrass and Americana), hang out and watch TV with my wife, ride my bike, just normal stuff. And of course I read a LOT.
Where do you get your ideas? I drink a lot and eat funny mushrooms. Not really. I just try to pay attention to things that are going on around me and see how I can turn a situation sideways and make an interesting story out of it.
Do you ever experience writer’s block? This is an unpopular sentiment, but I don’t believe in it. I think writer’s block is an excuse for laziness, or fear, or some other reason. I think there are times that we don’t want to write, don’t feel like it, would rather be out in the sunshine, whatever. But I think writer’s block is just a convenient way of saying “I don’t feel like working today.”
What has been the best compliment you've gotten as an author? Having my work compared to authors that I love and respect their work has been the best so far.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers? Write. Writing is all about application. You have to apply your butt to the chair, and apply your fingertips to the keyboard. I heard Kevin Smith give a keynote address at the National Association of Broadcasters conference this year, and he talked about the need to surround yourself with “Why Not?” people. There are a lot of people who will ask “why?” whenever you have an idea, but those aren’t the people you want to be around. You want to be around people who listen to a crazy idea and say “Why not?” Those are the people who’ll be there when life gets really interesting, on those nights when you leave the bar and say “that was AWESOME!”
Are you currently working on any projects? I’m working on Book 3 of The Black Knight Chronicles, which should be out this summer. It’s called Knight Moves, and I’m really happy with the way it’s going so far.
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About the author:
John G. Hartness is a recovering theatre geek who likes loud music, fried pickles and cold beer. He’s been published or accepted online in several journals including The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, cc&d, Deuce Coupe and Truckin’.
His first novel, The Chosen, is an urban fantasy about saving the world, snotty archangels, gambling, tattooed street preachers, immortals with family issues, bar brawls and the consequences of our decisions.
He followed up The Chosen with Hard Day’s Knight, a new twist on the vampire detective novel and the first in a planned series of at least five books. The second book of The Black Knight Chronicles, Back in Black, landed in March 2011 and has enjoyed immediate success.
John has been called “the Kevin Smith of Charlotte,” and fans of Joss Whedon and Jim Butcher should enjoy his snarky slant on the fantasy genre. His next novel, Knight Moves (Black Knight Chronicles Vol. 3) is due out in the summer of 2011.
He can be found online at www.johnhartness.com and spends too much time on Twitter, especially after a few drinks.
Hard Day's Knight can be found at the following places:
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Giveaway:
John Hartness is giving one lucky reader a copy of Hard Day's Knight! To enter, just leave a comment with your email address so we can contact you if you're the winner!
Keep following the blog tour for a chance to be a bad guy:
Next stop on the tour: Reality Bites - May 22
I just downloaded this from Amazon for .99 pennies. I look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteSounds great! Looking forward to reading it :)
ReplyDeletehorne.lindsay@gmail.com
Great interview Tishia and John :)
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ReplyDeleteKtalley28@gmail.com
Thanks for the interview, I always love reading them :)
ReplyDeleteMorganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
I'd love to read this book!
ReplyDeleteaikychien at yahoo dot com
Sounds good. Thanks for sharing!
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I would love to read this one!!
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Sounds like a great read to me.
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