James G. Robertson is an award-winning Dark Fantasy, Dystopian, and Supernatural Horror author. He was born in a small town in Kansas, and also lived in Texas, Missouri, and New York, where he graduated college from SUNY Oswego in 2019, obtaining a bachelor’s in political science with a theatre minor. He has also received an associate’s degree in information network technology, which he received in 2012 from Pratt Community College. His first book, Afterworld, was published on May 1st, 2020. If you wish to know anything else, connect with him on twitter or using the contact page on the official website.

Where are you from?

I’m from the US. The two places I consider my home state are Kansas, or New York. Kansas was where I was raised for the most part, but New York is where I went to school and where I enjoy being.

Why do you write?

I write because I enjoy it. That’s as simple as it gets. I want to tell a story and have people think about the world around them. To question the unquestionable, and find the answers for themselves.

What do you write about?

I write dark fantasy! Dark, horror, splash of dystopian and Sci-Fi you’ve got it. I like to tell my potential readers think Stephen King meets the DC Universe, and you’ve got yourself the Next Life (the name for my series). Now on a more detailed level my stories are stem from the question “What if the gods are lying to us?” I can’t be the only one who has ever thought this, and I doubt I’ll be the last, but I base my fantasy world on this idea and it takes a life of its own from there.

Do you have a specific writing style?

My writing style is think big picture. I have those big plot points in my mind, and my characters do their own thing as I write until they get to those points. It comes to me as I read. I’m a pansters/discovery writer.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?

Time! I’ve got an enormous story to write. I’m thinking, hmmm 20 books? Hopefully that’s enough to finish the basic series. After that I want to do a few related stories, but nothing big. When you’re an indie author, doing his own audio books, and working on the series. It takes a lot of time, but that doesn’t stop me from writing. Luckily, I’ve got the motivation and drive to power through.

How long have you been writing?

Since 6th grade, really. Not consistently, mind you, but that was the first time I began a story. This series here? Since about 2012 is when I started it, went on a college hiatus and then finished this book during the pandemic in 2020. I’ve since finished the second book, and am working on the audio books for the first two and the third novel.

When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

Good question. I guess it was when I finished the first book. I told myself, I can do this. You have the talent (or so I’ve been told); you enjoy it. So, keep it up until you’re finished!

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

When I’m writing I do at least 1,000 words 5 days a week, but it can range from there up to 3500 I believe is the most I’ve written in a single day for my fantasy world.

How long does it take to write a book?

My average length of writing is about 1 year. 1 year of really focusing on a book, writing it, and then it’s out the year after.

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

How to become a better writer? Well, that’s a good question, isn’t it. I would say read, read more, and edit, edit, edit. Other than that, it just takes patience and learning what works for you and what doesn’t.

What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?

The most troublesome part I’ve encountered was when I wrote my second book (The Ripper). I had to contain the story within a boundary. As a discovery writer, this was difficult for me to do. I would want my character to go do something else, but the time wouldn’t work so I would have to really think how to make it work, or have something similar happen to progress the story in the way I wanted.

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story is one someone enjoys. That’s it. You can’t ask for anything more from a story than to provide an escape and have it pull emotion from the reader (positive or negative).

What does your family think of your writing?

They see me doing something I believe in. Most are positive or neutral about it, but I don’t think they see how much work I’ve really had to put into this. The time sink in the audiobook alone has been about 6 months since I’m adding SFX & Background noises. It’s a lot of work. I’m hopeful it pays off.

Do you see writing as a career?

I’m very hopeful. As I’ve said, I have the drive. I’ve taken the steps to succeed it’s just getting over the initial hurdle of finding readers. I have a grand story to tell, and I think many can relate to it while having fun if they give it a chance! So yes, yes I do.

Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

To the reader of this interview. Don’t give up on yourself or your dreams. Maybe you haven’t discovered what your dreams or ambitions are yet, but they will come. Have patience and you will find yourself doing what you love. Once you find it, don’t give it up for anything, even if it requires more work than the average person. Pursue it. To my readers, thanks for sticking with me. Hopefully, you’re enjoying the story. Please leave an honest review on amazon, good reads, and bookbub! They help so much! A review and word of mouth is the best gift you can give your author who you enjoy reading.

My award-winning book Afterworld (Next Life, #1) will be on sale from 9/8/21 to 9/15/21 on amazon.com and amazon.uk

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