The Healer’s Curse received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author JP Doyle.
The name of the book is The Healer’s Curse, and it was published in late July of this year.
What’s the book’s first line?
“The sharks were circling, closing in—and they were out for blood.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch.”
Alex Trent discovers that his newly-discovered power to heal people comes at a horrible cost to himself and the people around him. He must find a way to get rid of The Healer’s Curse before it kills him.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
As an emergency room nurse, I’ve seen many patients living day-to-day with their own unique set of physical and/or psychological problems. There have been countless times when I’ve wished that I could do something to help them get back to when their bodies were healthy and not in pain. I began to wonder how people would react to someone who was able to heal others without it being related to any faith healing. This thought led me down the rabbit hole of The Healer’s Curse.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The story, despite its supernatural leanings, is at its core a fast-paced thriller grounded in today’s reality. I had John Grisham’s book The Firm in mind as I wrote The Healer’s Curse. Initially, the main character is tempted by an intriguing and lucrative offer. Before he fully realizes how deep he is in his situation, he’s already a marked man and on the run.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Alex Trent isn’t your typical action hero. Even though his body can rapidly heal itself, he still feels everything done to him, and poor Alex goes through a lot! I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’ll just say that Alex forges ahead and does what needs to be done despite the growing odds against him.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
At first, I thought that Alex would be best portrayed by the actor Anton Yelchin in his Odd Thomas days. Sadly, Anton is no longer with us. As the story evolved, Alex wound up looking more like Matt Bomer.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I started writing about six years ago, after my divorce. It was better than turning to booze.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
The Healer’s Curse is my first completed novel. I’m working on my second one (a stand-alone) right now – The Met·a·date Murder, which is coming in the first half of 2018.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’ve been an emergency room nurse for the past sixteen years, and I worked in critical care before I enjoy writing as much as I do caring for patients.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I have an erratic schedule with my primary job as an ER nurse, so there’s not a ton of consistency. I am trying to put in an average of twelve to fourteen hours a week.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is the freedom to decide what you want to do and set the deadlines. The hardest part is trying to stick to those deadlines! Luckily, my editor keeps me motivated to move forward!
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Get an experienced editor. You can’t make a decent book without one! My editor, Bryony Sutherland, was a godsend to me. I found her on Reedsy.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I love the freedom and control of being an indie writer, but it is undoubtedly a ton of work! I would consider becoming a hybrid writer if the opportunity presented itself. Following in C. J. Lyon’s footsteps would be absolutely amazing.
Is
there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune? more sex?)
A little bit of each would be welcome, although I don’t know how writing gets you more of the last one unless you’re an erotica author!
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Living? It would be Stephen King, of course. He’s the master storyteller of so many great novels. I enjoy his non-horror novels more than his horror ones, especially The Green Mile and The Dark Tower series. Dead? James Clavell, hands down. His novel Shogun is my favorite of all time. I’m embarrassed to say how many times I have read it! It gave me the inspiration to start writing the alternate-historical Japanese trilogy I’ve been working on for a while.