Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Jonathan Kumar. I was born and raised in Brookfield, WI which is a suburb just west of Milwaukee. When I was young, I loved reading and being read to, especially books where the characters went on an adventure. I am a middle school English Language Arts teacher.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Mondegreen Monk’ book?
Mondegreen Monk, like everything I write, is highly autobiographical. However, the situation in my real life that this book was based off did not end well so the challenge in writing ‘Mondegreen Monk’ was thinking of a way to make it into a happy ending.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Jack London has most influenced me because I love his style of writing and the themes he discusses in his books. He dives deep into the psychology of both animals and humans. His writing is philosophical as he discusses the battle of life throughout his works. Charles Dickens has influenced my writing mainly in terms of prose. He is the author I feel I most try to imitate in style. Dickens intrigues me because his writing is socialogocial and also ethical. He used his platform as an author to educate people as to their responsibility as citizens. C.S. Lewis has influenced my writing with his versatility. I am fascinated that he wrote non-fiction, children’s and science fiction works.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I haven’t traveled as much as some people I know, but one place I really enjoyed visiting was New Orleans. I liked that the people there were laid back and the weather was warm but not uncomfortable. I enjoy places in my hometown such as the neighborhood where I grew up and the parks.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
This depends on the individual book. I usually develop a book in my head for months or years before I sit down and put it to paper. Sometimes I get a lot of random thoughts about a project that I have to write down and try and piece together into a coherent story; other times, I don’t have much of an outline and the thoughts come out as I am writing.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Neurosis of George Fairbanks’ book?
This was a book that was in my head for many years. It is difficult to say how long a book takes me to write because I am inconsistent with writing regularly. I can’t say it took a certain amount of consecutive days because I will be productive for a period of time then leave a project for weeks or months if I get distracted. ‘The Neurosis of George Fairbanks’ took a few years to write on and off. If I had to quantify it into a number of hours it took to write, I would estimate around 100-150.
Q7. As an author, what does success means to you?
Success means first and foremost creating a respectable or exceptional work that finds its intended audience. Success is hearing from readers to say they enjoyed reading my book(s) and that it has inspired them to write or changed their life or perspective in some small way.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Spots Before Stripes’?
Believe it or not, ‘Spots Before Stripes’ is highly autobiographical as well. I have struggled with my self-image for many years. The main theme of the book is accepting who you are. To write this book, I imagined which animal I would be and fleshed out the story from there. I chose the book cover because I wanted an image to represent the main character named Epicello doing what he loves to do most and that is sleeping.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to think in terms of not so much originality in plot but in perspective. I enjoy trying to look at a problem from many different angles and in ways that others haven’t yet thought of. I try to keep things fresh by writing across a wide range of genres.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I am not good at keeping secrets so I don’t have any from the books. I am transparent and enjoy sharing everything I have with those I know.
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