I have a terrible habit of writing my characters into hopeless situations without having any clear idea how I’m going to get them back out. For me, this was the hardest part and the closest I came to what you might call writer’s block. Looking back though, I think it actually improved the book. I’ve heard several readers say how they couldn’t imagine how character so-and-so was going to get out of this certain situation. I always just smile and think neither could I.

John Ashley – 8 April 2013

The Back Flap

In the year of 2067, a new world is discovered amidst the dark expanses of the universe. Harvesting the resources of this vast planet, known as Xavier997, may be the only hope a post-apocalyptic Earth has for survival. Upon arriving, however, the explorers of this promising new world soon discover that the treacherous and, most shockingly, inhabited realm of Xavier may also lead to mankind’s final undoing.

In order to shed light on the dangerous secrets of this world, Captain Michael Dawn must lead a team of earth’s most skilled soldiers across its globe in search of five mysterious items known as the Scrolls. What seems like a routine mission, however, goes terribly wrong as Dawn and his team quickly realize that Xavier does not give up her treasures without a fight. To find the Scrolls, Captain Dawn must risk everything, including his love, his career, and his life.

Without the Scrolls, mankind’s final hope is lost. With them, it might be even worse.

About the Book

What is the book about?

The Scrolls of Xavier is a first person, science-fiction/adventure novel that follows the determined Captain Dawn across the face of the beautiful yet deadly new planet of Xavier997 as he tries to recover five artifacts known as the Scrolls. These items may contain the secrets humanity needs to survive, both on Xavier and on Earth, but defending each one is a collection of the universe’s most deadly creatures, known simply as the Tribes. To recover the Scrolls, Captain Dawn must risk everything, including his love, his career, and his life. Yet the secrets held within these bizarre items may turn out to be just as detrimental as they are helpful…

When did you start writing the book?

I started The Scrolls of Xavier at thirteen years old, though at the time I never imagined that I would follow through. Looking back, it’s a miracle I had the attention span to start in the first place.

How long did it take you to write it?

By the time I was seventeen, I had finished the manuscript, though I think if I had to do it all over again, I could do it much faster. Something about the first book just seems to take forever, for I finished its sequel. Before the Storm, in less than four months.

Where did you get the idea from?

To be honest, I’m not really sure. I had seen a trailer for some science fiction movie, and for some reason that just moved me to go write. From there the plot was born of countless daydreaming, and a little help from a good friend.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Plenty. I have a terrible habit of writing my characters into hopeless situations without having any clear idea how I’m going to get them back out. For me, this was the hardest part and the closest I came to what you might call writer’s block. Looking back though, I think it actually improved the book. I’ve heard several readers say how they couldn’t imagine how character so-and-so was going to get out of this certain situation. I always just smile and think neither could I.

What came easily?

I think that weaving the plot came easy enough, and was by far the most enjoyable part. I love storytelling. I’ve always considered myself a storyteller first and a writer second. With that being said, coming up with plot, the twists and turns, and the characters, really wasn’t that hard.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

I certainly borrowed from people I know when making my characters, both in physical and personality aspects. Truth is stranger than fiction, which I believe completely since I’ve met some pretty strange people. It only seemed natural to include some of their qualities in my characters.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I’m sure that I have been influenced greatly by the many volumes I’ve read, but if I had to point to a particular author and say that they were the most influential, I don’t think I could. I’ve learned characterization from Stephen King, and description from Brian Jacques, and a whole assortment of things from all the other authors over the years. I know I could have never learned to write without them, and hopefully, someday, someone will learn something from me.

Do you have a target reader?

Anyone who enjoys action-oriented stories that have plenty of twists and subtle foreshadowing will enjoy The Scrolls of Xavier. 

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I write mostly at night and will listen to soft music. Any time I’ve strayed from that routine, the results have not been satisfactory.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I write a brief outline before I start each chapter, just to get the ideas flowing. Other than that, I am a fan of just writing as I go.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I definitely wait until the first draft is complete. If I tried to edit as I went, I don’t think I’d ever finish in the first place.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No, and it took a lot of work to make up for this. I didn’t want to publish a story with even a single error in it, and I (along with my wonderful family and friends) spent many long hours going over it with a virtual microscope to make sure this didn’t happen. I’m sure there’s a mistake or two buried somewhere in there still, but if there is, I don’t want to know about it.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Mostly pop, and a little bit of country.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No I did not. It was just something that I never really wanted to mess with. I was considering trying to go the traditional route, but after winning a contest with The Scrolls of Xavier and receiving a publishing package with a POD publisher, I decided indie was the way for me.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I think it was a little bit of both. I was definitely leaning toward the self-publishing route. Winning the contest just sealed the deal.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

 

I hired an amazing designer named Richard Green to create my covers, and I couldn’t be happier with the job he did. Hiring him was one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far, and I couldn’t imagine trying to do it myself.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

 

I don’t think I have a particular plan I’m sticking to. Every day I’m trying to think of new things to try. Some of them wind up working, and others flop. That’s just part of the game.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

 

Be prepared for a lot of hard work, because writing the book is just the first part. If you spin stories well, and you’re not afraid to work yourself ragged, then I think you ought to do alright.

End of Interview:

For more about John, visit his website.

Get your copy of The Scrolls of Xavier from Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook).