Frankie Jones
Frankie Jones
By J.R. Klein Publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing PlatformISBN 1532782462
ANSI 1532782462
Published in Action & Adventure, Fiction, Romance,Synopsis
Frankie Jones is searching for something—something elusive.
Abandoned as an infant by his father, orphaned after his mother died when he was a child, Frankie grows up tough, edgy, and street smart. The quintessential self-made man, he lives life to the fullest.
Frankie becomes a journalist, hoping to be the next great American writer. While in Boston, he meets Mercedes Brewster. Refined, sophisticated, and from a prominent New England family, she is the complete opposite of Frankie. He can’t help falling for her, but can he keep his wanderlust in check?
Yet, it is the American Dream that Frankie seeks more than anything. Get the career. Get the success. And most importantly, get the girl. In California, Frankie becomes friends with Owen Brookes. Gutsy, brazen, and at times reckless, Owen is Frankie’s alter ego. It is Owen who challenges Frankie’s belief in the American Dream. Will either of them achieve what they want? What must they give up in pursuit? Some lessons you learn the hard way, but it is how you react in the face of adversity that ultimately matters. Frankie Jones is a rich tapestry of hope, love, friendship, and betrayal—a story of life itself.
Do you write full time or part time
Part time
How do you structure your day when you write
I almost always write in the morning. A cup of fresh strong coffee and a clear head gets me going.
Why do you write? (Example; For fun, to make extra money, a personal experience you want to share with the public)
I write for enjoyment, but also for the challenge.
What are you working on right now / or your most recent work
I recently completed a psychological thriller that is set in a small rural town in central Texas. I am in the process of smoothing out a few of the rough edges on that book. I also finished a novel in the rather uncommon genre of erotic horror. This one takes place in the sleepy college town of Covington, Vermont. Finally, I am part way into a novel - a thriller with some horror. This one is tucked away in the backwaters of rural Minnesota. I don't think of myself as a writer of horror, but that's what seems to have come out lately.
What inspired you to create this book
In many ways, Frankie Jones is a memoir, but I was also driven to make it as literary as possible.
What genre do you write in and why did you choose it
I write in several genres. Frankie Jones is literary fiction that is intended to delve into the human condition. I also like thrillers, especially psychological thrillers, and horror - if done right - interests me.
How much research did you do on your book? (If it applies)
Very little for the types of books I write, with the exception of making sure setting and locales are correct for the time.
How do you think you have evolved creatively from when you first started writing until now
Mostly in terms of genre. My first book - Frankie Jones - was strictly literary fiction with some adventure and romance. That book was written in the first person. More often than not I write in the third person now.
What was the hardest thing about writing this book for you
In a crazy sort of way, this book came together less effortlessly than others than I am working on now.
What was the most rewarding
The feeling that the character development for Frankie is deep.
If you had to start over, is there anything you would do different
Not much.
How have you evolved from when you first started writing until now
Always, but only in the sense that different books rely on different writing formats.
Are you a planner type person, or do you prefer to dive right in when you write
Plan very little, prefer to dive in.
How much dialogue do you have with your readers
Some, but not excessive,
Do they influence your writing
Not extensively.
Do you recommend being a part of a support groups to help you with your writing
It is a good thing if you have the time.
Do you work with an editor If so, how much input do they have
Occasionally. Mostly copy editors and then line editors when the book is closer to publication. The line editors can be very helpful.
Was there anyone in your past that you think influenced your writing
Only the books I read and the authors of those books.
Do you have any tips or useful resources on marketing
Not specifically. It is a major challenge these days.
How are you publishing this book? (Indie / self-published, traditional)
Frankie Jones was self published, but I am hoping for traditional publishers for the others.
What are your thoughts on book series
I never gave it much thought. Most of what I have written could be handled as a series. Personally, I am not a huge fan of reading these.
How long do you think a book should be? (Pages or words)
No preference. A great novel could be very short, like The Alchemist, or a tome.
Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers
Still working on it. It is a challenge.
What advice would you give to your younger self today
Be persistent and don't get discouraged.
What is your favorite book or film
Lots of them. A Confederacy of Dunces, Barbary Shore, most of Stephen King, too many to name.
If you don’t already have one, do you have plans to have a book trailer and what are your thoughts on them overall
Haven't yet given it a huge amount of thought or planning.
What are you working on next
A psychological thriller that is finished but for smoothing out a few rough edges.
When you get frustrated, how do you deal with it
Try to work through it. Occasionally put the writing aside and come back when I'm feeling better.
What advice would you give a writer that is just starting out
Stick with it and most of all aim high - try not to let your writing become second rate or overly conventional.
About the Author
