JEFF'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
I spent twenty-five years in the wonderful world of road construction. Back surgery in 2010 put the skids on that career. My body couldn't handle the rigors of twelve to sixteen hour days, six to seven days a week. As I convalesced, licking my wounds, I wondered what to do next. Not being out in the sun getting baked, or dodging traffic, was going to be a hard act to follow. Seriously, what else did I know? An article in the Dallas Morning News caught my eye. It was about being a professional speaker. Hmm. That sounds interesting. Becoming mobile again, I took a seat in front of the blank monitor, pondering what to write. Let's start with something we know—my life.
The first work was titled "God's Plan: A Glimpse Into One's Life." I re-titled it six months later to "Why Did Everything Happen?" I looked back at the last twenty-five years and how the death of my partner, father and true love affected my life. I was amazed at the revelations. Since then, I've moved on to write in several different genres. Some say I should change my name when diverting from the path. Well, right or wrong, I'm sticking with my name, with the exception one—Cracking Up! I took a shower after writing the next to last chapter. It was that disgusting! The pen name is J.J. Reinhardt.
The current works range from the memoir of my one true love: Debbie Beck--RIP 7-20-2009--Love's True Second Chance, an alternative historical perspective of Vampires and WWII, Occupation, a newly released Sci-Fi time travel adventure, Gateway: Pioche. If that isn't enough, how about two Baseball Coaching Manuals? Oh, and there’s more!
I currently live in the DFW area, spending time with my daughter, her girls and my oldest son. When I was in construction, I never had, or took the time to enjoy what surrounded me: love, family and friends. My true love, Debbie and her girls reminded me what was important in life; "we work to live, not live to work."
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Dawson/e/B0054DRYIO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1417539080&sr=1-2-ent
LIST OF WORKS:Why Did Everything Happen?, non-fiction
Love’s True Second Chance, non-fiction
Occupation, WWII Vampire Novel
Gateway: Pioche, Time Travel
Destination D.C., Book Two
Life’s Spectrum, Poetry
Terror at the Sterling, Horror
Final Delivery, A short alternative history Twilight Zone story
Catfished! Jeff and Julia’s Saga, A humorous take on wooing a Turkish bride to be.
Cracking Up! This is the nasty one. Nothing more than an erotic bloodbath. Additional link: http://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Up-J-J-Reinhardt-ebook/dp/B00KPKB2Y8/
RELEASING IN DECEMBER 2014
Catfished Again! Jeff and Naughty Nadia’ Saga
Irving Titans, A satire on the Dallas Cowboys of the 90’s
Guinea Pigs of the 70’s and 80’s, A look back on how technology made our lives so much better. Bull Shit!
COMING IN 2015:
Sabotage, Book two in the Occupation series
Target Berlin, Book three in the Gateway series
On Angels Shoulders, A book of poetry dedicated to the women who have served in the armed forces
Redemption, Book three in the Occupation series
There are others, but that’s enough for now.
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JeffDawson59
FACEBOOK PAGES:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loves-True-Second-Chance/201274679901838?ref=bookmarks
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupation/231877123504847?ref=bookmarks
https://www.facebook.com/pages/JJ-Reinhardt/1405638676384474?ref=bookmarks
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irving-Titans/789442021103502?ref=bookmarks
BLOG: http://jeff-dawson.blogspot.com/
INTERVIEW:
) What inspired you to write your first book?
Well, I wouldn't call it inspiration as much as needing to tell a story. The love of my life had just passed away and I was in a world of grief. I found myself looking back at those I'd lost by cancer. I sat down and wrote a short story/speech concerning them. The original title was "God's Plan: a Glimpse Into One's Life," but changed it later to "Why Did Everything Happen?"
2) How did you come up with the title for each book?
Hmm, Interesting question. The only one I struggled with the most was the WWII/Vampire book: Occupation. No, I take that back. The current book Gateway:Pioche was tough. It took over a month after the book was completed for my co-author and myself to agree on a title. The oyher titles were pretty easy.
3) Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
With the novels, not really. Just enjoy the read and have fun. Now, the auto-biographies, yes. Love is worth a second chance and no matter what your religion or belief, we are not nearly as in control as we'd like to think.
4) Are the experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Absolutely! The bio's are about my partner, my father and Debbie.
5) What books have influenced your life the most?
I'm probably an oddity (many who know me will agree with that 100%) when it come to this. Most of the books I have on the shelves revolve around WWII. I was never a touchy feely guy or felt like any author was truly reaching out and touching me. Seriously, if non-fiction books on WWII were running my life, most of my friends would have me committed. Not to say they don't still share those thoughts.
6) If you had to choose, which writer would consider a mentor?
That would have to be Bram Stoker. After writing the vampire thriller, I decided it was time to see how the master approached the topic. I love the way he intermingled dialog and scene changes effortlessly.
7) What book are you reading now?
Cicero: Political Speeches by D.H. Berry,
Resist by Anne-Rae Vasquez YA
Bishop Street by Rene D. Schultz
Crimson Shadow: Noir Nathan Squires
Indie Unlimited: Tutorial and Tools for Prospering in a Digital World
How’s that for a diverse list?
8) Are there any new authors that have grabbed your attention?
Tim Greaton and Duncan Ralston jump out in the world of Paranomal
Love stories would be Norma Budden and Sandy Walters
For women's stories and biographies that would be Irma Fritz.
9) What are your current projects?
Grab a beverage of choice. This is going to take a little time
2) Guinea Pigs of the 70’s and 80’s is a humorous look back on how technology infected our lives. Remember how they said it would make our lives easier? Bullshit!
3) The much anticipated sequel to Occupation—Sabotage, the WWII vampire thriller is close
4) Book three in the Gateway series, Target Berlin is drawing to a close.
5) How many football fans are out there? If you answered yes, Irving Titans is a satirical look back at the Dallas Cowboys form 1988 to 1996. Think along the lines of “North Dallas Forty” and you’re on track
6) All the above are scheduled for December, January releases!
7) Also in the mix for 2015 is a work of poetry dedicated to the women who have served in the Armed Forces. It’s time they were honored for their service.
8) I’m in the preliminary stages of writing a humorous story I used to tell my kids when we drove to Tulsa, “Redneck Randy,: along with a novel surrounding the Battle of Kursk.
9) I believe that’s enough for the moment.
10) If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?
I’m always wanting to produce the best product I can. Of the fifteen books I’ve written, Occupation taught me a lot. All of the reviews kept mentioning a problem with the narration and dialogue. A year-and-a-half after release I cleared my mind, went back and reread it. Over 8000 words were slashed. It was a successful enema. Seriously, if you receive reviews with a common thread, it’s not smoke, it’s a raging fire. Take heed and give it another look.
11) Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
You betcha. When I was 13 or 14, I wrote a play for Junior High about the "Last Ten Days of Hitler." It was a spoof like what Mel Brooks did with the "Directors." Sadly, the school didn't think it was appropriate material for general consumption. I even offered to change the names and scenes. They politely declined my offer. Those........I'll be nice. What did they know?
12) Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes. Waking-up and waiting on the characters to start talking. Some days they won't shut-up while others, it appears they have locked themselves in a dark hallway somewhere. Most disturbing.
13) What the hardest part of writing your book?
When it comes to Love's True Second Chance, the entire book. All the emotions I'd yet to release flowed out as I recounted the love and experiences we shared.
14) Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
How much I still miss her.
15) Do you have any advice for writers?
Yes, Patience, patience, patience. This isn't a foot race. There is no sprint to the finish line. It takes time to find your audience and keep them engaged with new works. Market as much as you can without going overboard and becoming a nuisance. But keep plugging along and plugging your book. Never admit defeat no matter how low sales currently appear. You never know when that one person is going to read your book and tell a slew of folks what a great read it is.
16) Do you have anything specific to say to your readers?
Buy, buy and keep on buying. I think that sums it up. Oh, please, please, please post a review and if you didn't particularly like the book, send me an email telling me what you didn't care for.
17) What would you do in a zombie apocalypse should it occur on Black Friday?
Easy. I'd let my vampire clans, The Romanovs and Boirarskys clear a path. Being vampires, they are immune to the bite and I'd be first in the check-out line. I believe that's a good plan.
18) If you could be any Christmas character, what would you be and why?
The Abominable Snowman from Rudolph. Why? According to my wonderful children, I still bounce. Something about my pear shaped figure comes to mind.
19) Favorite Christmas movie?
There are two. "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and the original "Christmas Carol."
Next in line would be ,"It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmy Stewart
20) Favorite Christmas CD?
Don't have a specific one. I think my kids would vote for Conway Twitty's Album. I used to wake them up with it back in the day
21) Favorite thing to do for the holidays?
Mail out Christmas cards, take the granddaughters to the model train exhibits in Dallas, drive around checking out the lights and last but not least, being around my kids.
Great interview! "Occupation" is something I am most interested in reading.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy. I'm glad Occupation has your attention. I use the actual history of WWII and throw in two vampire clans who detest each other till they realize there is a new evil in town.
ReplyDelete