Fighting Prose Interview with J.A. Plosker!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

J.A. Plosker

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

I’ve loved words since I could hold a pen! I’ve written stories my whole life, and it’s just part of who I am.

If you’ve written several books, which is your favorite?

I have one non-fiction and one fiction, and they’re so different! They both share ideas that are very close to my heart, but they do it in two entirely different ways. I enjoyed writing them both. The Nobody Bible is an homage to my years-long passion for studying world traditions and ancient wisdom, and An Audible Silence reflects the power of mindfulness, meditation, and open, honest conversation, and how they can change our lives. I can’t choose!

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I love books about personal growth, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. It’s such a vast area of the creative and personal life.

How do you get in the mood to write?

In a busy life, sometimes getting in the mood to write isn’t an option. Sometimes writing has to get done when the house is quiet. At that point, mood gives way to scheduling, and I ask the muses to pencil me in!

How do your characters come together?

Characters just show up! I’ll be mulling an idea, and out of nowhere, a persona steps in and takes ownership. After that, it’s a creative collaboration between us!

How do you get your ideas?

It all starts with a blend of imagination and the world around me. I have some people in my life I like to run my ideas past, and it all just builds and builds until a coherent story world emerges. I think the most important part of the idea process is being open to change. Getting stories into print isn’t a straight line, but a curving, winding road filled with surprises and detours. Flowing with change is key to accessing parts of our mind where we can mine some of the most valuable nuggets for writing.

Who do you admire in the writing world?

There have been so many authors over the years whose books I’ve loved. I think those I admire most are those who put their personal stories out there. It’s never easy putting our ideas into the world, but when they are so personal and real, it’s as if we’re standing right there with the stories.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

Spending time with my family is something I love, so that’s a main focus when I’m not writing. I also spend my time podcasting, creating videos, speaking, and working on projects that are outgrowths of my books.

Have you always been creative?

I’ve always loved creating things. Whether building with blocks or playing music, being creative is something I enjoy. But for many years now, my primary outlet has been writing and storytelling.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

I have that occasional frustration of watching the cursor blink and blink on a blank page. I also write for my job, so when that happens, I really can’t say, “I’m not in the mood today!” I get out of it by forcing my fingers to type. I put down an idea – any idea – just to get my brain firing and the blood flowing to my fingers.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

Sometimes the words flow easily, and sometimes, it's really hard. When it's difficult, I remind myself that writing is a process, and each session doesn't have to be perfect.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

My first piece of advice is to test outside advice against your own intuition. Everyone has an opinion on something in the book world, but in the end, you have to do what feels right for your story. The second, and related, piece of advice is to remember that the writing journey is your journey. Put your story first. Put your message first.

What is your dream writing location?

I’d love to have a room with a big window that looks out over the mountains and nature. But honestly, anywhere quiet to write is a dream!

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

Why do you write what you write?

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

I’d love to meet Professor Arjun Singh from An Audible Silence. He’s a humble man of great stature, and the embodiment of a true friend and mentor. If we’re lucky, we meet a person whose simple presence can change our day, or our life, and Professor Singh symbolizes that.