Interview with J.W. Nicklaus, Author of The Light, The Dark, & Ember Between
Dorothy Thompson
March 22, 2009
J.W. Nicklaus resides in a place not entirely fit for human habitation about five months of the year. No pets to speak of, only the apparitions from which all romantics suffer.
An Arizona native, he´s been from one coast to the other, and a few places in between. College brought an AA in Journalism with a minor in Photography, and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications. His work experience has run the gamut from Creative Director for a small advertising firm in Tucson to a litigation support bureau in Phoenix (and assuredly some awkward stuff in the mix).
Snow has been featured prominently in his stories, perhaps because of the seasonless climate he lives in. Nature was meant to be enjoyed and experienced, not hidden from the senses. So to that end, he hopes someday to live amongst those who are able to live through four true seasons, and not just blast furnace and warm.
He enjoys the occasional Arizona Diamondbacks game with his son, as well as watching him grow up. The experience of being a single dad has taught him far more about himself than he ever thought possible.
Within the expanse of every waking moment, he hopes his guardian angel keeps its arms open wide and heart ever watchful, for there but for one true Hope goes She.
We interviewed J.W. to find out more about his new book, The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between, and his remarkable life as a published author.
Thank you for this interview, J.W. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between is all about?
In one word: Hope. I assure you there´s a lot more to it, but that´s the common thread. It´s a collection of short stories told from various facets of our human need and desire for the slightest shard of Hope. Stories about love lost, love remembered, love taught, and even some of the deeper threads which sometimes unexpectedly tug at our hearts.
Can you tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your book?
It was largely inspired by my life experiences. Mind you, I´m not saying they´re stories about my life. Simply that they are parables relating to different aspects of life which we all encounter. Some of us are blessed to have others, whether family or friends, to fill our lives with all manner of fulfilling things—not the least of which is love. Others of us try to find those same moments, grasping at fleeting wisps of meaning and emotion, and in many cases fall witness to ashes lying at our feet. What striking about all of us is our human need to retain hope—not by degrees, but in totality. This collection of short stories is, in many regards, about all of us.
Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?
I did a fair amount of research on publishers, and even some agents, well before finally deciding to pursue publication. I sent out a number of what I called "tester" letters, notes designed to test the waters, to get a feel for what reception (if any) I may get. I received replies from a few parties, but the majority were one-way only; I never heard back from those.
So I did some more research, looking for a publisher that had a working relationship with their authors, and not solely interested in making a buck, or worse yet, fleecing the author. I sent out my initial manuscript to three different houses and eventually chose my current publisher. They´ve been terrific to work with throughout the process.
How has American Book Publishing been to work with?
Research and a gut feeling—two factors which led to my selecting ABP to publish my first collection of short stories. If ever I encountered a bump in the process the staff were always quick to respond and always helpful as the inevitable questions arose. My editor was wonderful. I can´t speak well enough of her concise attention to detail and patience throughout the editing process. I came to rely upon, and genuinely trust her judgment and experience.
When it came time for cover design I couldn't have asked for a more flexible group of folks. Through my rejection of the first cover, the second was much more relevant to the material and changes were made based upon my feedback. I find the cover much more appealing and enticing as a result.
Do you have an agent?
Not at this time. I´m certainly not the least bit against having one for future endeavors, but I felt the time was right to get this book out through my own efforts. It has enabled be to learn more about publishing than I may have possibly been exposed to before.
Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book and also how long it took from the time American Book Publishing sent the contract and the time it was released?
The stories were written over the span of about five, no more than seven years. I initially wrote them just for the sake of writing them. I´d share them once in a while and was always surprised by how positive the feedback was. Once I got the contract it has taken approximately two years to get to release date.
Do you have any words of inspiration for other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?
"Dream" is the first thing that comes to mind. Without that you have little motivation to push forward when events to go our way. "Persevere" would be the second. Reading about love, or hope, or even reading short stories, isn´t everybody´s cup of tea. If you have the dream, then know that there will be somebody out there who will consider your efforts worthwhile. Just because it may not be considered "commercial enough" doesn´t mean it isn´t worthy of attention.
Last, but certainly not least, "Believe". Have confidence in your story, in your desire to make a difference in someone´s life. These three attributes interlock and are dependent upon each other. You might be amazed at how they can pull you through.
I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in April via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?
The internet was once a novelty, a nebulous presence for those who cared to dabble in its electronic medium. Today it´s arguably a necessity. We rely on it to find information on everything: movie times, breaking news, how-to articles, car (or book) reviews, recipes, shopping. The list is endless. We spend more time online than ever. More people are writing or reading blogs as well. It has been my experience that people who love to write and read spend an almost unhealthy amount of time browsing around the web. Doing a virtual book tour seems completely natural. It may not be boringly common, and I hope it doesn´t get that way, but it opens up and offers exposure to people like myself to a whole variety of people who may never come to know of me, or other authors. It provides a measure of expediency while also allowing for some degree of intimacy with the writer. I´m looking to be introduced to a whole new community of people who are curious enough about my writing to become engaged with me. We write so we can touch people . . . the virtual book tour seems custom made for that very purpose.
What´s next for you?
Lots and lots of promotion. I´ll be busy signing and speaking wherever I can. I´m interested in doing interviews of all sorts, even internet radio interviews. Getting out and meeting people is something I look forward to, shaking hands and seeing smiles.
Once things settle down I´ll get back to work on that novel I´ve had in the works for a few years. Having said that, I´d bet big that my work on it will be interrupted quite a few times by the need to write another short story. Who knows, perhaps I´ll be talking to you down the road about another collection!
Thank you for this interview, J.W. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?
It has been an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to speak with you! Anyone wishing to find out a little more about me can visit my blog at avomnia.wordpress.com, or my web site at www.avomnia.com. I answer all e-mail I get, so if you´re compelled to drop me a few words then please do. I also respond to comments left on my blog. And certainly check for The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or PDBookstore.com. Keep an eye on my site as I´m hoping to be able to set it up so those wishing to purchase a signed copy can easily do so!
You can visit J.W. Nicklaus' website at www.avomnia.com.
An Arizona native, he´s been from one coast to the other, and a few places in between. College brought an AA in Journalism with a minor in Photography, and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications. His work experience has run the gamut from Creative Director for a small advertising firm in Tucson to a litigation support bureau in Phoenix (and assuredly some awkward stuff in the mix).
Snow has been featured prominently in his stories, perhaps because of the seasonless climate he lives in. Nature was meant to be enjoyed and experienced, not hidden from the senses. So to that end, he hopes someday to live amongst those who are able to live through four true seasons, and not just blast furnace and warm.
He enjoys the occasional Arizona Diamondbacks game with his son, as well as watching him grow up. The experience of being a single dad has taught him far more about himself than he ever thought possible.
Within the expanse of every waking moment, he hopes his guardian angel keeps its arms open wide and heart ever watchful, for there but for one true Hope goes She.
We interviewed J.W. to find out more about his new book, The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between, and his remarkable life as a published author.
Thank you for this interview, J.W. Can you tell us briefly what your latest book, The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between is all about?
In one word: Hope. I assure you there´s a lot more to it, but that´s the common thread. It´s a collection of short stories told from various facets of our human need and desire for the slightest shard of Hope. Stories about love lost, love remembered, love taught, and even some of the deeper threads which sometimes unexpectedly tug at our hearts.
Can you tell us who or what was the inspiration behind your book?
It was largely inspired by my life experiences. Mind you, I´m not saying they´re stories about my life. Simply that they are parables relating to different aspects of life which we all encounter. Some of us are blessed to have others, whether family or friends, to fill our lives with all manner of fulfilling things—not the least of which is love. Others of us try to find those same moments, grasping at fleeting wisps of meaning and emotion, and in many cases fall witness to ashes lying at our feet. What striking about all of us is our human need to retain hope—not by degrees, but in totality. This collection of short stories is, in many regards, about all of us.
Is this your first published book and if so, can you tell us your experiences in finding a publisher for it?
I did a fair amount of research on publishers, and even some agents, well before finally deciding to pursue publication. I sent out a number of what I called "tester" letters, notes designed to test the waters, to get a feel for what reception (if any) I may get. I received replies from a few parties, but the majority were one-way only; I never heard back from those.
So I did some more research, looking for a publisher that had a working relationship with their authors, and not solely interested in making a buck, or worse yet, fleecing the author. I sent out my initial manuscript to three different houses and eventually chose my current publisher. They´ve been terrific to work with throughout the process.
How has American Book Publishing been to work with?
Research and a gut feeling—two factors which led to my selecting ABP to publish my first collection of short stories. If ever I encountered a bump in the process the staff were always quick to respond and always helpful as the inevitable questions arose. My editor was wonderful. I can´t speak well enough of her concise attention to detail and patience throughout the editing process. I came to rely upon, and genuinely trust her judgment and experience.
When it came time for cover design I couldn't have asked for a more flexible group of folks. Through my rejection of the first cover, the second was much more relevant to the material and changes were made based upon my feedback. I find the cover much more appealing and enticing as a result.
Do you have an agent?
Not at this time. I´m certainly not the least bit against having one for future endeavors, but I felt the time was right to get this book out through my own efforts. It has enabled be to learn more about publishing than I may have possibly been exposed to before.
Can you tell us how long it took you to write your book and also how long it took from the time American Book Publishing sent the contract and the time it was released?
The stories were written over the span of about five, no more than seven years. I initially wrote them just for the sake of writing them. I´d share them once in a while and was always surprised by how positive the feedback was. Once I got the contract it has taken approximately two years to get to release date.
Do you have any words of inspiration for other writers who would like to be wearing your shoes?
"Dream" is the first thing that comes to mind. Without that you have little motivation to push forward when events to go our way. "Persevere" would be the second. Reading about love, or hope, or even reading short stories, isn´t everybody´s cup of tea. If you have the dream, then know that there will be somebody out there who will consider your efforts worthwhile. Just because it may not be considered "commercial enough" doesn´t mean it isn´t worthy of attention.
Last, but certainly not least, "Believe". Have confidence in your story, in your desire to make a difference in someone´s life. These three attributes interlock and are dependent upon each other. You might be amazed at how they can pull you through.
I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in April via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?
The internet was once a novelty, a nebulous presence for those who cared to dabble in its electronic medium. Today it´s arguably a necessity. We rely on it to find information on everything: movie times, breaking news, how-to articles, car (or book) reviews, recipes, shopping. The list is endless. We spend more time online than ever. More people are writing or reading blogs as well. It has been my experience that people who love to write and read spend an almost unhealthy amount of time browsing around the web. Doing a virtual book tour seems completely natural. It may not be boringly common, and I hope it doesn´t get that way, but it opens up and offers exposure to people like myself to a whole variety of people who may never come to know of me, or other authors. It provides a measure of expediency while also allowing for some degree of intimacy with the writer. I´m looking to be introduced to a whole new community of people who are curious enough about my writing to become engaged with me. We write so we can touch people . . . the virtual book tour seems custom made for that very purpose.
What´s next for you?
Lots and lots of promotion. I´ll be busy signing and speaking wherever I can. I´m interested in doing interviews of all sorts, even internet radio interviews. Getting out and meeting people is something I look forward to, shaking hands and seeing smiles.
Once things settle down I´ll get back to work on that novel I´ve had in the works for a few years. Having said that, I´d bet big that my work on it will be interrupted quite a few times by the need to write another short story. Who knows, perhaps I´ll be talking to you down the road about another collection!
Thank you for this interview, J.W. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your new book?
It has been an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to speak with you! Anyone wishing to find out a little more about me can visit my blog at avomnia.wordpress.com, or my web site at www.avomnia.com. I answer all e-mail I get, so if you´re compelled to drop me a few words then please do. I also respond to comments left on my blog. And certainly check for The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or PDBookstore.com. Keep an eye on my site as I´m hoping to be able to set it up so those wishing to purchase a signed copy can easily do so!
You can visit J.W. Nicklaus' website at www.avomnia.com.
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