TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:    JASON MORGAN 

(J. Lloyd Morgan)

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing? 

I grew up in Utah, but have lived all over the USA. After 7 years in Connecticut, we moved to North Carolina, where we plan on staying for a good, long time. I have been a TV director (primarily of newscasts, talk shows, and public events). What do I do now? Only the shadow (and my boss) knows. 

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

I'd have to say a combo of both. I enjoy spending time alone--hence a lot of hours in front of a keyboard writing. While I don't seek out large groups or events, I can be quite the outgoing person. I've enjoyed giving author talks and hope to do more in the future. 

Do you have any pets? 

With 4 daughters, I have enough little things running around the house as it is--so no, no pets. However, when it was just my wife and I, she brought home the smallest puppy on planet Earth. He was a terrier-poodle mix (or "ter-a-poo"). Since he was so little, I decided he needed a big name, so I called him Armageddon.   We nicked-named him "Argy". 

What are your favorite books to read?

 Primarily Sci-Fi and Fantasy books. I do enjoy a good techno-thriller time and again. I also really enjoyed "The Work and the Glory" series which was historical fiction. 

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

Probably the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. I was able to visit the ruins of Chichen Itza. The Castillo there was actually an inspiration for part of the sequel to The Hidden Sun.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

My family, by far. I have the best wife and most wonderful daughters. I've won awards for different things in my life, but nothing compares to seeing my daughters make good choices and lead good lives. 

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?

The Hidden Sun is actually my first book, and the one that is published. The sequel, called The Waxing Moon is written and in the final editing stages. I'm about 14,000 words into my third book. (For reference, the other two books are roughly 100,000 words each)

 Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

Actually, it's hard to pin down which genre The Hidden Sun belongs to. It's set in Medieval times, but there isn't any magic nor non-human characters in the story. I've heard it described as action / adventure / romance / political intrigue.  I did write a short story recently for a contest which was fantasy--and I may flush it out to a full blown novel one day. 

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

I'm a combo of both. I plot out the characters, setting, and basic outline. Now this next part is may sound strange. From there, I put the characters in the setting with a general idea where they are headed. However, I'm surprised time and again which path they take. I think by doing it that way, it helps the characters come alive--which I've heard from readers is something they have really liked about my writing. 

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

Oh, goodness. Rejections are part of the publishing world. I see it like a marriage. It's a big commitment, and not everyone you ask out is going to want to marry you. I have certain authors and genres I like to read, and it is the same for everyone. Just because someone doesn't like your work, doesn't mean it's necessarily bad. I did have one agent tell me she liked my work--and if I added more swearing and sex scenes, she would represent me. I was one that did the rejecting there. 

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?

I have to set time aside to write.  I wish I had the freedom to write when to mood struck, but my life as of the moment is too busy. What's the saying? "I have too many hands on my time." 

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it. 

The Waxing Moon takes place four years after The Hidden Sun. It's much more of an adventure novel than the first one. The primary character is a minor (but interesting) character from The Hidden Sun. I really don't want to give too much away, because it will spoil the fun and surprises in the book. 

Out of all the books you’ve written and the characters you’ve created, which is your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Abrecan--the antagonist in The Hidden Sun. Why? Well, he's just such a jerk. I've had many readers tell me how much they really dislike him--some going as far as wanting to reach into the pages and strangle him themselves. Anytime you can cause an emotional response like that in a reader, I think that is saying something.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?

I'd say four things.  #1 Don't give up.  #2 Put on a thick skin. #3 Keep an open mind. #4 Don't give up. (Yeah, 1 and 4 are the same--but it is important)

What's up next for you and your writing?

Goals for this year are to get The Waxing Moon published and the first draft of the third book in the series completed.

 Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?

Yes, thank you for taking the time to read this! Oh, and buy a copy of The Hidden Sun. It's by far the best book every written by someone named J. Lloyd Morgan.

 Where can we read more about you and your work?

My website is http://www.thehiddensun.com/  

There is a link to my blog from there (which I update twice a week) as well as reviews, and a section called "behind the secrets" of The Hidden Sun--which you should only read *after* you have read the book.

Jason, thank you so much for sharing more about yourself and your work.  Best wishes on your upcoming release!