J. D. Webb the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Christian, mischievous, adorable
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Christian, mischievous, talented
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Reading and stealing from other authors to better learn my craft. Not stealing their words but their approach. The way they describe a scene/character or provide clues to the reader.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
A 5-year-old toy poodle, Ginger, rules our household and allows me to live with her.
5. What is your most precious memory?
After my wedding day, the day my publisher sent me an email saying attached is your contract.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
At my high school prom I was up on a dais with my date after she had been crowned prom queen and in my haste to escape to the back of the stage, I knocked over a huge spotlight. Never had another date with that girl for some reason.
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
Probably working as a starving cartoonist.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Here lies Dave Webb, he loved his Lord, his wife, his life. The Nobel Prize for literature just happened along the way.
J. D. Webb the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
About 25 years ago when I received a check for $30 for a short story I submitted to a writing magazine.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
My third book Her Name Is Mommy came out in December and I'm about 90% through my next, a stand-alone called The Smudge. Here's the tag line: A small-town paralegal goes to her ATM machine one nasty night and wipes a smudge off the screen. It's blood.
I have two others started, one a western titled Rattler and the other is the third in my Mike Shepherd PI series called Aftermath.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
Just to keep at it, to keep improving and to keep getting feedback from readers saying they can't put it down.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
Nope. I write when I can with no set routine except I try to get in 3 - 4 hours a day. That is except for Friday which is our date day, and Sunday which is my Sabbath.
13. Why do you write?
I have no choice. I must write because these characters keep swirling around in my head yelling at me they want out. Please don't call my shrink.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
I can't pick out just one. I admire the masters who grab me and thrust me into their world. I want to kick the snot out of their bad guys and shake the hands of the protagonists and if my wife isn't looking, hug all the beautiful damsels.
15. How do you define your writing?
I write cozy mysteries. I believe I can weave a suspenseful tale without all the vulgarity and excessive violence so prevalent today. There are murders and mayhem in my stories, I'm just not beating you over the head with them. And when sex happens it is inferred not explained.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
He entertained and intrigued with a laugh or two along the way.
J. D. Webb the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
I'm not a blogger. I want to spend my time writing a story. My website is http://www.jdwebb.com/ where you can read the first chapters of all my books and even a short story when you visit.
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
I love to hear from my readers. I treasure hearing from readers both what they liked and what they didn't like. Makes me a better writer. My email addy is: jdwebb99@yahoo.com
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
I'd better be able to do that.
Shepherd's Pie (Golden Wings Award winner)
Moon Over Chicago (2008 Eppie Finalist)
Her Name Is Mommy (Now available)
The Smudge (coming soon)
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
Always I try to make you laugh, cringe at my antagonists, pull for my protagonists, can't help but turn the page, and say at the end I didn't see that coming. My pledge is to improve my writing with each book.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
About me? I hope you've learned a little about me from this interview and my website. I love to have fun and tell stories.
About my writing? I hope you'll find everything in answer #20. My books are not lengthy and I don't dwell on description. A weapon may be identified but you won't get the entire history of that piece. I allow readers to use their imagination while reading my stories. You don't know much about my main character's looks because the story is coming from his or her point of view. You imagine who that person looks like. I've had people tell me that so-and-so should play Mike Shepherd in the movie (I should be so lucky). When that happens I seldom have that person in mind.
I pride myself in the fact that there is a twist at the end that you don't see coming. That's because until the end I have no idea how the book will turn out. All I ask is to give me a try. You just might like my stories.
Joyce it has been a pleasure to be interviewed by you. I love your different questions. I wish all happy reading.
