Author Interview
I have read his books and have loved both of them. Already did reviews on them and everything. So I decided to reach out to P.J. and asked him if he would do an interview with me. I am happy to say that he did and I am excited to give you all the information about him and where to find his books.
1. What sparked your interest in writing?
I actually started writing screenplays when I was very young. So that kind of ushered me into the world of writing. But as you grow older, you do your research and you learn how hard it is to sell a screenplay. It’s all about it you know someone who knows someone. Being a small town kid from Illinois, I knew there’s was probably not a chance that I could ever get a script purchased. Then, I read up on books and decided to spend my time doing that. I would say that, at the end of the day, films truly inspired me.
2. Has anyone in your life inspired you to write?
No one in my life directly has inspired me to write. It’s usually just thrown up as a hobby to most people, so I’m actually very selective of who I tell my passion to in my real life.
3. When did you decide to publish?
I published my first book years ago. I want to guess 2014ish. It was an utter nightmare. I had no knowledge and no editor. It was atrocious.
4. Are you an Indie Author or Traditional Author? Why did you choose the path you did?
Indie for now. I mean, I think authors are lying if they say they wouldn’t love to be signed with a huge publishing company. But at the end of the day, there is so much freedom that comes with self publishing. The cover. The costs. It’s all up to you. Marketing sucks, to be frank. But it’s all about just giving it your all and trying your best. Write for you.
5. What is your first published book?
The first book I ever published shall not be named. Ever. In a million years, I will never tell anyone what my first book was. It was absolutely horrible. Grammar mistakes out of the wazoo. But my first “professionally” published book was my mystery thriller Tell Me Every Lie.
6. Are you happy with how your books are coming out? Would you change anything?
I’m happy with them, yes. Could they be improved? Absolutely! Look, no one is perfect. No one knows all the rules of writing. No one knows every single thing down to a T about publishing. In the end, it’s just about putting out the best product you can. And that all starts I think with an editor. They are vital. Without one, you and your story will undeniably suffer.
7. Will you continue to publish books for many years to come?
I sure hope so. There’s always a story brewing inside of me.
8. What genres inspire you to write?
I love horror and thriller. I’ve always found it so fun and pleasant to be scared or on the edge of my seat. It’s a rush. It’s exhilarating.
9. What is your favorite genre to write? What is your least favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to write is definitely horror. I know the genre, specifically the slasher genre. So it’s easy for me to know the rules I’m writing by and when to break those rules or subvert expectations. It’s fun.
10. What challenges have you faced publishing?
I haven’t truly met any absolutely appalling challenges. Like I said before, marketing can be very tiresome and strenuous. But, at the end of the day, you have to get your book out there by whatever means necessary. Well, minus blind DMing people about your book. Whoever is reading this, don’t ever do that. Like, ever.
11. What challenges have you faced in writing?
I tend to jump around with all my ideas. I get one and I begin plotting and then another pops into my head and then another and then another. I struggle with focusing on one project when I’ve five others knocking around in my brain. So much to write and so little time.
12. Where do your ideas for your books come from? Where do you keep those ideas?
My ideas come from everywhere. Whether it be an article I read or a movie I’ve watched. The possibilities are endless. And I usually keep my ideas in my word app on my phone. If I get an idea, I just type it in super fast and am on my way. I have a few notebooks, but I legit never use them. I go to Target and I’m like “omg that is so cute!” And I get it and sits on my desk. They are all too pretty to muck up with my scribbles.
13. Are you also a bookworm and does reading other works help inspire your own writing?
I actually rarely read. I do here and there, but it usually beta reading for a fellow author.
14. Do you have a website where we can follow you? Twitter is best! My official site is under construction.
15. What is the link for your books so others may look and possibly purchase them from?
All of my books are available on Amazon and B&N! Here is the Amazon link!
 I hope that you will check out his books and give them a read. Like I said, I have read both and have enjoyed them both immensely. I cannot wait to see what he publishes next. P.J., thank you for doing the interview with me, and thank you for not only letting us get to know you but also putting in some really good tips for other writers.