Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with M. Jonathan Lee
Book Title: 337
Released: 11/30/2020
Genre: Literary fiction with a touch of mystery
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “337”?
Lee: When I was sitting with my grandmother in her final week, all the rest of my family were on holiday it was only me sitting beside her in the hospital for many hours. I started talking to her about our family history and things from the past because I realised that this was the last time we’d ever get the opportunity before her knowledge would be lost forever. Then I wondered… what would happen if there was some kind of family secret? I sat and wrote notes while I was there for 8 hours at a time, I felt like I should capture the moment.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process, or your book?
Lee: Most people ask “what happens next?” after they’ve read one of my books… I would like to make it known that I have no idea what happens next! I like to leave that for you to think about.
If "337" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Lee: Wow, now there’s a question. Instinctually you want to cast an A-list Hollywood star as Sam, or maybe someone like Maggie Smith for Gramma. But it would be really nice, if it ever happened, to cast some up-and-coming northern actors as well. I’ve always been passionate about keeping all my bookish things local and promoting the talent we have here in Yorkshire, so maybe that would be my aim if ever a film got made. (Hint hint, film producers!)
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Lee: I just write what I’m feeling and make a scene out of it! When I first started, I had to be in the right mood, I had to have complete silence with no distraction in any way what so ever and it used to take an age to finish things. I learnt after the second book to not write the story in order; to skip ahead to that angry scene when you’re in a foul mood instead of trying to force a romantic moment for your characters. Every time I write, I find new tricks that make it a different experience. I love to experiment with my writing.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Lee: Ideas are everywhere! Spend this week saying ‘what if’ to absolutely everything that happens to you. Be observant and question everything. Invent the lives of strangers… just make it up. Keep writing and doing it because you love it.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Lee: My favourite book of all time, by some distance, is Roald Dahl’s Unexpected Tales.
What are you working on next?
Lee: Currently, I’m working on Surkhull Bay/Cove… the name is a work in progress! A story of two completely different boys in their early teens who spend the summer at Surkhull Bay where everything is not as it seems. As the story goes on, we learn about why they are the way they are and the narrative comes full surkhull- sorry, circle. Maybe that’s a little teaser? Who knows…
Learn More About the Author and 337 Here:
Twitter: @MJonathanLee and @HideawayFall
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or on Kindle Unlimited:
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