Today we have fantasy author J.C. Morrows with us. J.C. Morrows is the author of the best-selling YA dystopian series Order of the MoonStone and the new Frozen World series—a post-apocalyptic with a dystopian edge. J.C. spends her days writing, arguing with her evil computer, juggling two kids, and wishing someone would invent a coffee IV (don’t we all!).
Please join me in welcoming J.C. Morrows!
1) When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
It was not a conscious decision. I have been a storyteller my entire life. There was never a question of whether or not I wanted to be a writer. It was more out of necessity. The stories within had to have some sort of outlet – and that outlet was paper.
2) How do you write? What’s a normal writing day like for you?
I get up ridiculously early to write – which is never fun because I am not a morning person. I make coffee first. I’d like to take a moment here to shout out for the exceptional coffee maker I have . . . and for k-cups. If I had to measure out coffee, my mornings would be much more difficult.
3) Who are your books aimed at? If applicable: What are some of the challenges of writing for your audience?
I write for the Young Adult audience and there are quite a few challenges to it. The largest of which is that the scope of what is or is not appropriate for young adults has changed in tremendous ways over the last few years. Not only that – many adults also read young adult; which adds the challenge of making certain the story is also appealing to adults.
4) What is the one author, living or dead, who you would like to co-write a book with someday, and why?
Actually, Naomi Miller and I have been considering the idea of writing a collaboration . . . a sort of Amish Dystopian. It’s an intriguing idea!
5) Describe your feelings when you opened the box and saw the first published copies of your very first book?
I’m not sure there are words. It was the realization of a dream that I dared not voice for so many years, and then all but given up on due to rejection, lack of time, and self-doubt. Honestly, there are still days I worry it’s all been nothing but a dream that I will eventually wake from.
6) What are your hopes for your future as an author?
I hope to continue writing for many years, reaching new readers with each book/series. If I write for the next fifty years, I might actually get out a tenth of the stories in my head.
7) What inspired you to write?
God blessed me with the talent – a demanding and insistent taskmaster that refuses to let me get away with not writing.
8) What do you want readers to take away from your book?
Ultimately, my hope is that readers will see the exceptional message of salvation and how it can change your heart . . . your life . . . even your circumstances. My novels are written in such a way that non-Christian readers can enjoy them just as much as readers who only read CBA. They are not preachy in the slightest, but there is a strong thread of faith throughout each one and a subtle message of redemption is the backbone of every series.
9) In what ways does your faith impact how you approach writing?
I mentioned above that I write in such a way that either CBA or ABA readers can enjoy my books – however, because of my strong faith, I make certain that each book is as “clean” a read as possible.
10) What can you tell us about any future releases you have planned?
Well, book 5 of my Order of the MoonStone series is scheduled for release next spring and book 2 in the Frozen Earth series is scheduled for release next winter. Beyond that, I have ideas for so many other stories: dragons, aliens, time travel, space adventures . . . the list goes on forever.
11) Favorite season?
Winter . . . because . . . SNOW!
12) Do you have a particular drink or food you consume when you write? Like cocoa, raspberry tea, chocolate?
COFFEE! Chocolate when I’m on deadline.
13) Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
My life verse is Habakkuk 2:2 and I personally prefer the King James Version – “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”
14) What is your favorite thing you have ever written?
My absolute favorite so far is my alien abduction series. That series has so much more of me in it than any other series because it comes from a dream I experienced. I hope to see it published one day. It just isn’t ready at the moment.
15) Who would you most like to thank for their involvement in your writing career?
My mother – without her, I would likely never have finished my first novel. She has always been there for me in every way: encouraging and supporting,
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Thank you, J.C., for joining us today! Here is where you can find J.C. Morrows online:
Website: jcmorrows.com
Amazon: amazon.com/author/jcmorrows
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author
Instagram: instagram.com/jcmorrows
Twitter: twitter.com/JCMorrows
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jcmorrows/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JC.Morrows.Author
Thank you for the opportunity to appear on this exceptional blog. It is a great honor.
Blessings!
~JC
It was our pleasure!