Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Jamie Smartkins
Book Title: Jexter Bladebrace and the Exalted Kingdom
Released: 02/03/22
Genre: YA Fantasy/SciFi
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Jexter Bladebrace and the Exalted Kingdom”?
Smartkins: I was going through tough times. A lot was happening in my life and at the same time I was bored with my monotonous office job. To beat the boredom and solitariness, I decided to do something creative and eventually I came up with an idea of writing this book.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Smartkins: Coming up with cool fantasy names for the characters is very important. I believe by hearing a name of a character we try to picture that character in our minds. My way of writing a fantasy name - write a random word and then arrange the letters and form a word which sounds cool and cogent. I know this may sound weird but that's the process I follow to come up with fantasy names.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Smartkins: I try to keep my writing process simple. I write on an average of 500 words a day. Whenever a creative idea pops out in my mind, I try to draft it immediately so I can work on it later. The most important part is documenting those creative ideas. People often have brilliant ideas but often they forget to draft them immediately. I write during the night but definitely write something everyday to hone my writing skills.
If "Jexter Bladebrace and the Exalted Kingdom" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Smartkins: I don't have any preference. There are so many talented actors and actresses who can play these characters. I leave that to the audience to decide who's gonna play the lead characters for this book.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Smartkins: I guess every writer has to face writer's block at some point of time and I am no exception. My best way to beat a writer's block is to play some cool deep house music. The harmonies and rhythmic beats help me activate my creative thought process. Another simple way is to take a break for a couple of days. No writing. Free mind lets the creative ideas flow all of a sudden.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Smartkins: For all aspiring authors, I want to say start somewhere. I always believe every person has an amazing story to share. In order to become a writer, you need to be a good reader so don't forget to read books, articles and journals daily. No matter how much busy you are in life, try to write at least 500-1000 words a day. Discipline is important.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Smartkins: I read almost all book genres. My favorite authors are Charles Dickens, C.S Lewis, Suzanne Collins, R.M Ballantyne, Alexandre Dumas, Stephen King, Stephenie Meyer and R.L Stevenson.
What are you working on next?
Smartkins: I have just started working on a new scifi fantasy novel.
Learn More About the Author and Jexter Bladebrace and the Exalted Kingdom:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Smartkins/e/B09QL875LJ/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Tipsverse
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamiesmartkins
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamieS/
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or Kindle Unlimited
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