Frequently Asked Questions - New York Times Bestselling Author, J. Sterling

Frequently Asked Questions

How did you start writing?

I had the story for In Dreams in my head for over 10 years (since I first had a dream about it). I basically got to a point where I literally could.not.stop. thinking about this book. The nagging inside my mind was relentless. So I bought a laptop and immediately started writing the opening chapter with the dream in it. I went to visit my gf in New Jersey (who helped inspire parts of the book), and I wrote a bunch of ideas on the plane. When I got back from seeing her, I started seriously writing and didn't stop until the first draft was finished. Once I started writing the characters and the story took on a life of their own. I was consumed and I could barely think of anything else. It took me 2 months to write a complete first version- which has since grown, changed, been updated and edited about a billion and a half times.

To be honest, I had no idea that there were multiple stories living inside my head until I cracked it open and started writing that first one. And here we are...  :)



What is your writing process like?

When I first started writing, I wrote all out of order. I found myself writing all of the "exciting" scenes first and then I went back and attempted to connect the dots. It made things harder on me, but it was how I had to write in the beginning. I couldn't have written things in order if you paid me too. Wait.. lol..  Anyway, that's what worked for me at the time. 

Since then, my style has completely changed. Now I write in order from the first chapter to the last. I might make a few notes here and there, but I don't write in the chaotic way that I did in the beginning. It's totally okay for your writing style to evolve and adapt to whatever suits your creativity and flow. There is no right or wrong way to write. There is only writing and not writing. 
 



Who designs your book covers, they're gorgeous?

Thank you! I think they're beautiful too!!! :) I have a graphic designer
http://www.facebook.com/IndieBookCovers who does all the hard work and turns my covers into a literal work of art. They would be nowhere near as eye-catching and pretty without her. She is incredibly talented and I highly recommend her services. 



Do you have an editor? Will they edit my book?

I do have an editor. She polishes up my stories and makes them shine. My simplest advice to you would be to find out who edited the Indie/Self-Published books that you've enjoyed reading and see if they are taking on clients. There are so many editors who now have Facebook pages for you to contact them through. And don't be afraid to ask around! Make friends with your fellow authors!


Will there be a follow up to "this book" or "that book".. please say yes!

I know this is crazy of me, but I don't usually write my books with the intention of writing another one, but sometimes it happens. The Perfect Game is a prime example of that. It was only supposed to be one book, but you guys demanded more and I had a really hard time letting the characters go. It's since become a 4-book Best Selling series published in multiple countries and languages that I'm so in love with and proud of. :) 

The other series that I've written are complete stand-alone novels set in the same world. For example, The Fisher Brothers and The Celebrity Series - the books can either be read on their own, or in series order; it doesn't matter!  :)    


I want to write a book! or I've written a book! How do I do it? How do I self publish? How do I sell books? How do you sell books?

I've written a fairly extensive blog post on everything I know up to this point about self publishing. It should answer a lot of your questions. If you have more, there is such a wealth of information online about all things self publishing, you just have to search for it. That's what I did. I google'd and yahoo'ed my eyeballs out and read everything I could on how to do it. It's super time consuming, but worth it.  You can also make friends online, join writer groups, and interact with people who are trying to do what you're doing. 
I also wrote a series of blog posts here that you should read- just click on each one:

Good luck! You can do it... you just have to start.  :)


Can I get a signed paperback of one of your books?

Please click the STORE button at the top of this page to see if my store is currently open and accepting orders. You can always email me if you have any questions or special requests.  


Will you be in my state for a book signing?

It's been a hectic six or so years and all of the constant traveling has taken a toll. I want to focus more on my writing and watch my son play D-1 college level baseball. In order to do that, I have to cut down on all the traveling. But please check my APPEARANCES page to see when and if I'll be in your neck of the woods for an in person signing. I post all of my upcoming appearances there.