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JRR Tokin Interview

Tokin

The Indie Book Butler Interview.

Indie Book Butler: Hi, JRR, and welcome to the Book Butler. You’ve got twenty words to entice us to read your book(s). What would you say?

JRR Tokin: The funniest story since “The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. It’s Cheech and Chong meets The Lord of the Rings.

IBB: Where do you like to write?

JRRT: In my den.

IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?

JRRT: Cannabis relaxes me and affords me the ability to write my story, be funnier, and helps me ignore the pain caused by a genetic disorder that I suffer from.

IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

JRRT: The Lord of the Rings, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Tarzan of the Apes, Roots.

IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?

JRRT: Friends.

IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

JRRT: I would love to see my story come to life on the big screen.

IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?

JRRT: Yes, here is a link. REVIEW

IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?

JRRT: The whole self-publishing thing was hugely disappointing. In the end, it felt like I was doing most of the work and still paying others to simply tell me what to do next.

IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?

JRRT: I see everything happening as I write it. I also sculpt the characters in my story so as to “see” them as I write their dialogue. I also apply the personalities of people I have known to my characters. I think this makes them more genuine and believable even though they are not human.

IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

JRRT: The editor should be familiar with the story, the author’s style, and the direction in which the story will follow/is going. This way the editor can better advise the author (as a reader who is familiar with the characters and such). The editor should enjoy the story so as to be able to tell the author when he/she/other is losing the reader’s interest, or confusing the reader. The Author should take every edit with a grain of salt and not be offended, but must also respect and accept the advice that the editor gives. 2 heads are better than one in most cases. It’s nice working with someone who is interested in and motivated by the story. Editors can make for great mentors.

IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?cover-front

JRRT: Hates – Sorry. Maybe try something different. Good luck.

Loves – I am happy that I made you laugh. I hope you found a pleasant escape through my story and my characters.

IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?

JRRT: Write what you know. Write how you feel. Shed tears at the computer, rage, laugh, channel your worst fears. Be brave. Just let it all out. It makes for sincere and genuine words and stories.

IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?

JRRT: I have 2 more books in my Trilogy that are already written. This trilogy is a standalone story that does continue in a 6 part series. The trilogy DOES offer closure to the story, but if the readers like the characters there will be 6 more books that will cover the origin stories of those characters. I am also working on an encyclopedia of my world, and a final epic novel to end the whole saga, and give it a final closure. I already have another idea for a science fiction/fantasy series called “The Man From Tomorrow”.

IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

JRRT: I paint my own covers.

IBB: How often do you read? What genre?

JRRT: I actually don’t read much these days. I am too busy caring for a pack of wolves, writing my own stories, sculpting, painting my book covers, creating works of art to gift my hard-core fans with, and promoting my book/s.

IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

A: JRRT: In a world of fast food, music with little to no substance, plastic people, and disposable “art”, there can be found rare talents if one goes looking. I found a fantastic poet/singer/songwriter named Jon Gomm. he is officially the world’s BEST acoustic guitarist, and his lyrics are beautiful and rich. @jongomm (I highly recommend “Passionflower” for your first listen).

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.

For more on JRR and his work, please visit:

Website

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Publisher

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