Spotlight Interview with Author Jamie Hall

Q1: Thanks for participating in our Authors.com Spotlight Interview series Jamie! Please introduce yourself and your book to help our readers get to know you.
A: My given name is Jamie Ian Hall.  It's the perfect, "mom is mad" name.  Just say it in a mom screaming from the bottom of the stairs voice and you'll understand my childhood a bit better. 

My book is called 7 Deadly Women.  Quite simply put, it's a whimsical tale about women, dating and disaster.  

Q2: Please explain how you came to be a writer, what inspired you to write your book(s) and how long it took. 
A: I have written my whole life.  I knew I wanted to write a book when I watched Back to the Future and saw the joy that George McFly experienced when getting his first box of books.  I remember wanting that kind of euphoric happiness.

I wrote this book after experiencing many a dating disaster.  All those relationships inspired me to put pen to page.  The book took me almost exactly a year to write.  I finished the first draft at The Strat in Vegas.

Q3: What did you enjoy most about creating this book? 
A. I most enjoyed getting my frustrations with the game of dating out on the page.  It was therapeutic.  No one can ever just go up to someone and say "I like you".  It's all such a ridiculous process.  I found writing about it, truly enjoyable.

Q4: What facets of your life, both personal and professional, are  woven into your book, if any?  
A. I wrote the main character as a womanizing, addictive personality that works in clubs because, people often expect this of me given my profession as a club promoter/brand manager.

Q5. How did you get published?

A. I have a friend at a literary house who has worked on the project with me and iUniverse in hopes of more work in the future.

Q6: Did you have any surprises or hiccups along the way during the  book writing and/or publishing process?
A. I find the process of editing, deeply frustrating.  It almost seems like, this part of the work will never be done.  No matter what, I can always find an error.  One editor is enough.  Everyone has an opinion in terms of grammar and style.  I want to deliver a Rock Bottom when one editor corrects an issue, then the next wants to return to the original form.

Q7: What one thing did you wish you'd known before you started this project? 
A. Most authors tell me it's easier to write while drinking and drunk.  Had I known, I may have taken up drinking.  

Q8: You're a fly on the wall when readers are discussing your book.   What would you hope to hear them say about it?
A. I love this Jason character.  I hate this Jason character.  Ok, I love him again.  F*cking Jason, what a douche.

Q9: Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know or  would surprise them. 
A. Most people don't know that I finished the first draft of 7 Deadly Women over a few weeks at The Strat in my second home, Vegas.  Everyday after doing some writing, I would take a walk to grab some lunch.  Along the way I would engage in conversation with a jeweller that custom cut words on rings.  We spoke about the book daily.

On that final day, when the last period was placed, I took my usual walk.  Excited about the finale, the jeweller wanted to help me commemorate the finished product.  7 Deadly Women was too long to cut so he asked me, "what's the main character's favorite word?"  

This is why I wear a ring that says ... F*CK.

Q10: What single piece of advice would you give new authors?
A. Take your time and don't worry about form or style in the beginning.  Just write the story.  The technical stuff can be fixed later.  That's why you have an editor.

Q11: Share a short summary of a typical day in your life with us please. 
A. I have no typical days.  I work in nightclubs and lounges, have worked on Mayoral campaigns as well as the Obama campaign.  I've done TV and hosted at some of my city's largest events.  I've moved on a whim, vacationed for months, been rich, poor and jumped out of planes.  I do what I feel like doing when I wake up.  One thing is for sure my typical day never ends, as I don't really sleep.

Q12:  Describe where you do most of your writing. What would I see if I was sitting beside you?
A. I do most of my writing in bed, on my MacBook Pro while drinking 2% milk, and eating chocolate almonds.  Second to that, would be in Vegas with the same products of nourishment.

Q13: What's your motto or favorite quote you like to live by?

A. Conquer fear, conquer life—it's tattooed on my forearms.  One of my biggest fears growing up, was failing.  My book could suck.  I could be a laughing stock in my city.  However, I can't conquer the fear of failing without doing something that puts me out there.  Here ... we ... go ...

Q14: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us in closing such as your website, an imminent book launch or what you're working on presently? 
A. I guess I'll do the promo thing and plug my website, projectsbyjamie.com.  There you will find plenty of wonderful Jamie details.  Currently, I am working on peddling my words to the masses.

Authors.com profile: http://www.authors.com/profile/JamieHall

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