Award winning author, and dyslexic, Wally Jones

1) Let’s get to know you. What is your Author name; use your Pen name if you have one.

Wally Jones

2) What inspired you to become a writer?

About 15 years ago I had a recurring dream. Every night the same dream played out in my sleeping mind for over eight years. It was a pleasant dream and I began looking forward to it each night.

The dream was about a man who didn’t fit into society. Not that he was outcast, he just didn’t feel comfortable being around other people. He worked better alone. So, he removed himself from society and lived in a cave in the mountains.

Then the dream stopped. I missed having the dream, but I remember it fondly.

Roughly six years ago I had the sudden and overwhelming need to put that dream into written words. I have no idea where that idea came from, but I felt compelled to write, which is a huge thing for a fully dyslexic person. Words for me are extremely difficult. I have often said that words are like daggers stabbing me in the mind. I spent much of my life avoiding writing, but for some reason I had to get that dream on paper.

At first, my writing was very slow and really bad. The pages were filled with misspelled words, grammatical errors and poor sentence structure. It took me a year of writing just to learn how to write properly, and even then there were numerous errors due to dyslexia.

3) Which character of yours is your favorite and why?

I don’t believe I have a favorite character. I enjoy them all equally. I created all of them and in some way each of them represents a part of me, except Sam.

That said, I will offer a little insight on a few characters…..

Sam shares many qualities with my wife. She is strong, out-spoken, family oriented, and gives everything about herself to others. She also suffers from disabling anxiety and panic attacks. Writing Sam made gave me insight to how difficult being a woman truly is. It was a learning experience and I am better for it. I still have much to learn.

Kevin is most like my son. He is small and quiet but houses amazing intellect.

Grondi is the father I never had. He is everything I imagine a father should be and who I strive to be for my children. He is wise and caring, yet strict when needed.

Nechek is the righteous side of me struggling to always do the right thing. He is strong, intelligent, and compassionate.

People often attempt to guess which character I am most similar. The most common guesses are Nechek and Grondi, and it is difficult for me argue against that. Those who know me well would certainly say I’m a blend of Grondi and Nechek.

My wife jokes that I am most like Lexi. Not the vain teenage girl part, but rather the truth-teller that no listens to part.

4) What is the hardest challenge in being a writer?

I believe many writers would answer this question by saying writers block is the biggest challenge to overcome as a writer. Other might say Imposters Syndrome.

Honestly, neither of those have been an issue for me. In fact, I have more ideas for stories than I will even be able to put on page. And I know exactly why I write.

I understand that my situation is a bit unique, but Dyslexia is the most challenging part of writing for me. Owning neither the ability to encode or decode words is extremely rough. I struggle with words to no end. I write extremely slowly and it is error filled. It is mentally taxing, but I continue to grow and improve.

5) What is the most important bit of information you would want to tell a person interested in publishing a book?

About halfway through writing Sam the Chosen I decided to research how a debut author can get published, or in other words, the best way for a new author to obtain a publisher. It took a few weeks, but what I found was interesting and educational.

Many publishers, especially for new authors, want books that are easily accessible to a broad audience, with fun uplifting stories that are not too niche, that capture and fascinate the reader. They also look for books that are part of a series because they create instant future sales. If the author already has a strong following with a blog or social media posts that is huge bonus since most of the publishers work is already done.

What publishers don’t want from new authors are dark, serious, and heavy books from writers with no social influence.

So it quickly becomes a catch-22 situation. As a new author you need a publisher to get your name known, but they don’t want you until you are already know, but once you are known you no longer need the publisher.

It’s a vicious cycle.

My suggestions for new writers…….

1. Write every day. Writing is a skill. It improves the more you practice.

2. Post what you write to a website, blog, or free-lance group and start making a name for yourself.

3. Stay humble. Always accept criticism and offer no response.

4. Don’t get your feelings hurt. Not everyone will appreciate your writing. That’s OK.

5. Don’t give up. The publishing industry is brutal to crack into. Keep at it.

6) What is your favorite part about being a writer?

I like the clean white page. It is a blank slate, Tabula Rasa. I can make it anything I wish and the possibilities are endless. It is fun and exciting as the mind wonders in new directions.

7) Where is your favorite place to read?

Not sure I have one. Anywhere is fine with me.

Reading is an adventure of the mind, so location isn’t important to me.

8) What is you preferred method of reading a book? (Audio, paperback, hardcover, or eBook)

This is an interesting question and I believe my answer will ruffle a few feathers.