Ask the Author: Jamie Ford
Answered Questions (35)
Jamie Ford
Lucas! Yeah, he's not a big reader, but I wasn't either at his age, so there's still hope lol. I'm so proud of him and the way he carries himself in the world. He's kind and charitable and considerate, and also a great vocalist :)
Tell him his dad thinks he's amazing.
(Glad you're enjoying my books!)
Tell him his dad thinks he's amazing.
(Glad you're enjoying my books!)
Jamie Ford
Hi Jenette! The story is no longer on Kindle, but there's a slightly shortened version published here. Different title.
Jamie Ford
Hi Joyce, good catch. The answer is both and neither of us caught it. Hope you enjoy the rest of the book.
Jamie Ford
This might sound weird, but my favorite lines are often the lines that become the favorites of readers. Though there are some that surprise me and I love it when that happens.
As far as social media and availability--I'm an author, but still a reader--so I get excited too when an author that I'm a fan of responds in a kind or humorous way. We're all people. We're all connected in some fashion. Perhaps I just lean into that idea more than most :)
(Or I procrastinate more!)
As far as social media and availability--I'm an author, but still a reader--so I get excited too when an author that I'm a fan of responds in a kind or humorous way. We're all people. We're all connected in some fashion. Perhaps I just lean into that idea more than most :)
(Or I procrastinate more!)
Jamie Ford
Hi Lisa, I try to allow my beliefs to change over time, because I'm different now than when I was in my 20s and will probably believe different things in my 70s. I definitely believe the data about trauma affecting the methylation of our DNA (inherited trauma). As far as reincarnation, I'm more interested in the karma side of things. Though I did interview the director of UVA's Dept of Perceptual Studies, a doctor who has devoted 30 years to studying reincarnation. He has some ambitious theories which involve consciousness and quantum physics.
How about you?
How about you?
Jamie Ford
Hi Kristin, we had a lively conversation last night!
I do have tons of notes, but I'm afraid they're only decipherable by me. By that I mean, I'll have a page of notes, then a recipe for Chicken Marsala in the margins, then a reminder to pick up meds for my dog, then notes that I don't even remember what they were for...all in my vaguely legible handwriting.
I'd love to publish and annotated edition, with notes in the margins explaining certain details and the history and thinking behind those bits. Someday...
I do have tons of notes, but I'm afraid they're only decipherable by me. By that I mean, I'll have a page of notes, then a recipe for Chicken Marsala in the margins, then a reminder to pick up meds for my dog, then notes that I don't even remember what they were for...all in my vaguely legible handwriting.
I'd love to publish and annotated edition, with notes in the margins explaining certain details and the history and thinking behind those bits. Someday...
Jamie Ford
Hi Amanda, I'm sorry but I believe that story is unavailable now. I was for a fundraiser and is no longer online. I do have a new book coming out in the fall however :)
Jamie Ford
Thanks Kyle! That a was a fun day and The Country Bookshelf is still one of my favorite indie bookstores.
Jamie Ford
Hi Amy. It is, though the title may change. Not sure of a publication date, but next March is a possibility. Cheers! --Jamie
Jamie Ford
Hey Natalie, let's go with Kay-co. I have a friend named Keiko and that's how she's pronounces it. Give my best to your English class!
Jamie Ford
You know, we never really see what becomes of Mrs. Irvine. I hope she lived out her days in a positive way, but you never know. As far as Madam Flora, I didn't mention it in my Author's Note, but she was a real person. I had very little info at the time the book was written, but after the book came out I was approached by someone who knew a lot about her. He said I did her justice. Thanks for the question :)
Jamie Ford
Ah, that. Yes, I've been researching the first alternative high schools in the US in the late 60s and early 70s. I've interviewed a bunch of retired teachers who were part of that movement and much of their inspiration came from Summerhill in Leiston. So, I figured I'd eventually have to go visit. I know it's not the same as when A.S. Neill founded it decades ago, but I have a feeling the new book will have an anchor point or at least part of the story set in Leiston during WWII. Are you in the UK?
Jamie Ford
Hmmm...which post? On Twitter?
Jamie Ford
Hi MsLogar,
The men who smuggled people regularly put their "cargo" in bags as they approached US soil so they could easily dispose of them if the coast guard were approaching and they couldn't get away. It was a financial loss, but better than going to prison. I did a fair amount of research and while it wasn't particularly common, it happened to such a degree that there well known smugglers recorded in history books, and to this day there is a place in Washington officially called Dead Man's Bay.
The men who smuggled people regularly put their "cargo" in bags as they approached US soil so they could easily dispose of them if the coast guard were approaching and they couldn't get away. It was a financial loss, but better than going to prison. I did a fair amount of research and while it wasn't particularly common, it happened to such a degree that there well known smugglers recorded in history books, and to this day there is a place in Washington officially called Dead Man's Bay.
Jamie Ford
Hi Lucy,
I am. I'm actually working on a bunch of projects: a Young Adult (YA) novel, and adult novel, a book of humorous/heartbreaking essays, and a graphic novel script. It's good to be busy :)
I am. I'm actually working on a bunch of projects: a Young Adult (YA) novel, and adult novel, a book of humorous/heartbreaking essays, and a graphic novel script. It's good to be busy :)
Jamie Ford
I would love to but a ghost seems to have taken possession of my laptop. It won't let me turn it off. All I can do is watch helplessly as the ghost types:
Noooooooooooooooo...
Noooooooooooooooo...
Jamie Ford
Aw, thanks Kristina. Much appreciated! I'm glad you enjoyed the book. I'm not sure how to answer, exactly. I tend to keep my characters fairly simple, but with a moral compass, or at least a direction for each of them. My theory (highly unproven) is that buy keeping the characters simple, yet familiar, the reader will complete the circuit in their imagination...and they come to life.
Some authors (who are brilliant) describe their characters in fine detail, which for me, keeps them distant. I try to do the opposite.
Thanks again!
Some authors (who are brilliant) describe their characters in fine detail, which for me, keeps them distant. I try to do the opposite.
Thanks again!
Jamie Ford
As a self-published author it's incredibly hard to get noticed or for people to find your book. (Heck, it's hard for traditionally published authors!) And in many ways, there's a stigma toward self-publishing, that often is deserved. I don't think reviews by book bloggers will help as much as you're hoping for. I'd say, spend that time and energy writing the next book. Good luck :)
Jamie Ford
Thanks Theresa! Or thanks Theresa? Just to make sure ŷ knows I'm no forgetting that "?"...what a strange algorithm that must be.
Lots of interesting things going on with the film. Can't wait for another update :) In the meantime...I'm packing for book tour. Sacramento, Spokane, Tacoma, Seattle...it's going to be a busy week!
Lots of interesting things going on with the film. Can't wait for another update :) In the meantime...I'm packing for book tour. Sacramento, Spokane, Tacoma, Seattle...it's going to be a busy week!
Jamie Ford
Thanks Dorothea!
One book I read a long time ago that was fun and informative was GOOD LUCK LIFE by Rosemary Gong--a book about Chinese American traditions. And On Gold Mountain by Lisa See is a fantastic book about her family their journey as they weave their way into the tapestry of America. The Chinese in America by Iris Chang is a similar book. Also, Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang is hilarious (and very R-rated compared to the TV show).
Give my best to your family!
One book I read a long time ago that was fun and informative was GOOD LUCK LIFE by Rosemary Gong--a book about Chinese American traditions. And On Gold Mountain by Lisa See is a fantastic book about her family their journey as they weave their way into the tapestry of America. The Chinese in America by Iris Chang is a similar book. Also, Fresh Off the Boat by Eddie Huang is hilarious (and very R-rated compared to the TV show).
Give my best to your family!
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Apr 02, 2024 07:59AM · flag