Yes, I listen to music. I have different types depending on the nature of the scene. If it is a funny scene, I tend to listen to the Ramones. If it is a serious scene I listen to classical music.

Timothy Reinhardt – 20 July 2019

The Back Flap

Life can be challenging and overwhelming. After finding his wife in bed with another man, Mike meets the mysterious Father Coady, who promptly shoots him in the head (accidentally). When Mike wakes up in the hospital, he’s introduced to Jesus’s little-known brother, James, who is a poor stand-in for the Divine. Meanwhile, Amber, a work-obsessed businesswoman, also encounters the mysterious Father Coady and begins to fall in love with him, to the chagrin of her ever-urbane boyfriend, Paul. Fate seems to pull these four people together through their hilarious struggles to find meaning in a chaotic world.

About the book

When did you start writing the book?

 I started writing the book in 2016.

How long did it take you to write it? 

It took me three years to write the book.

Where did you get the idea from? 

When researching the historical figure of James, the brother of Jesus, I thought it would be an excellent vehicle of a comedy.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The most challenging part of the book was weaving the four separate story lines together at the end in a way that was effective and believable.

What came easily? 

Developing the character of Amber came easily because I drew upon my experience in the corporate world.

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

The characters are a mix of real-world people or peoples and fictious people.

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?

Yes I have been greatly influenced by authors such as Ambrose Bierce and Mark Twain.  They have helped me understand tools for writing comedy.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes, my target reader is middle age and older looking to enjoy comedy.

About Writing

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

My writing process is to map out a story, then to draft a screenplay of the concept.  When I feel the story is complete in screenplay format, then I start drafting the novel.

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

I outline in general terms, then start drafting the screenplay.

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

I wait until the end to start in depth editing.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I do use a professional editor.

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

Yes, I listen to music.  I have different types depending on the nature of the scene.  If it is a funny scene, I tend to listen to the Ramones.  If it is a serious scene I listen to classical music.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents? 

I have not submitted the work to an Agent.

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 was referred to the Indie publishing house through a fellow author.

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

For the prototype of the cover I used 99design, which was then given to the publisher who enhanced the original design.

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

My advice is to find other authors to help you improve writing.  I find screenwriting groups helpful for improving writing skills.

About You

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Esopus NY, which is the Hudson Valley, north of NYC.

Where do you live now? 

I live near Raleigh NC.

What are you working on now? 

I am currently working on Not Far From Nothing, which is a coming of age story.  I have also started working on a screenplay about Moctezuma.

End of Interview:

For more from Timothy visit his website and like his page on Facebook.

Get your copy of Jesus’s Brother James from Amazon US or Amazon UK.