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“Ask me a question.” Jay Cole

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Hi Jay, Your review of The Urban Legion is my top review on Amazon, I'm grateful. (FYI, I quickly revised it to reduce the use of "Zen" you mentioned, thanks!) I wanted to offer you a copy of book 2 of the trilogy for potential review last fall, but did not, given your health issues. You seem to be back in the swing of humor, would you like a copy of Bikini Cowgirls of the Urban Legion? - Dave Agans
Jay Cole Hi Dave, I'm afraid I'll have to decline. As much as I'd like to say that I'm back 100%, I can only do that when I'm deluding myself, which is, frankly, not often enough. Still, thanks for the offer. I'll keep it on my list, right after the essentials: drinking beer, chasing women, catching a few...
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I write humor, too. See my books at dickieintheeighth.com. Question: Is there enough residual and/or reserve mirth in America that we can afford to both be writing? If not, one of us needs to move to Canada, Mexico or Louisiana. How shall we determine this? --Dickie Fleegle
Jay Cole Write away! There's really no need for an expensive move. As you can easily see from looking closely at the 2016 presidential candidates, America has a phenomenally expansive sense of humor.
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Thank you for liking my notes on editorial input. I have worked as an editor for professionals and indies alike. Both need lots of help (as do I when actually writing). Can you guide to the notes any indies you suspect would benefit from the advice? I have seen so many disasters - including single mums pinning everything on an unreadable book. Thanks!
Jay Cole

Be glad to help.

I think writers are susceptible to tunnel vision, too. Editing often becomes a judgement call between what you want to believe is great and what's actually good writing. Getting objective advice is sometimes the only cure.
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What are you currently working on?
Jay Cole I only discuss current projects with a few close friends, and even then only rarely. Discussion tends to dilute imagination. Someone suggests a path that's easy and workable, so you take it. That's usually not as good as the writing produced by really wrestling your subject or characters to the mat. Imagination tends to flourish more within constraints.
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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Jay Cole Paradox is always fascinating. A character caught between a rock and a hard place doesn't have a "correct" answer. He\she has to rely on deep character to find their way to home, to safety, etc.
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What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Jay Cole Tough one! I love all of it, from the fifteen-foot commute to holding a finished project in my hand.
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How do you get inspired to write?
Jay Cole Coffee, black and hot.

All I really need do is wake up. I guess I'm lucky in that regard. I sincerely doubt I'll live long enough to bring all my ideas to fruition.
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How do you deal with writer’s block?
Jay Cole Research. Writer's block generally indicates that you don't know enough about your topic. More manure, more tomatoes!
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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Jay Cole Best writing advice I ever received: Keep your butt in the chair till you finish your daily quota.

Not very inspirational, but highly practical.
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