Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester is happy to shine our Friday Spotlight on author James A. Moore. Moore, whose been a friend of the bookstore and staff for years, was here earlier in the year with the “packed so full locals brought chairs from home” Writers Coffeehouse New England, which he co-organizes with author Christopher Golden.
Even better, he’s coming back to 65 James Street on Saturday, June 4, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM to sign and talk about his newest release The Silent Army, which is the culmination of his Seven Forges series. The book will be released on May 3, and we will have copies in the store. We’re also set up to take pre-orders if you want to stop in and reserve a copy now!
We at ABSW already know and love you, Jim, but for those who have not met or read you before, how would you describe yourself and your writing?
I’m an eclectic writer who believes that the barriers between genres should be smashed into little bitty bits whenever it strikes your fancy. I have written straight horror, science fiction fantasy, crime-horror fusions and straight crime. These days I mostly write fantasy.
For readers unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you write? What can readers expect from your current work?
These days most of what I write falls into the dark fantasy or horror fields. My latest series SEVEN FORGES is decidedly fantasy but it’s on the dark side. The latest, and for now, last book in the series, THE SILENT ARMY is the culmination of three books worth of set up, and brings the series to a conclusion. So far I’ve heard good things about the wrap up.
What was the biggest challenge in writing and putting out [newest release/spotlighted release]? How did you overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge, honestly, is that I’ve only ever in my 20 plus years as a writer ever written one fantasy short story before I started this. I had no agent, I had no publisher in mind, and I had no freaking idea what the market looked like. I had a co-author of mine and a good friend point out that Angry Robot was working on books that were similar to what I had in mind and with the help of another friend I manage to get an introduction to the right people and submit a few sample chapters and an outline. Then, just to add to the madness, when Angry Robot said they wanted to see the rest of the manuscript, I had to actually write it. The good news is that I’m a fast writer.
What else can we expect from you in the near future?
I’m currently working on an apocalyptic science fiction novel called SPORES that is slated for release from Earthling Publications. I have a slew of short stories that I need to write. I’m working on several projects with Charles R. Rutledge, who has worked with me previously on three novels. The next one we intend to tackle is THE IRON PIPELINE, a straightforward crime fiction novel that has characters we’ve used before. I am also at work on the next fantasy series for Angry Robot: THE TIDES OF WAR is the name of the series and the first book is called THE LAST SACRIFICE.
What does your writing space look like? What do you need to have around you while writing or editing?
Unbridled chaos. I have a ton of knick-knacks I can look at when I’m thinking instead of writing. I also have an occasional empty water bottle or paper plate. And stacks of papers that I’m looking over for whatever reason, but most often research. I also have two battle axes and a couple of swords. As one does.
While you’re writing, do you prefer music, silence, other? Please elaborate!
I normally prefer music. I have a very large music library and I’ll switch it up depending on my mood and what I’m trying to write, rather like a soundtrack. If I’m deep in concentration sometimes the music bothers me and I go silent. If all is going well and I just need a little background noise I go to Motown.
Do you have any favorite foods or drinks that must be in the vicinity (or must be avoided) while you’re writing or editing a piece of work?
Iced tea or hot tea. Tea, basically.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned, thus far, in your writing career?
The one I normally push at people. If you want to write a book, then sit your butt down and WRITE THE BOOK. When you have finished the first draft, set the book aside, work on something else for a while and only then should you edit. I mean, it’s okay to check for an occasional typo, but if you think there are plot issues, MAKE A NOTE IN BOLD and move on. Fix the actual scene in the second draft because the number one killer of all momentum in writing is the editing stage.
Where can people find your work? (Besides ABSW ;)–though they should totally check here first!)
The good news for me is I’m pretty well distributed, so any major bookstore is a good place to look, but of course people should look here first!
How can we follow your work, share your awesomeness, or otherwise stalk you in a totally non-creepy way?
I have a website: http://jamesamoorebooks.com/, I’m on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesAMoore, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.a.moore1, and a blog: http://genrefied.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much, Jim! We look forward to finally reading The Silent Army, and to having you at Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester at 65 James Street on June 4 to celebrate its release!
Annie's Book Stop of Worcester 