Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Joshua Crosson
Book Title: Limelight
Released: 02/20/23
Genre: Crime/Mystery
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Limelight”?
Crosson: My ideas always start with characters. I had an idea for a character who was one of the most famous and popular popstars in the world. I wanted him to start off as a narcissistic type of guy, someone who's obsessed with fame and attention. And then by the end of the story he would become a better, more humble human being and would sacrifice all of his fame for something greater. That was the initial germ of the book.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Crosson: I honestly don't have an interesting answer for this. I gave my characters names that sounded and felt right for them.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Crosson: My writing process is something that is constantly evolving. Two of my literary heroes are Stephen King and Ray Bradbury. They both had similar things to say about their own processes for creative writing--both of them being fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants writers. They said they don't plot and use their intuition and just see where the story takes them. I tried this technique in earnest when I was in my late teens/early twenties when I was working on my first writing projects. I found the technique did not work for me at all haha! I'd run into brick walls and get frustrated. I learned that building a story's skeleton first and having all the major plot beats written gives me a road map. I do use the King/Bradbury technique during the actual writing--after the novel's beats have been plotted out. Because then while I'm fleshing out the book I can go into asides, explore subplots, get into the character's thoughts and feelings and really get into a flow state. But I can only do this after I have my roadmap!
If "Limelight" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Crosson: I think Denzil Washington's son, John David Washington, would be great as the protagonist of the book!
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Crosson: I encounter it all the time. I found exercising really works for me. Especially jogging hiking trails around my area! It clears my mind and allows me to reset if I get frustrated.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Crosson: Honestly, I still have so much to learn myself. So I feel I'm not in any position to be giving advice. Maybe in twenty or thirty years when I've learned more I can give advice.
What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?
Crosson: My favorite genre is definitely horror. But I also love dark crime books, true crime, noir, stuff like that. My favorite book is still, hands down, Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell. And he's also my favorite author. I read that book in one sitting. And then read it every single day for a month. I couldn't stop reading, and I still read that book often!
What are you working on next?
Crosson: I just finished editing my second book--a crime/suspense novel. I'm working on getting it published. And I'm currently working on my third novel. This book is suspense that ventures into horror I'd say. It's a downward spiral kind of a book. I'm excited about getting both of these books into the world and into readers' hands!
Learn More About the Author and Limelight:
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