Around the Fire in-depth interview with Author, J. L. Sullivan.

Welcome to Around the Fire. One of the things about relaxing around the fire is not stressing even when things aren’t working out. Sometimes, it’s so hard to get the fire going. I carry a multitude of options to start a blaze. Kindling, fire starters, lighter fluid, and even a propane torch. You think they work in every situation. I can tell you sometimes even the torch can’t get the spark into a flame. Wet wood is notoriously hard to get and then keep going. What do you do? Perseverance and the nuclear option. I have a military-grade starter that I use for worst-case scenarios and use it sparingly in only those situations where all else fails. Why am I telling you this? Well, today’s guest and I experienced one of those times where no matter what we did, his email and my email refused to cooperate. It went on for days. Okay, no stress. Let’s use different emails. I have several. It worked, and I’m pleased to bring today’s author spotlight to you. J. L. let’s get this fire roaring with a nice warm cuppa. What’s your go-to for such a time as this?
For around the fire, there’s nothing better than a mug of hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey’s.

I make a mean cup of cocoa and just happen to have Bailey’s on hand. So, while I concoct the warm miracle in the cup, why don’t you introduce yourself to our other guests?
I’ve spent the past fifteen years married to a woman who inspires me by following her passion as a chef. Together, we have two amazing pre-teen daughters who teach me how to be a better parent every day while pretending they don’t love my dad jokes.

That’s what a relationship should do, isn’t it? Inspire the partner. Oh, and though I’m not a chef, I love to cook, especially over the open fire. I love dad jokes.
What interests besides writing do you enjoy? For instance, what do you read or hobbies you have?

Like most writers, I love to read. When I signed with my publisher, I connected with other authors who debuted when I did. We’ve bonded over reading and critiquing each other’s work. That forced me to read outside of my usual genres, which has been an incredible experience. I’ve had the pleasure of reading novels I’d have never picked up on my own, like steamy romances. I’ve developed such respect for writers who can pen sexy scenes without sounding silly or gross. It’s an art form I’ll always envy.

Ah, the community and all the creatives in it. No matter what genre you enjoy, it’s always good to expand and learn. Who is your network or support system? This would be any groups/authors/friends/family who contribute to your writing career.
Beta readers are an essential part of my support system. I have close friends I use as my first-tier reviewers, then I go to beta readers who I may or may not know that well. I’ve also been a member of the St. Louis Writers Guild for many years, which has been an invaluable resource for connecting with beta readers and learning about the business of publishing. In fact, the guild’s annual conference is where I pitched to the publisher I ultimately signed with.

For those who are wondering, Beta readers get first looks at an author’s work. The author wants to know if the story connects to the reader. This is not editing. It’s mostly what you like, didn’t like, or became confused about in the book. J. L., who or what books or authors are your inspiration?
When I grew up, the young adult genre wasn’t as huge as it is today, so as a kid, I read Stephen King and Anne Rice (not sure what that says about me). Having a personal passion for fairy tale retellings, I recently finished King’s Fairy Tale, and at 76, he can still weave a riveting story. I’m also obsessed with Leigh Bardugo (Shadow & Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology). She has an ability to tell very complicated narratives in ways that feel effortless.

I read most of Mr. King’s earlier works, including his fantasy, Eye of the Dragon. Anne Rice’s books were also on my must-read list. She was an amazing story weaver. Let’s talk about you for a bit. What is your neighborhood like? Are there any places you frequent? What makes them special?
I live in the suburbs of St. Louis. We’re just a few minutes from the city, with dozens of diverse neighborhoods. As foodies, we like to spend our free time exploring new restaurants in the city’s vibrant food scene. Recently, I had my first Afghan meal at a small family-run restaurant, and it was delicious!

Yummy! I’m pretty adventurous with my food and love trying new things. My hubby, not so much. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t focus on publishing, enjoy the writing process. The average author has written 3.24 novels before their first publication. The average page count of a young adult novel is 340 pages, so the typical published young adult author has penned an average of 1,100 pages before they ever see their book on a bookstore shelf, if they do at all. I’d tell myself early on to enjoy the process of writing, rewriting, and rewriting again. To relish learning from experts, coaching new writers, and reimagining a chapter for the twentieth time.

Good advice. How do you choose your character’s names?
I flip through directories, online and paper. White pages, yellow pages, baby name books, local newspapers, or local listings online. Nothing feels more satisfying than stumbling on a name and thinking, That’s it!

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I find reviews to be valuable feedback tools. In this business, you must be open to feedback—good and bad. I use reviews to learn what people think I’m doing well or should do differently. I don’t totally alter my style based on one review, but I file the collective feedback away as something to think about.

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Speaking of how I select names for characters, sometimes I pick names that are an easter egg or a veiled reference. In From Brick & Darkness, Bax frequents a comic book store and has discussions with its owner about superheroes. So while I found the name Baxter in a directory, his last name—Allen—is an easter egg for the Flash’s identity, Barry Allen. And his love interest, Scarlet Lane, is a nod to Lois Lane.

My hubby, Pete, is my greatest cheerleader and shoulder to cry on. Does your family support your career as a writer?
Absolutely! In sixth grade, my parents gave me a word processor, so I wrote a science fiction serial. Every Friday, I’d distribute three chapters, comprised of 12 pages, to my friends. I watched way too much tv as a kid, so of course, my story had cliffhangers right before school breaks and a climax at the end of the year like a season finale. 
For our first anniversary, my wife found those pages at my parents’ house and had them bound. Let me tell you, reading today how a sixth grader wrote romantic scenes is just as embarrassing as it is funny.
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Worst household chore?
There is only one correct answer to this question: ironing. I honestly don’t mind chores. There’s something cathartic about doing dishes or cleaning. But ironing is a thankless, horrible, miserable chore that I’ve never mastered and have no desire to.
Ironing? What’s that. I throw them back in the dryer with a damp cloth. Poof! No wrinkles. J. L., thanks for being my guest today. One last favor: before you go, can you leave some information about your book and where we can find out more about it and you?

From Brick & Darkness
by
J. L. Sullivan
Teen & Young Adult Paranormal & Urban Fantasy 
 Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy

The most powerful wishes aren't said with words.
Bax always fantasized something remarkable would happen in his life. So when a decrepit man with glowing purple eyes offers him a ring intended for his estranged father, Bax accepts.
The ring speaks to Bax in a dream, tempting him with a vision of a powerful djinn. Desperate to make his fantasies a reality, Bax unleashes a creature called Ifrit, but soon learns this djinn isn't what the ring led him to believe. Feeding off the depths of his subconscious, the sinister demon fulfills what he thinks Bax wants by manipulating, threatening, and murdering. With everyone he loves in danger and a trail of crimes pointing back at him, Bax must scramble to solve the puzzle that will banish Ifrit forever.
Get your copy today
www.amazon.com/Brick-Darkness-J-L-Sullivan-ebook/dp/B09THQ24TC
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-brick-darkness-j-l-sullivan/1141068076
books.apple.com/us/book/from-brick-darkness/id1611997560

More about the author.
J. L. Sullivan writes young adult novels inspired by gritty urban environments and the fantastical tales that percolate within abandoned buildings and desolate alleys. He began his writing journey in high school with a local newspaper before venturing into creating writing in college where he found himself lost in contemporary stories with magic summering just underneath the surface. His debut novel about a dark reimagining of an ancient myth won multiple awards following its spring 2022 release. He currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Princess Penelope Picklesworth.
He loves to connect with readers on social media or by email at [email protected].

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