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Ty Jones Interview

Ty Jones

The Indie Book Butler Interview.

Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.

Ty Jones: How can I introduce myself to the writing world? Here’s a synopsis of Ty Jones. Very tenacious writer from Long Island City but moved to Westchester County with a vivid imagination. I’m an avid writer and my therapeutic right hand doesn’t disappoint me. With my first book “See Thy Winner: Hardships and Successes of Winning in a Mystified World” encapsulates on defining your own worth without society dictating how to live your life. I’m highly motivated and I hope my works enlighten others.

IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?

TJ: You want to become a winner, this must-read will boost your confidence; integrity will make you a new person.

IBB: Where do you like to write?

TJ: I do not have a specific space per se because it depends on my energy, mood, and where my mind travels. Recently, I moved and I must say the attic. However, it can be on the subway, the bus, at Starbucks. Any place, where I can get comfortable within my own personal space.

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

TJ: Yes depending on what I am writing about. Music makes me cognizant on dealing with fiction and self-help book material. Also depending on the day because at night requires coffee and silence. This allows me to process my thoughts clearer to the paper or computer.

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

TJ: Too many books have influenced me as a person and as an author. I like to say it varies. I like Amy Morin’s book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Her book was part of the vehicle towards my decision to go for my Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree. I also enjoyed Keith K.L. Belvin’s From Gigolo to Jesus book because I really love how the story introduces me to his psyche. I love books that spark an interest to the point of reading them multiple times.

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

TJ: I will say train myself as an editor and as a proof-reader. These skills require being detail-oriented and self-awareness. I’m prideful of my work and I can be my own worst critic. Proofreading my own work assists in how I structure my writing process whether fiction or nonfiction. The ultimate goal is to advocate my own words because I know my writing process the best.

IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?See Thy Winner Cover copy

TJ: Two things: expand my genres and establish my publishing business. I have a unique writing flair in which I can delve into different book genres and I like to explore writing mystery, children books, and self-help books, and so on. Writing is an endless journey. Also, my other achievement I want to pursue is establishing my publishing/writing business as an author to elevate my writing to the next level. I know my audience and I can reach many readers. This will also introduce other writers for their stories to be heard and showcase to their readers.

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

TJ: I haven’t received any reviews yet and I’m looking forward to it. I am open to any reviews. I have a thick skin so I’m not phased by a person giving “their truth” and/or opinion.

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

TJ: Good question, the struggle with the writing process entails constructing paragraphs and formatting. I learned it the hard way, I use to start writing from the top and it was a frustrating experience. I saw one mistake after another. To correct the process, I chopped it into small sections and start where I find feasible instead of starting from chapter one. I also struggled with marketing; it’s a headache because this is my first book and so many books pop up daily. Marketing can also make or break your motivation as a writer.

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

TJ: My writing improves daily, actually it was my worst as a kid. As my writing progresses, my writing style and my thoughts became compatible involuntary muscles. I read daily to improve how I introduce topics. I have an intriguing writing style that improves daily and attracts others. I also exercise to get the muscles flowing and proofreading my work. Proofreading improves my writing style by finding errors. I take my writing seriously from my books to sending emails because words matter.

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

TJ: Great question, there must be an understanding for a synergy of getting a project to emerge. The editor needs to relate to the author’s voice while the author needs to relate to the editor’s insight. These roles can’t have egos. I can see it from both lenses. Since I play both roles, developing the book requires a specific conceptualization and imagery and rewriting requires proofreading and making candid revisions.

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

TJ: For the lovers: Thank you, I have more material on my writing war chest.

For the haters: Thank you, keep reading *wink*

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

TJ: I give very little advice because energy supersedes words. However, I will say be your own advocate. People can be “honest” by changing who you are but only you know what is best for you. You are an author, you write your own story and you open/close your story to begin a new journey whenever you are ready.

IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?

TJ: My future in writing transcends just putting thoughts into the computer/paper. This requires enhancing my life to extend assistance to others. I like to heal people with my writings. Nurturing a person’s compass is an objective. I am content with my writing talents and able to touch many lives. Ultimately, I want to start my own publishing business by hiring other prolific writers.

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

TJ: Enticing cover arts take a lot of imagination to bring the book to life. I will have vivid ideas in my head and I will sketch a sample road map of how the cover will look. I also self-taught photography skills which amplified the cover art for my first book. I took the photo of the eyes and sent it to the book designer. I explained the details behind the picture and the book designer did the rest of the work. I might need to create some of the book cover arts but the idea is in the air.

IBB: How often do you read? What genre?

TJ: On a daily basis, I read because it’s a habit for me. I may generate an idea for my writing process or conversation. Genres are pretty flexible as long as they are interesting and sparks my interest

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…

TJ: Certainly, want to name-drop Q the Question from Philly. He’s amazing with marketing and promotion plus his book “The Secret to Speaking Spanish Fluently in Less Than a Year” is a must. Also, Britbratgfx for the awesome book covers, she makes great quality work. I enjoy many independent authors including myself that need recognition and support. Most importantly, authors who are not scared of stepping out of the box and create their own writing journey.

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

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