Summer of Zombie Blog Post #2 - Interview with James Cook

JAMES COOK SUMMER OF ZOMBIE BLOG TOUR

What inspired your new release?

I wanted to explore the psychological aspect of what happens to the two main characters in the wake of the zombie outbreak. The strain of it, the weight of their decisions, and the trauma that fighting and killing inflicts on the human mind. I also wanted to take the plot beyond just a survival story and weave it into the larger tapestry of world events. In Warrior Within, the two main characters begin to understand what their role will be in a large, imminent conflict. The story delves into not only how this affects the characters, but how it affects the people in the characters’ lives.

Tell us about any WIPs you have

I’m currently working on a standalone novel set in the Surviving the Dead universe. I am co-authoring it with Joshua Guess—author of the Living With the Dead series—and we expect it to be released sometime in July.

How many people ask you to read their books?

I used to get quite a number of requests, but in the last year or so, people have stopped asking. I get the impression that there is sort of an unwritten rule against doing so these days.

In a word sum up your writing style

Direct.

Do you have a character you enjoyed writing the most?

Lincoln Great Hawk. He is a new character introduced in Warrior Within. He’s a Navy SEAL of Apache descent, and is a ruthless, cold-blooded killer. Thankfully, he’s on the main characters’ side. His role in WW is a small one, but he will become very important in future novels.

Is there a genre you would like to try?

I have plans to write a dark urban fantasy series titled Jeremiah Cain: Vampire Hunter, and a traditional fantasy series titled Gladiator of Corsryn. I’d also like to dip my toes in the military or supernatural thriller waters, but I have a lot on my plate for the time being. That might have to wait.

Could you live without coffee?

I had to give up coffee. High blood pressure. I won’t lie, it’s been hard. But I’m managing.

Tell us one of your favorite jokes

Every circle of friends has that one person in it that’s a douchebag. When that person isn’t around, everyone else kind of looks at each other and whispers, “Why do we hang out with that person? He/she is a fucking douchebag.” And if you’re sitting there thinking to yourself, my circle of friends doesn’t really have anyone like that, then guess what, genius. You’re the douchebag.

What's your favorite thing about the writing process?

Being at home. I always hated office work. Now that I’m a full-time writer, I get to decide when, where, and how much I will work. My living room is a pretty great place to spend the day.

Three facts about you

I have a bachelor’s degree in finance from UNC Charlotte.

I hate broccoli with the fury of a thousand suns.

I once hit an opossum with a wiffle-ball bat. (It was threatening my Chihuahua.)

Would you rather have fame or fortune?

Fortune. Fame is for insecure Hollywood debutants whose parents didn’t love them enough. They can have it. I like my privacy.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert. I hate crowds. Extroverted people make me a little stabby.

Your thoughts on Self Publishing

I think ebooks, print on demand, and audiobooks are the future of publishing. There are a lot of great resources out there now for people who want to self-publish. Amazon, obviously, is leading the way on this. I don’t think traditional publishing is going away altogether, but the publishing houses that want to survive—and compete with Amazon—are going to have to change the way they do business. Drastically.

Your favorite type of music

I like lots of different music, but Heavy Metal will always hold a special place in my heart. When I was twelve, my cousin gave me a bootleg copy of Metallica’s Master of Puppets. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Your favorite quote

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.

-Mark Twain

Anything you would like to say to the aspiring authors reading this blog?

Keep at it, don’t quit, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Most importantly, never stop trying to improve your craft. If you’re not trying to get better, you’re getting worse.