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IR Approved Author Lesley L. Smith: “I’m motivated primarily by fun.”

A Jack For All Seasons received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.

Following find an interview with author Lesley L. Smith.

What is the name of the book and when was it published?

My book is called: A Jack For All Seasons. It was published in August 2020.

What’s the book’s first line?

The first line is: On the Shakespeare, me and my friends and comrades in arms were hiding–in a courageous way–behind Quihiri’s largest moon.

What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.

Singer-, spy-, lover-extraordinaire Jack Jones is caught in the middle of an intragalactic war (which, sure, he may have started, but still: dangerous!). Fans of books in the style of Douglas Adams’ The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will find plenty to love in Smith’s fanciful space saga. Sarcastic talking dogs, magic powers that only work when aroused, stranded humans forced to put on Broadway plays for barbaric alien audiences — there’s something whimsical and eccentric to tickle everyone’s fancy.

What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?

I was inspired to write the book because of the protagonist, Jack Jones–he’s a hoot. As an author, creating Jack and his friends is fun.

What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?

A Jack For All Seasons is a wacky and charmingly literary science fiction romp that combines sci fi, adventure, and humor in a story that’s consistently lighthearted without being fluffy.

What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?

The main character’s most distinctive quality is his big heart. He would do anything (to?) for his friends. I’m not sure I can think of a specific real or fictional character he reminds me of–but he does have many of the qualities of children: an open heart, no judgement, lots of enthusiasm.

If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?

One of Jack’s best qualities is he’s an excellent singer, so I’d like to see Josh Groban play him.

When did you first decide to become an author?

Hmm. This is a tricky question. I’ve been writing all my life. Starting around 2000, I started down the traditional publishing path, with a few near misses. Finally, in 2016 I jumped into Indie Publishing and it’s been great.

Is this the first book you’ve written?

This is the tenth (!) novel I’ve published. The eleventh is coming in 2021.

What do you do for work when you’re not writing?

For my day job, I’m a research scientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder. For fun, I love reading.

How much time do you generally spend on your writing?

I try to write a minimum of an hour a day. Sometimes, with a deadline looming, this is more like five or six hours. But, I’ve found much more than that, and I’m not productive.

What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?

The best part is the control over my career.

The most challenging is self-motivation, getting those pages done. Luckily, I have an awesome critique group that helps motivate me.

What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?

My greatest advice is also quite obvious (sorry!): Write! I know a lot of authors who have trouble getting their pages done. There’s no easy solution besides fingers on the keyboard.

Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?

No. I prefer Indie. I get control of art and the publishing timeline.

Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)

I’m motivated primarily by fun. If I didn’t have fun writing about my characters, I wouldn’t do it.

Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?

This is another tough one. I love so many writers… My current favorite is Jodi Taylor. Her Chronicles of St. Mary’s series has really cheered me up during the pandemic.

Which book do you wish you could have written?

I’m going to say: The Lord of the Rings by J. R.R. Tolkien. I think it has had a huge impact and influence on our culture.

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