Inside the Mind - Jeremy Simons

I’ve always loved writing and making up stories, probably since I learned to write. Of course, back then, I never seemed to stick to the same subject long enough to actually finish anything.

My latest book is still in the works. I’ve had an idea for a while that was inspired by Stephen King’s Needful Things. It started out that way anyway. And somehow it now includes a shapeshifter. I’ll be honest. I’ve kind of hit a wall with it when it comes to numerous plot points and elements. I love the shapeshifter idea and several of the scenes, but it doesn’t really fit with the theme that I started out following.

It depends. Names often come to me at random. I very rarely put in names that are familiar to me. However, I do love sprinkling in certain characteristics and personality traits from people I know or have met, whether it be friends, family, loved ones, or even the ones that I don’t care for or like (they’re usually the villains or the victims haha).

Honestly, I’ve been slacking of late with a 4 month old baby, a new position at work, and some unforeseen circumstances. Typically, I write in a Google Doc or the Notes app on my phone, so I can have the ability to write anytime throughout the day when I get a break. I try to get 1,000 words a day, which means I spend a lot of late night and early morning hours toiling away while the family sleeps.

The most rewarding part has definitely been meeting so many unique characters along the way, including other authors, editors, publishers, readers, fans, book cover designers, promoters, etc. I’ve never been a very sociable person but have made several lifelong friends that I’ve never met in real life. The support has been unreal and unshakeable even on my worst days.

Definitely publishing. I’ve always aspired to be a commercially published author (I’m still working on it). Take that first step into the indie world was definitely the hardest. And for all of the close friends I’ve encountered, there is probably an equal number of the ones always causing drama or stirring the pot, dishonest people, liars, thieves, and scammers. It’s been a tough journey and definitely not for the weak. My biggest issue is that I never seem to have the time or money to edit, proofread, format, write a synopsis, create covers, promotional materials, and then nonstop promoting after publishing the final project. Maybe someday I can invest more time in it, but unfortunately, it doesn’t pay the bills right now.

Google Docs for sure. And Canva for promotional materials and mock covers. But at the same time, nothing beats a notebook and a great pen.

This question is such a double-edged sword to me because my advice might seem contradictory. I’ll always tell them to write what they know. That has to be the most important aspect. I know research has become so much easier with the internet, but it can also be tricky on an unknown subject. You don’t want to sound too generic or blather on about insignificant details just because you think they may be relevant or people won’t understand what you’re trying to convey. Write for yourself. It sounds simple, but once you start to grow an audience, you speak to readers, fans, and even other authors. You’re going to have negative reviews and rejections. But if you want to get better, you have to improve. You have to listen to advice and constructive criticism. But you have to be careful. There’s a fine line between incorporating the advice and/or criticism and losing your own distinctive voice entirely. And you have to have thick skin. There’s always going to be negativity, some warranted and some mean just for the sake of being mean. There’s going to be rejections. There’s going to be times when you might feel like giving up. Don’t. You didn’t put in the effort of having your voice heard if you lack courage.

1. The short answer … I don’t handle it very well (haha). But in all seriousness, I’ve had a book signing at my local library. I’ve did several author interviews much like this one. I used to do takeovers on other authors’ pages or in their Facebook groups (I don’t even know if they’re a thing anymore). I use Twitter and Facebook mostly. I have a Goodreads account but have never used it much. I’m working on learning Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, but I just turned 40 (I’m an old man now 🤣🤣🤣). Promoting is one of my shortcomings. I have ADHD and my focus is all over the place most of the time. Unfortunately, promoting is not one of my favorite things to do and I tend to lose interest quickly. I also suffer from depression, social anxiety, and general anxiety. Interacting with people, whether it be in person or on social media, can drain me completely (but I’m working on it).

Yes. I mentioned the book about the shapeshifter. I’m thinking of setting it aside for a little while and start editing. I have numerous completed novels just waiting to be published, so please stay tuned.