Hello, my name is Jonas Lee, I’ve been writing since I was in elementary school, but published my writing just since summer of 2014. I am a dreaded Indie, circling the waters in hopes of getting caught by a traditional publisher one day. I have one title currently available, A Time to Reap, with its sequel, A Time to Live, releasing this month. Something quirky about myself, hmm, well I have a tendency to count to three between mile markers on car trips (no clue why). Beyond that, I have a love for M&M’s (peanut) and tattoo art. I have a hefty amount of tattoos myself and hoping to get more as time rolls on. I’d really like to incorporate my writing into a few designs.
What is the first piece you remember writing (from childhood or young adulthood)?
My first childhood piece was something extra awesome (at least as I remember it). I wasn’t much for original thought and started elaborating or recalling movies I watched. The first was Die Hard. So, my first story was all about this action hero taking out bad guys one at a time. My best friend was the main villain. He tells me he found a copy of the story and holding onto it for when I become famous.
What is your favorite aspect of being a writer? Your least favorite?
My favorite part of writing is just being able to play God with ink and paper. I can create whatever I want in whatever means I choose. Putting together dialog and analogies, description with metaphor, it makes a little fire of excitement burn in my belly.
Least favorite part of writing would have to be the editing. Seeing all of the mistakes and confusion left on paper when it was so clean in my head gets to be quite an annoyance. But I think the editing becomes fun again once I’ve turned out something far better than I expected. Although on the tenth or fifteenth time of reading through my story, I want to kill it.
Do you believe in writer’s block? If so, what is your best tip for beating it? If not, why not?
Oh, writer’s block is a thing, I’ve experienced it. Not more than a couple of times, but it’s a crippling feeling. All my thoughts are locked behind a door, pounding on it to be free and I can’t seem to find the keys let alone the door knob. My best method of curing it is to actually read. Reading always triggers my own thoughts and eventually that locked door opens on its own.
What is your current writing project? What is the most challenging aspect of your current writing project?
Currently, I am taking on another series that should begin in the next month. I have one more book in my trilogy, but Carter needs to learn patience and get a strong fan base before the release of the last one. The current project is going to be a supernatural fantasy taking place in a futuristic society. Citizens are classified through tattoos and magic is ever present, mixed into the science of the day.
It’s fun just constructing all of the parameters and rules of the society. With it though, I have to do lots of research, getting ideas of how certain materials can be forged. As much as I’d love to rely on the haunches of sci-fi and just make it a sweeping belief, I’d like there to be some basis for the majority of why the people act and do the things they do and the environment is the support structure for that.
What supports you in your writing?
Beyond family, friends and fans, my biggest support comes from a deep-seeded belief that this is my true calling in this world. I have a day job, yes, but when it comes to stripping away an education and a need for income, writing just feels like the moon orbiting my earthly soul. That feeling supports me in continuing to write and never stop.
What are you currently reading?
I’m trying to read more, so I have a rotation of books going around
- Revenge by Nina Soden
- Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
- A Former Hero by Jeffrey Allen Mays
- The Gunslinger by Stephen King (audiobook)
Where can our readers find you and your books online?
Reblogged this on Zachary Paul Chopchinski.
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Your supernatural/fantasy novel sounds really cool! I’m excited to hear more about it as you work on it. Also – I identify with your dislike of editing. It’s tough to have to rip your own work apart, but I hope I get to the place you describe where it becomes fun again soon! Thanks for the great interview, Jonas!
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Thanks, Kate! Work has already started on this series, I am even testing out a little chapter on my other site Write Club / Fight Club. You’ll have to let me know what you think. And of course, LoCG is already wanting to get on paper, so ideas are pouring out even though I hadn’t planned on it.
Thank you again for this Interview!
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so great you give such passion to your calling, see it ! lovely
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Reblogged this on Jonas Lee's Imaginarium and commented:
A new interview and some new questions to look at. Kate’s a great blogger and I’m looking forward to her first novel. Go check her out!
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Hmmmm. The second out of 3 writers so far that has confessed to having a God complex. Is this a pattern? 😛 Hahahaha. Well, your latest story sounds very intriguing, so don’t go changing it – your hook and premise is good. And nice to meet you.
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Thanks, Lani. I am pretty certain even if we don’t admit it, writers are gods over their worlds. Even if in reality we may be the nerdy ones in the corner who smile while reading a book or typing one out.
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I have a Messiah complex, does that count? 😛
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I think that’s kinda god-like? Son of god-like.
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Hahahha.
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Reblogged this on To Write With a Broken Pencil is Pointless and commented:
Come meet the next writer in The 2K International Writers’ Blog Tour Jonas Lee – an M&M lover. Indie writer, who resides SoDak!
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Reblogged this on Ink-Wrapped.
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Reblogged this on Reading Over People's Shoulders….
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Reblogged this on Fia Essen and commented:
Jonas Lee ( http://jonasleeblog.com/ ) is a man after my own heart – he loves peanut M&Ms. He is also the third author to be interviewed for The 2K International Writers’ Blog Tour.
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Reblogged this on Lightwalkers Blog and commented:
Check out Jonas blog. Nice insights into the world of writing and how difficult it can be, with good suggestions on getting through.
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I think your closed door metaphor is perfect. Reblogged on https://lightwalker1.wordpress.com/ shared on Facebook and on Twitter. Thanks for the insight. Kindest Regards Cheryle
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Reblogged this on Elizabeth Hein – Scribbling In The Storage Room.
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Great interview and great author photo! Loved that writing orbiting your “earthly soul” image.
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Thank you! I do enjoy a good piece of imagery. Some times too much.
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Me too!
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Reblogged this on Renee N. Meland's Books and commented:
Jonas Lee is next up for the 2K International Writer’s Blog Tour. What a great way to find new books to add to your reading list!
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Love supernatural fantasy! Great cover art too! Sharing this interview on Twitter!
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Thank you, Kylie!!
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Reblogged this on Ordinary Handsome.
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Reblogged this on Of Opinions and commented:
I’m participating in Kate M. Colby’s and Kate Evans’ 2K International Writers’ Blog Tour. This tour will showcase interviews of a bunch of aspiring and established writers. A number of useful tips and fascinating insights to be found here! Stay tuned for the rest of the interviews, including of yours truly!
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