Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Tim W. Jackson

Book Title: On Wahoo Reef: A Blacktip Island Novel

Released:  05/17/24

Genre:  Adult Humor Novel

Interview by Heather L. Barksdale

What inspired you to write “On Wahoo Reef”?

Jackson: I’ve worked as a scuba instructor and boat captain on a small Caribbean island (population ~150) for 20+ years, and many of the quirky characters and odd situations are based on real-life experience. Normal people don’t move to small islands, and it’s been a great inspiration, and fodder, for the Margaritaville-meets-Northern-Exposure vibe of my Blacktip Island novels.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Jackson: Joke names are supposed to be a fiction-writing no-no, but in this case, I think they add to the quirkiness of the fictitious island and its inhabitants. (Plus, JK Rowling and Kurt Vonnegut got away with it just fine.) Anything island-y (Sandy Bottoms), fishy (Jack Cobia), or boat-y (Alison Diesel) is fair game. 

Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?

Jackson: Every character and scene is inspired, roughly, by people and situations you run into on any small island. As for the writing process, I’m never sure what’s going to happen or quite who the characters are, especially in the first draft. I start with a general idea of who the characters are and where the plot lines are headed, and see what happens. It usually comes together in the second draft. So, guilty—total pantser.

If "On Wahoo Reef" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?

Jackson: Val = Camila Morrone

Wally = Jake Gyllenhaal

Vinson = Samuel L. Jackson

Chip = Russell Crowe

When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?

Jackson: If I’m drawing a blank, I’ll switch to a different scene. I often have four or five balls in the air at once, then piece them together later (see answer # Three).

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors on how you plan your book?

Jackson: Apply butt to chair. Write the story you want to read.

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Jackson: I’m all over the map with reading preferences—to me there’s good writing and bad writing, regardless of genre. I love Ursula LeGuin. During the COVID lockdowns I read all the steampunk I could find. I recently discovered Barbara Kingsolver, and am currently revisiting Neil Gaiman.

What are you working on next?

Jackson:  The next Blacktip Island comic misadventure, “In a Sandy Lie,” will follow a charming conman getting sucked in by the island’s quirky residents while exploring the island with someone else’s money.

Interested in checking out the book for yourself?

Find it for purchase here

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