Author Interview with Jason Atkinson
I’m interviewing Jason Atkinson today, author of short story collection “Seven Threads”. Welcome to my blog, and thanks for answering my questions.
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
It wasn’t until I discovered a chronic heart disease that I needed to make some life changes. I was typically an outdoors, workout, go run around and do things kind of person. I only pinned myself to a desk when it was time to work. All that changed after joining the USAF and finding out I had a problem with my heart, and from that day forward, everything changed.
I was no longer able to live the life I knew. I had to find a new normal to help me get through each day. I soon realized that people typically work on two things, their body and their mind. I couldn’t really work on my body anymore, so I instead devoted time to working on my mind. The classroom approach to this had been done, and I wasn’t really looking to repeat that, so I found myself writing instead. Now, three books later I am enjoying a different kind of lifestyle that allows me to express myself in a different kind of way.
What inspired you to write “Seven Threads”?
I can’t say I was ever big into reading. Even now, it can be a struggle for me to pick up a book and stay dedicated to it. I realized that I may not be the only person struggling with this, and even though people want to read, they don’t because the book is just to long – they quit before they begin. So I made it my mission to write a book I would read.
A book of seven short stories, all of which are split into parts so that a person can simply just read one part, and not feel like they have to keep going – they can stop without concern. This book is mainly for that reader. Although, if someone wishes to read two or three stories in a row, who am I to stop them?
What is your editing process like?
When I am self editing, I do not put too much effort into it. I realize that can sound somewhat lazy, and perhaps one day I will change my approach, but for now I don’t want to focus too much energy into the editing portion. There are people out there that are much better editors than I will ever be, and I would rather make mistakes but get a better story, than edit everything and second-guess my every sentence.
Is this your first book?
Seven Threads is my third book. The first book I wrote is called “A Life of Heart”, which stemmed directly from overcoming my heart issues. I still live with the heart problems, but I do not let that battle overtake me. A Life of Heart talks about that and shows other people how they can live a more enriched life too.
My second book is “Relationships: Under Construction” This book is actually a 14-day workbook on how to approach your relationship in a better, longer lasting way. I had actually written this book once before, an accident took it away from me, and a few years later I decided to write it again from scratch – and I’m glad I did. I love this book, and I have already seen it help people as they work through each day’s thoughts and questions.
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
I am working on a new book, but I do not plan to have it finished this year. I am taking my time with this work and have not given myself a strict end date for it to be done and written. I do hope to have it complete by sometime in 2018, however, this also depends on how things go with my health as that will always take priority over anything else I set out to do.
Are you working on something now?
At the same time, I do occasionally write inspirational blog posts and I do have another writing project just sitting on the back burner that I may get back too at some point. This project being geared strictly for young adults as they grow into being an adult and learning all about what that means and how they can be successful as they figure out who they are and what they can become.
About the Book
Title: Seven Threads
Author: Jason Atkinson
Genre: Short Story Collection
Seven Threads is a book of 7 short stories full of twists and turns. A girl on the run, a man accused of murder, a homeless man who finds his way, and much more. While each story is unique, they all offer the same human compassion that is sometimes lacking in today’s world. The reader is sure to find each story a page turner full of emotions, and left wanting more!
Author Bio
Jason Atkinson is a 32 year old, married man with one adorable toddler. With Seven Threads being his third book, he certainly enjoys writing and also spending time getting to know new people.
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