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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, fantasy author J.W. Jarvis shares what inspired him to write the second book in his First Responder YA book series, The Phantom Enforcer, and his creative writing process.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed J.W. Jarvis about his life and career, the inspiration behind his YA fantasy First Responder book series, and the work that went into book two, The Phantom Enforcer.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My pen name is J.W. Jarvis, and I grew up in the Midwest in a suburb of Chicago. The cold winters were too much for me, so I moved to California in my late 20s to take a job transfer in IT. I currently work in IT and as an Author. My goal is to switch full-time to being an author.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I first got the desire to write books when I used to read to my son when he was young. I enjoyed that time together and the ability to take him places without even having to leave the house. I truly think a life-long love of reading makes us smarter, more creative, and open to change.
When did you take a step to start writing?
Last year is when I really decided to make something of my ideas that I had jotted down over time. I bought a manuscript software, created some goals, and less than a year later here I am writing my 3rd book.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I had to rewrite it because at first, I was going to make it a chapter book, but I had so many ideas to fill the pages, figured it would be better for tweens and teens, as well as adults that enjoy fantasy. From start to finish about six months with the rewrite.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
Probably about five months which included a month of editing.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Phantom Enforcer?
Book 2 is a continuation of Noah and Danielle’s adventure and it was super fun to write because I didn’t have to setup the characters anymore or the premise, instead I could focus on the magic and Phantom powers which really added an additional layer of excitement to Book 2.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Phantom Enforcer?
As with any series, many authors will probably tell you, keeping the story consistent and not messing up something you wrote in the earlier part of the series. Sometimes, you must reread your previous book and go “Did I explain that?” or “Do they know this about the character?”
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Kids in general inspire me. They are our future and hopefully I can convince some of them to be our next generation First Responders that are so critical to our families’ well-being.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
I always have related to victims of bullies or people that focus their energy on arousing negative energy in others. I also despise criminals that like to shortcut their way through life at other people’s expense.
What is the inciting incident of The Phantom Enforcer?
Without giving away too much, the kids’ journey into the police world is much different than the previous firefighter book where they were dealing with unintended consequences. This time, someone has joined them inside the book making it much more difficult to help the First Responders.
What is the main conflict of The Phantom Enforcer?
The kids realize they can change the future with their book journeys so there is conflict there. They continually worry about making it worse than the past. The incident above forces them to make the book journeys to improve the future, but also to clean up their past mistakes.
Did you plot The Phantom Enforcer in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I am continually plotting books. When I go on walks, I think of ideas and add them to phone notes to remember to integrate later. I would say it is a little bit of both. As you write, you get ideas that make you want to change the plot trajectory or a character’s fate.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Phantom Enforcer need?
Yes, this book went through weeks of editing. I will be honest, editing is my least favorite part of writing, but very important when putting tens of thousands of words on paper.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Many people think the planets need to be aligned to write something. You will never have the time you want, the setting you want or the absence of distractions. If you want to write, plan to write a little each day. You will be amazed how much you can accomplish in a short time with a daily goal!
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Well, of course, the First Responder series is a trilogy, so there will be a Book 3 coming out in late fall 2024. The book I am currently writing is an adult technothriller novel that will be published this summer.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Very proud of what I have accomplished, but always feel like I can do more and what I have done is not good enough. I am a big fan of continual improvement and not just in writing, in relationships, your health, and making every day count.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
The Phantom Firefighter (Book 1)
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4976i7F
Paperback: https://amzn.to/497DEmC
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/43sf66M
The Phantom Enforcer (Book 2)
Kindle: https://amzn.to/43rp2xf
Paperback: https://amzn.to/490jKtL
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3vhNAwd
My website (where you can sign-up to be on my VIP Reader Club):
https://www.authorjwjarvis.com/
My Social platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/authorjwjarvis
https://www.instagram.com/authorjwjarvis
https://www.twitter.com/authorjwjarvis
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