Do you participate in writing challenges on social media? Do you recommend any?
Yes, I do. I may not always have the time to participate but I find it fun to be inspired by the prompts and the community of writers associated with the challenges. I write flash fiction with the #vss365 challenge. I participate in the #BornBattleReady poetry challenge. I also enjoy sharing my work in The Jam, which is a weekly space hosted by Mindset and LMDesigns on X.
What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
Since I am an indie writer, the hardest part is publicity. I am a husband and father. I have a full time job. So, time is a factor in getting my books noticed. I have conducted poetry workshops at libraries, attended book fairs, and other author events. Plus, I have a selection of different books so I don’t fit a specific category. When you are doing everything yourself, it is hard to get the word out for your books.
What books did you grow up reading?
Choose Your Own Adventure books! And Doctor Who books. But what I loved was the book fair in elementary school. I still have some of those books in my library. My kids have read a few of my Choose Your Own Adventure books. In junior high I started reading Stephen King. I was hooked and have read almost every book he has written.
What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?
In a way, self publishing my first fiction book, Under the Lights, was a risk that started my indie author adventure. Writing that book, then publishing it, sparked my longtime dream of being a writer. But I had let life get in the way. I had almost just given up on the dream. So going through the whole process sparked my spirit. I may not be a bestseller, but I am having fun being a writer.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
In fifth grade. I wrote a short story about an elf-like creature that haunted a man and persuaded him to kill the president. I seriously started writing poetry in seventh grade. Even as an adult, I found joy in maintaining a blog, which I have been sharing my personal insights for about 15 years. In one way, I’ve always been a writer.
How many hours a day do you write?
I write when I can. Sometimes I write once everyone is asleep at home. I take notes of my ideas in my phone or on post-it notes (which are everywhere on my desk). My family is great when I ask for time to write. They know how important it is for me to write.
Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
I do… but I have a specific playlist created for when I write. The songs have to have a little deeper lyrics and the music cannot be too hyper. No matter if I am writing a short story, a poem, or a blog post, I listen to that playlist.
8Have you used an app to borrow ebooks or audiobooks from the library?
I do. My library has a number of apps, but my favorite is Hoopla. The app has all kinds of media, audiobooks, CDs, TV shows, and more. But I love visiting the library to check out books. As a family we visit the library at least every two weeks.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Many of my ideas come from my walks. I try to walk everyday. Not so easy to do when winter hits, or the family is busy. Walking allows my thoughts to just wander or to focus on an idea that I had earlier. Inspiration can come from anywhere for me. Even this morning as my daughter and I walked to my classroom, the automated lights hadn’t activated so the hallway was dark, and I looked at her and said, “Wouldn’t it be crazy if all the lockers flew open, or even better started down at the end and moved toward us?”And now I have an idea for a short story… I love when inspiration hits like that.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Coffee… but if I get in the zone, I never drink it all… and that’s cool with me.
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Jamey Boelhower
-Greatness is an Everyday Thing