Ask the Author: J.P. Zeigler
Answered Questions (9)
J.P. Zeigler
My most recent book is coincidentally my most only book, but hey. I'm from Detroit, born and raised. I wanted the book to highlight what I know...and I have a very intimate relationship with Detroit. In my recent Kirkus podcast interview, I even mentioned how Detroit is like a sibling to me, one that I don't get along with that I would rather love from afar. I have a lot of painful memories in Detroit, like growing up in a girls' home, so I've even said I'll never go back. In a way, I visit a lot of complicated issues and feelings with Hollis and Gray. I explored boundaries and how much mistreatment we accept from relatives versus friends we've grown up with who have known us since our most vulnerable years, versus the people we have an understood bond with. People are complicated.
J.P. Zeigler
I am inspired by people and their unique qualities and backgrounds (things I take note of) and odd stories I read in articles, like creatures that have immortality - I think one was a jellyfish? - and things like that. I write them down in my notebook and play with them like I might have played with Barbie dolls as a little girl. "Let's pretend that..."
J.P. Zeigler
I'm an HR Director during the day, so currently I am working on managing my stress. As a writer, I need to be in this perfect low-stress mind frame in order to be creative, to have everything flow just right and come out like magic. When I have day after day after day of high stress, hmm - anything I write is pure yuck. I have decided to take some time off work in order to get back in the zone where I was not so long ago. I'm working on the second (and probably final book) of the Serafina Gray Mystery Series. I have the plot points almost done. I am also in the process of writing down memories of my life and plotting them in their respective years in preparation of my memoirs.
J.P. Zeigler
My advice is 1) outline your plot points to know where you want to go; 2) develop interesting characters without thinking of how they will fit into your plot; and 3) don't share too much about your dream to certain family members (you know who they are)...the ones who will make you feel small for having a big dream. I feel like there should be a 4th...Okay, 4) take however long you want to take. It's not a race.
J.P. Zeigler
The best thing about being a writer is openly saying that you are a writer. It took me so long to admit to others that I was a writer. I never felt like I could claim being a writer until I published something. I kept it quiet for many years, only speaking my dream to a select few. And even with those select few, some (mainly extended family), made belittling comments about me wanting to be the next Stephen King. It was utter BS. I didn't even want to write horror. They also made comments that showed how very little they understood about the writing process. They'd assume that one just sits down and writes a whole story out like in the movies, and wallah, it's done. Nope. I'd explain that I was developing my characters and their unique backgrounds, etc. You should have seen their minds blown. Whatever to them! And that's my advice to anyone else trying to make their way as a writer. Own that shit! YOU ARE A WRITER!
J.P. Zeigler
I do what every other writer does...I procrastinate. But I also let my story simmer on low on the backburner of my brain. I am a heavy outliner, meaning I like to meticulously outline. Even my Kirkus review for Hollis and Gray said, "A riveting mystery, cleverly and tenderly plotted." That's because they recognized I plotted the hell out of that thing. I had an Excel spreadsheet of each chapter and copy/pasted all my plot points into each. When I began writing each chapter, I already knew what my word count goal was and what plot points needed to be covered, then I allowed the creative me come out . But trust me, I always knew where I was going. I realize some folks feel that outlining stifles their creativity. I get it. But for me, I feel that I am stifled in my creativity when I have to get in the weeds about how things are said and done. I just want to create a bunch of plot points and call it good. So to each their own in the realm of struggle.
J.P. Zeigler
That is a tough one. I tend to like fiction that is character driven, which often means their lives are shit to begin with. If I went to their fictional worlds, I'd end up being the supportive friend providing guidance about having faith in the universe and trusting the process. I'm a sucker for the underdog, always have been. Probably why my last book was Demon Copperhead, and I loved it.
J.P. Zeigler
I wish I could decide, but instead of just picking something and reading, I have been wasting time trying to relocate a list of books I made awhile back when I was in the middle of reading Demon Copperhead. I believe I had come across a some interesting books and did a screenshot on my phone, but what I did after that, I have no clue. Notes on phone? Nope. Photos? Nope. I ended up scrolling waaaaaaayyyyyy back and totally went down a rabbit hole with that one. I have given up finding this list and now am trying to find "the one". I'm like this with selecting movies/shows on the weekends too. I have HBO quality taste, so I endlessly search and search. Help me!!! So what do you all recommend?
J.P. Zeigler
I suppose if one started writing about my life as a whole and started with where I am in life now and then immediately started writing about my early life (anything pre-30s), the mystery would be how I got here. I am a dreamer and have tons of perseverance, so that's what would be revealed.
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