Are you ever going to get something published?

Maybe I will, might take a while to get this book published.  I have started editing and that can take a while. This is technically my second book. I trashed my first book.

Writing anything else?

No, I’ve started outlining the next one and I am focusing all attention on editing the book I’ve written. I’ll let you know when I will start drafting this one.

What music do you listen to when you write?

I like to listen to music and groups that inspire me, make me dance, make me think, or make me feel connected.

Some of my favorites include: Billie Eilish, Maggie Rogers, FINNEAS, Brandi Carlile, Imagine Dragons, Vampire Weekend, Lumineers, Interrupters, Haim, The Bad Man, Sara Bareilles, and lots more.

How do you write?

With my right middle finger on a Clevy keyboard with WordQ word prediction software. Check out the video.  I use Microsoft Read Aloud to read back my work aloud when I edit what I’ve written in a Word document. It highlights words as they’re read aloud which helps me with visual tracking.

Check out my YouTube video that shows how I write. I made this when getting ready to give the keynote speech at the Charting the Cs Conference a two years ago.

Why did you want to write this book narrated by a girl with cerebral palsy?

Ok, part of my decision to write this book with a narrator who is a young woman who has the same disability I do was appealing to me because it doesn’t matter what your gender is, what your economic status is, what your race is, and what your sexuality is. Writing is about empathy and being able to see the world from other human experiences.

What genre was your first book that you say was the worst?

My first one was a science fiction/romance novel (or that is what I want to call that).

What does your second book have that the first one didn’t have?

Realistic stuff. I wanted to draw from my own experiences regarding deep brain stimulation (DBS) and having a physical disability. The dialogue for the narrator primarily happens through her communication device. I am able to share a bit more of everyday frustrations through this character than I do in my real life. This book feels more honest to me.

Why don’t you post on social media more often?

Excellent question. One reason is that I don’t have a phone or easy way to post on social media when I’m out doing stuff away from my computer. If I’m out with my mom, we’ll write posts together and then she’ll post on Twitter or Facebook and tag me, always with my permission first! Never tag your kids unless you have their permission! Even when they’re adults! Here’s an example of how my mom and I partner up.

 

I should be posting a lot more than I am and we’re looking into options for phone access, although it’s tricky because physically, I can’t use a phone and we haven’t figured out a good way to use with my somewhat old communication device. And with the amount of time it takes me to type in my communication device, I’d end up missing out on a lot of living if I’m spending all my time typing a short tweet or post.

Second reason is that social media can be a huge time suck so when I’m at home, a lot of times, I’d rather be writing or working on my books, reading books, or watching YouTube.

That’s it for today. I’m probably laying low for a while. I don’t do well with viruses.

All best – Justin

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