Featured Author: J. B. McCauley

[Stacey Blake]

 

1. Tell us about your latest book.

 

The King of Sunday Morning is different. It is a ‘Shakespearean Tragedy’ set in the modern world of dance music, DJs and gangsters. It is realistic, harsh, violent and unforgiving but at the same time tells a story of love that the ‘old bard’ would be proud of. It spans four continents, depicts drug smugglers in a whole new light and reveals what is needed to succeed in that world. Whilst no one in the book is derived from any one person, characters, characteristics, outcomes and inspirations are the product of a life well-lived.

 

2. Where did the idea for the book come from?

 

A long time ago I was a successful club DJ. I mixed with gangsters, celebrities, models, wannabes, has-beens, drug takers, drug dealers, music lovers, dancers, good guys, bad guys and everything that sits in between. My life has been a constantly evolving world of misadventure and the pursuit of the never ending dream. When I wrote the King of Sunday Morning, I wanted to write a book that depicted that world. A world that was not necessarily a portrayal of my life but a portrayal of what my life could have been.

 

3. Who and what inspire you to write?

 

Anything and everything inspires me. I am a retired music journalist, newspaper and radio reporter. Despite the very autocratic style needed in reporting, it taught me to value words. To give them air. I try to see the beauty in everything. To discover its being and then break it down to its essential parts and then rebuild it in my own image. I am like the scientists for the Bionic Man. I like to improve on that which we see by tinkering with the blueprint.

 

4. Each author has his or her own inspiring journey. How did you begin writing?

 

I began writing with a crayon and after my parents had managed to clean the living room wall and were confident that I would not move on to permanent markers, they allowed me to use a pen. From the moment I put pen to paper I have been enamored with the art. I love to tell a story, be it oral or written. Some people just have a lot of words. My fear is one day that I will run out.

 

5. What has been the most pleasant surprise about writing? How about an unexpected down side?

 

The most pleasant thing is seeing people who have never read a book before dip between the pages. If I can inspire one person to take up reading where before they could not be bothered then I have accomplished a great feet. An unexpected downside is that you really do open yourself up for ridicule even if it is not warranted. When I deserve it, I can cop it. When it is based on prejudice or ignorance I find it plain offensive.

 

6. Do you have any writing rituals?

 

No. I don’t have a timeline or designated time for writing although I do my best work at night.

 

7. Do you write your books in order?

 

I plan my books out in advance. I have a road map. I right the story in its entirety and then I go back and rework it until I am happy.

 

8. What is on your writing playlist for this book?

 

House Music, Soulful House. Jazz. No hard rock. No music to reminisce by. I want new fresh sounds although I try not to have it too loud as I don’t need the distraction.

 

9. Any favorite writing snacks?

 

Cheese & Bacon Crackers

 

10. What advice would you give writers who aspire to be published?

 

Toughen up. Trust your instincts. Don’t be a muppet. Don’t be a sucker. A lot of people will say they will help you. Very few will. Trust your judgment. You’re an author. You character assess people. You know when someone is talking BS so don’t tolerate it,

 

11. Are you working on anything new right now?

 

How to cure a headache whilst staring at a screen.

 

12. Who is your favorite character in your current book?

 

I love all the characters in this book. I hate some of them too. Some of the villains are downright scoundrels but you have to be invested in them to write about them. Their character still has to be nurtured and evolved. You can’t do that if you don’t respect them.

 

13. What is your favorite book of all time?

 

All The Presidents Men

 

14. Tell us in one sentence why we should read your book.

 

The King of Sunday Morning is the How to Guide to keeping friends, winning wars and getting back to the ones you love.