J.F. Fleming has stopped into the Hybrid Nation for an interview, I’m sure our fans would like to get to know this member of the nation a whole lot better. He’s a crime fiction novelist and has two books published. He currently lives in the southeast part of the United States and he likes plenty of other things besides writing. He is a hard-working author willing to pay his dues and is trying to write the best book possible, after all, isn’t that what we authors want to accomplish. Anyway, let’s quit the small talk, hehehe. J.F. Fleming, welcome and let’s get this interview started!

 

1. When did you decide to become an author?

 

Fleming: I've wanted to be a writer, ever since I was a teenager. It was something my dad once helped me realize, on an early morning walk, before school. However, I didn't seriously commit to writing, till I was 22.
 

2. Why did you decide to become an author?

 

Fleming: Initially, it just seemed like a really interesting profession to try to get into. I've always had an overactive imagination, and writing comes naturally to me. Also, growing up, we would always have a published author come to my elementary and middle school, to give speeches. every writer that ever came always seemed cool, and laid back…in a “rockstar” kind of way. Because, you know…Writer’s are rockstars of the literary world.

 

3. What genres do you plan to write for the future?

 

Fleming: Right now, I think I’ll stick with Crime-Fiction. It really seems to be my niche. Besides, I've got a pretty small, but loyal, fan-base…and I just can't see them wanting to read a Sci-Fi or Horror piece from me. Not that I haven't dabbled. At some point in time, I've tried my hand at every genre.

 

4. Besides writing, what else do you like to do and what are your hobbies?

 

Fleming: Man, I'm an avid outdoorsman, I love fishing, and spending time out on the water. I’m also a pretty good cook, so I guess I can put cooking down as a hobby. Other than that, I guess people watching, reading, and playing with my dog.
 

5. Who’s your biggest inspiration for your writing?

 

Fleming: It's a tie between: Elmore Leonard, and Carl Hiaasen. Both men are two of my favorite Crime-Fiction Writers. I would say a lot of my own style when writing, is a good blend of the two authors. The three of us are very fond of expletives like: fuck, shit, goddamn, and sonofabitch. Hope you don't mind me cursing on your blog.

 

6. How much time do you dedicate to writing your books?

 

Fleming: Good question! Typically, I  try to set aside one hour a day for writing. I usually average anywhere from 500 to 1,000 words an hour. Sometimes, I set Word goals, like after I've hit 1,000 words and I'm at a good stopping point, I may decide to call it quits for the day. One of the best pieces of advice, ever given to me by another author, was “Don’t let writing, no matter how passionate you are about it, consume your life. You’ll just wind up alone and jaded.” So I try to keep a balance and a schedule. Notice I emphasized try.

 

7. How important do you think writing is to the young generation?

 

Fleming: Very! And if we're not careful, it will become a dying art-form, like the art of pen-pals has become.

 

8. How excited were you when you finally publish your first book?

 

Fleming. Oh my God, I was ecstatic! I kept running around my house yelling, “Fuck yea, I'm published!” Then I went and took pictures with my phone, when the paperbacks came in, and spammed the images to all my close friends. The ones I grew up with, anyway.

 

9. What is the easiest part of writing in your opinion?

 

Fleming: The first draft. There are no rules. Anything goes.

10. What is the hardest part of writing in your opinion?

 

Fleming: Fixing all of the ‘fuckery’ of the first draft.

Then fixing all of the shit that I missed in the second and third draft.

 

11. What is your favorite and least favorite part of writing?

 

Fleming: Favorite part: is sharing my stories with people. Least Favorite: is all of the countless hours of editing, only to still find mistakes after I've published. Makes me feel like an idiot.

 

12. What can we expect from you next in the short term?

 

Fleming: Nothing too serious. Maybe a few independent short-stories. I'd like to try and submit to a few writing competitions. I might even submit one of my books. Mostly, I just plan on marketing, networking, and selling the shit out of what I already have published.  

 

13. How do you deal with writer's block?

 

Fleming: Copious amounts of sex and alcohol? Just kidding. That's the last thing I would do. The serious answer is: Reading. Also, road trips and traveling seem to help.

 

14. How much more do you prefer writing crime fiction over other genres?

 

Fleming: I’d say on a scale of 1 to 10 it's 11. I had a few unfortunate run-ins with the law. When I was younger, so I have some personal experience, to draw from. really, when writing Crime-Fiction, I know it's what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm always uncertain of everything else.

 

15. If you like to say anything else such as advice, shoutouts, or just whatever’s in your mind say it now. The stage is yours!

 

Fleming: The only advice I have is for unpublished authors: If you like writing. Just keep at it. No matter what! If you're writing to try and get rich quick, then you've made a huge fucking mistake. If you think after you've published, you'll be famous overnight? I'd like to meet the person that put that lie in your head as non-published writer. Writing is an art, it takes time and patience.

 

Well, that’s a wrap ladies and gentleman. It was nice talking to this brilliant and kind-hearted man. J.F. Fleming, it was an honor talking to you and once again congrats on your books and achievements, that is certainly an honor to be proud of! I wish you the best on your future endeavors and may your success continue for years to come.

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By the way please check this dude out. He is an overall cool man to be friends with. Finally, give a check to his social links and his books!

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If you’re interested in getting Benjamin’s Short Story: The Ashtray, head over to the book page on Amazon and grab yourself a copy, you’ll enjoy it!

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Link to his books

Tale of the Murderous Southern Belle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692654011

A Collection of Crime: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSXWPD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LH1LybNJ2K67J

 

Social Links:

Twitter: @Frank0_Tank0

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Frank0Tank0/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.f.fleming_author/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChNy-GeLtMWD5mPrYWajDuA