Good morning, Jason, and welcome to Vision and Verse. What have you written?
Death: Book 1 in the Justice Cycle, and Dark Matter a short story in the Storming Area 51 Anthology by Bayonet Books.
What is your favorite genre to write?
I currently write Paranormal Urban Fantasy, but High Fantasy is my first love. I also write scripts and would like to collaborate with an author on a Manga or comic.
Favorite food.
Pizza and more Pizza
Tea or coffee?
Coffee
Pizza or ice cream?
That is a tuff one. I would have to say they are tied. Pizza is my favorite mealtime food and ice cream is my favorite desert.
Wine or beer or soda or what?
Soda, I don’t drink alcohol. Mountain Dew is still my go to, but I lived on Dr Pepper in college. Currently, I am trying to primarily drink water. Especially at mealtimes and during and after workouts.
Where would you like to visit?
I have always wanted to visit the British Isles. Especially Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. My daughter actually recently married a British gentleman,and they are living in Liverpool at the moment. Since she is there, that is currently my first priority to visit. Next would-be Japan. My parents are avid world travelers and they instilled in me a love of history and travel that has led to quite a strong wanderlust in me. So, I have a lot of places I want to visit.
Favorite musical artist.
It is a tie between John Williams and Jim Horner. I have always loved film scores and it is the primary form of music I listen to when writing. Lately, I have also been enamored with Hidden Citizens and Ruelle.
Do you listen to music when you write?
Absolutely! I actually can’t get into the mental groove without it. A lot of my author friends have commented on better ways for me to up my productivity, but without my music, I just can’t seem to get in the mood. I think it is because I see my writing as a movie in my head, and I need the music to accompany it to make it real for me.
What?
I have always loved film scores and it is the primary form of music I listen to when writing. Lately, I have also been enamored with Hidden Citizens and Ruelle.
What makes you laugh?
Almost anything. I laugh often, so it doesn’t take much. I like clean stand up comedy like Jim Gaffigan.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I conceptual art and animation, so anything in that vein. I am actually decorating my writing room and I am currently looking for a good painting of Ahsoka fighting Darth Maul from season 7 of the Clone Wars. I am not really into sculptures, and I don’t really have a favorite classical artist.
How old were you when you started writing?
I have been writing since I was a child, but I didn’t take it seriously until my children grew up. So about three years now.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I a pantser, so I just write. It does make the process slow at times, but it’s the only way that works for me. I have a set basic plot with story beats I want to hit, but that is it. For the rest of the story, I let the characters tell me how they are going to get there. It makes it more alive and exciting for me because I don’t necessarily know what is going to happen either.
Describe your perfect evening.
Wow, well that depends on the situation. I am pretty simple, so pizza and a good movie is my usual go to. I love hiking and watching the sunset from a mountain top as well, but that is something that is usually reserved for a select few people.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I am a Christian and I have had numerous experiences with the supernatural since I was young. It was those events that have given me the most inspiration. It is why I started out by writing Paranormal Fantasy, since such things are very real to me. No, I don’t believe in vampires, werewolves, or zombies;but Demons angels and the unseen realm are very real. It is in my faith and my life experiences that I find the lion’sshare of my inspiration.
Aside from life in general, I have always found a great amount of inspiration in stories. From oral works that have been passed down for generations, to modern films, comics, and literary works. I love them all and encourage myself on them as often as I can find time. Stories are what change us and help us understand the world around us. Authors such as JRR Tolkien, RA Salvatore, Stephen R Lawhead and CS Lewis, have always been an inspiration to me and their works have had the greatest impact on my writing.
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I usually put aside what I am working on and try working on something else, like a short story or blog post. I also find that watching Anime or reading others works, help me to get the creative juices flowing again. When I get excited about someone else’s story, I find that my brain kicks back into gear and the ideas start to flow again. Of course, as a pantser I am prone to writers block. In fact, it took me two weeks to get through chapter seven in my current WIP. Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to just keep hitting the wall until it breaks.
Who is your favorite author?
JRR Tolkien, but CS Lewis and RA Salvatore are close seconds.
Best book you ever read.
The Lord of the Rings, but Byzantium by Stephen R Lawhead is a close second.
Last book you read.
Skin Game: Book 15 of the Dresden Files
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
Well,I work with developmentally disabled people for the state of New York as my current day job. My heart’s desire other than writing, however, is to be an actor or voice actor. That is what my daughter does, and I would love to do that with her. Also, I am the son and grandson of ministers, so I am always working in the church and getting paid to do that would also be nice.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My parents. I know that is a cliche answer, but it really is true. They have always been there for me and supported me. I am a product of their teachings and how they raised me, so no one has impacted me more. Next, would have to be my children. As any parent will tell you, as soon as they open their wee lil eyes, your world is never the same.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
Well, that is a tuff one fore me. I am an avid history buff and actually went to school to be a history teacher before life took me in a different direction. I would have to say, the Apostle Paul. I would love to just sit and discuss the Word of God and philosophy with him. Of course, that will happen eventually. As far as fictional goes, I would love to hang out with Harry Dresden at Macs bar for a few hours.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Write and write often. It is the one thing most of us don’t do enough. The only way to grow and to succeed as a writer is to write. One of my good friends who works in the film industry, once told me that it isn’t the best who are succeeding, but rather, the people who do. So, be someone who does. That is the greatest advice I can give someone who wants to be a writer. Just write. Be someone who does.
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Author site and blog: www.jwkiefer.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/J-W-Kiefer/e/B08YX1CXNJ?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.kiefer1/
