2024 Author Expo Author

J.J. “Jim” Meyer, Author

I could talk about who I am, but what you really want to know is how do you become an author.
Quite simply put they are not born; they are real people who have a story to tell.
My characters have all been created over time from people I have known who fit the persona. Some are hero’s, some are wannabee’s, while the rest are everyday Jane’s and Joe’s who become hero’s.
Character building comes at a cost, like you or me they get old, they die.
Herman Cooper (The Cooper Family Series - Sherando and Separate Trails) fought when lead shot poisoning was a slow painful death unbeknownst to many and robbed a human spirit.
Other’s like John Pollock, (Citizen/Soldier) are young and have faced death as many of his fellow soldiers did during Korea and Vietnam and came home to talk about it.
My newest character is Matthew (Matt) Hughes – he’s a combination of my type of hero who faces everyday challenges, enjoys his work, loves his wife, kids, country, and most of all a higher being who gets him through the day-to-day setbacks.
So, ask yourself this one question – Do I have what it takes, the long hours, the constant sleepless nights, ever changing day to day circumstances to be in your mind a successful writer?
If you unequivocally can say yes, then you can build your own characters in the first or the third person.
I didn’t start writing until 2005 and I haven’t stopped. In my mind, I am successful to have lasted this long in a very competitive business. It’s not the fame or the fortune that keeps me going, it’s the challenge that keeps my brain alive and that keeps me alive.
Happy Reading!