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An Interview with Garret K. Jones

jones garrett

I’m an independently published author from Central California; I have written five books and an ongoing fantasy series, as well as an independently published collection of poetry, and I’m currently working on an enology of original short stories.


Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I got into writing at an early age. I was prompted to write because it seemed like a natural extension of the adventures I created inside my head when I would play with my action figures. The first attempt I made was an assignment in third grade where we watched the original live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and were asked to write a story about ourselves meeting the turtles. That was my first experience with fanfiction, and it just built up from there as I began writing my own stories based on my favorite superheroes and inserting myself into those adventures as a new member of the team.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

Many of the characters and circumstances of this book began as comic-book superheroes and villains set in the modern day, but I found that they would work best in epic sword and sorcery series, and so I began making changes and adjustments until they fit that genre of storytelling.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It took me a little bit of time to figure out how I wanted to title it, but as far as the book itself, The Heirs of Menonias came pretty naturally because I based it off the central threat of the story.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I never gave a whole lot of thought to the soundtrack. That’s not usually something that pops in my head, but if I were to pick music, I would not pick anything that falls into the pop or rock genres. If anything I would probably go with musical scores from movies that I really enjoy, especially from movies that have a similar theme or genre. I like music by Hans Zimmer, James Howard, and a few other composers when it comes to thinking about music when I’m writing fantasy.

Describe your dream book cover.

Honestly, I don’t really think about my dream book cover. So long as it looks epic and really cool, I’m good with it. Ultimately, when I think about the book cover, I want something that conveys an idea that inspires people to read the book.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’ve worked in a variety of different professions, including being a teacher and working in ministry, as well as being a news reporter. While I don’t do it, professionally, I teach creative writing workshops at my local library, and I host podcasts. The first podcast is one that I do on YouTube called the Write Way, and the second I cohost with a group of guys called War of the Stars, which is focused on talking about all things Star Wars.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

I read everything from the classics to modern science fiction and action. I don’t read a lot of fantasy, but I do watch television and movies in the same genre. Some of my favorite books of all time are a little obscure and out there, and so I read a variety of different works. I also do a lot of research and that helps inspire me.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I don’t envision perfect readers what I hope that people will get out of my book series is first and foremost, entertainment value… My goal is to help them escape for just a short time and experience magic in whatever form that takes. If they are inspired to write afterwards, then that feels like an extra blessing, but ultimately my goal is to entertain my audience.


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