I love to interview authors, especially those are that new to me. I truly enjoy getting to know them and promoting their writing through my blog .
Introducing TJ Cooper, author of Faith & Hope.
Susi: How long have you been writing?
TJC: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, mostly in my head, though. Not always on paper.
Susi: When did your passion for writing begin?
TJC: My passion for writing started at the very beginning. I think the first time I was ever asked to write a story or a poem.
Susi: How many books have you published?
TJC: I’ve only published the one book, Faith & Hope but I’m working on another book. And I have a sequel in mind for Faith & Hope.
Susi: Are you interested in writing any other genres?
TJC: Most definitely. In fact, given the kind of books I read, I’m surprised my first book is a romance.
Susi: What books are you currently working on?
TJC: I’m currently working on a book called Moving On. It’s another romance. I’ve also got a sequel to Faith & Hope that I’m working on as well. Plus a few others rolling around in my head.
Susi: When do you write? Any specific routines?
TJC: I try to write whenever something pops into my head, although that’s not always practical. Mostly I’m a mid to late day, evening writer. Although I have been known to write into the wee hours of the night.
As far as routines go: I like to sit on my couch and write in a notebook. I’ll sometimes lay on my bed and write. I can’t just sit and type into a laptop. It doesn’t work for me. I also need music playing.
Susi: When not writing, what are your hobbies or interests?
TJC: I am a huge music fan. So I’m almost always listening to music. It’s always in the background except when the tv is on. I love to read–I read a lot–and I love football.
Susi: What inspires you to write? Music, a muse?
TJC: What doesn’t inspire me to write? Often, things just pop into my head. Sometimes something I’ve read, sometimes real life. It could be anything really.
Susi: How would you describe yourself as a writer?
TJC: Oh that’s a tough one. I think I’m a pretty good writer. I’m not Shakespeare, but I do okay.
Susi: How long does it generally take you to write a book?
TJC: That depends entirely on the story. Sometimes things just flow and sometimes I hit a block. Faith & Hope was written in a few days, it just sort of poured out.
Susi: Describe a typical writing day for TJ Cooper.
TJC: A day when I actually just write? It involves me sitting on the couch, music playing, my notebook and pen in hand and either a cup of coffee, cup of tea, a beer or even a glass of wine on the windowsill. If I’m doing well and the words are flowing from the pen, the tea or coffee gets cold and the beer or wine gets warm.
Susi: Do you have any advice to offer to new writers?
TJC: Yes. Just do it. If you have a story idea just sit down and write it. Don’t fret about spelling or punctuation–that’s what spell check and beta writers are for. Don’t worry that no one will like your story. If you like it, others will, too.
Susi: Your biggest mistake as a writer? If any?
TJC: My biggest mistake as a writer was waiting so long to try. Lack of confidence held me back.
Rapid Fire
Pet Peeve: People that drive below the speed limit
First thing you notice about a person: Eyes or smile
Hidden talents: I pick up lyrics to songs really quickly
Prized possession: my music
Currently Reading: I just finished A Dream of Death and Full Fathom Five by Harrison Drake
Fave drink: my go to beverage is tea but I drink coffee as well. Alcoholic beverage would be beer or wine
Fave TV Show: Supernatural
Star Wars/Star Trek: Both
Batman/Superman: Depends on my mood but in general I lean toward Superman
Any parting words from the author….
Yes, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone that has read my book. I want to thank everyone that has given me support and encouragement when I get insecure about my writing. And I want to tell anyone that has ever thought about writing a book to just sit down and write it. You can do it!! As Harry Potter said in The Order of the Phoenix ‘If they can do it, why not us?’
Thank you for asking me to do this interview, I am honored.
It was great getting to know you! I appreciate your time. I’m sure your fans will be glad to get to know you better.
~Susi
Reading & Writing Between The Wines Blog 