Interview Jonathon Clemmer

by

Carol McPhee

1. What time of day do you find most advantageous for writing and why?

I generally write around 4 in the morning. That's when I get home from work. The most advantageous thing about writing at that time is that's the only time I can!

2. Has anyone ever tried to discourage you from spending so much time with your thoughts?

Never. My family has always encouraged expanding the mind.

3. I often write romantic suspense, but suspense is not my usual choice for reading. Do you write the type of material you best like to read?

Yes, I do. At least I have so far.

4. What current projects do you have underway?

I have just finished another suspense MS, and right now my mind is on the next one, which I have not yet started. I will begin typing it up, once I've solved some of the problems in the plot.

5. What do you like best and least about writing?

The best part is actually creating characters, the world they live in, the problem they are faced with, and coming up with a good solution to that problem. The worst part is hoping it will someday be published, and having little idea how best that can be done.

6. What are your goals in life both in writing and in general?

Wow! Let me dream for a moment. I'm twenty-four, so daydreaming is part of my daily routine. I would love becoming a best selling author, who did not have to work moving heavy boxes from one place to another. As far as 'in general', I just want to have a happy life. When I was in school, I had to interview many older people on what they had expected their lives to be like. None said their lives had turned out as they thought they would when they were twenty. Most had dreams that were never fulfilled, yet they were still happy. Therefore, I'm prepared to take whatever life hands me, and try to keep a smile on my face.

7. What would be your idea of a perfect romantic evening?

Well, I can think of several. For example, sitting at an outside table at a seaside resort overlooking a moonlit sea on a balmy evening with a beautiful woman by my side. Or, watching the sunset from the deck of a cruise ship sailing through the tropics. Or, sitting by a cozy fireplace, drinking hot cider, while watching large snowflakes falling outside a frosty windowpane. However, none of these things really matter. The most romantic evening anyone can experience is simply being with someone you love, actually love, and knowing she loves you as deeply as you do her. When love is involved, you could be watching a farmer slop his hogs and you'd think it was the most wonderful thing you'd ever seen. (All this you are getting from one who has yet to fall in love. lol)

8. Do you write in sequence, ie... from the beginning of the story to the end?

First, I come up with a problem, then I decide on the solution, (ending) and then I sit down and start writing it from the beginning straight through to the end. The characters seem to write themselves.

9. What is your best characteristic; what is your most needling one?

(Best) I seem to be able to make friends with almost anyone. I'm slow to judge those with different lifestyles or from different backgrounds than mine. (Worst) I probably talk too much, and when excited my speech---speeds up, making it hard to understand everything I say.

10. What is your favorite weekend activity?

Hanging out with friends. Shrug... Lately my weekends have been stolen by my work, which is forcing its employees to work 7 days a week. Guess I shouldn't be complaining with so many people out of work today, but sometimes I long for a free weekend.

11. Do you have hobbies that you like to spend time with as much as with writing?

Playing video games.

12. What is your favorite part of the writing process and the least favored part?

Writing the story is my favorite part. Going over the MS with a fine tooth comb, checking for errors in grammar is my least favorite.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Jonathan. Your answers give us a chance to learn about the real you.

Carol McPhee

Answering this questionnaire was fun. It made me use my brain, as some of these things I hadn't given much thought to before.

Thanks, Jonathon