Interview With J. Scott Savage

On July 7th I had the opportunity to review J. Scott Savage's new YA novel Farworld. Today I have the privilege of speaking with him about the book that kept me from getting any housework done because I couldn't put it down:o)

1. Thanks for hanging out with us today, Scott. Tell us about yourself.

Well, I randomly burst into song, (kind of like bursting into flames, but less painful) even though I can’t sing. I apparently have a very recognizable laugh. I like just about every food except tomatoes. And I have had over seventy jobs in my life. How’s that?

2. Well, I'd say you're my kind of guy. And as for bursting into song, you would fit right in at my house. The kids sing show tunes at all hours.
When did you start writing and what got you started?

I’ve written on and off for most of my life. In fact, my earliest memory is of copying letters form a book to a piece of paper. I couldn’t have been more than two or three. I was so excited because I thought I was writing a book. I didn’t get serious about it until I was in my late thirties though. And even then, it was mostly because I was traveling a lot as the CEO of an internet startup and I needed a stress reliever.

3. You couldn't have picked a better way to relieve stress. You're good. Farworld just blew me away. How did you come up with the story?

A little at a time. This story is a classic case of building up over years and years, and then suddenly pouring out in like 60-90 days.

4. How long did it take you to write it?

Two to three months of writing, Easily twice that much editing.

5. The simple truths and messages in the story are wonderful. What inspired it?

I love kids. They are just so dang cool. I love playing with them and making them smile again, and laugh. Seeing a little boy or girl laugh is the most therapeutic thing in the world.

But I hate to see them unhappy or in pain. Not like throwing a tantrum because they didn’t get the last ice-cream (although that can be painful.) I mean feeling like they don’t fit in, being bullied, or teased, or left out. So I wanted to write a book about kids who don’t fit in—who have things that make them even doubt themselves—but who end up being the heroes anyway.

6. Boy, I sure could have used you as a friend in school since I was a complete misfit myself back then:o) Did your family give you any ideas or input?

TONS! My two youngest boys are always giving me suggestions for elementals. And my wife came up with the name Kyja.

7.I like that name too. How many books are there going to be in the series? Are you working on the next one now? I guess you can tell I'm anxious:o)

Five books total. I am just getting to the writing stage of book two, but I have most of it in my head.

8. What other books have you written?

Cutting Edge, Into the Fire, and the Shandra Covington Mystery Series. I’ve also written a couple of others that are not published yet.

You're a very talented guy. I smell NY Times Best Seller in the future. I'll be proud to be able to say I knew you when:o)

I’ll be happy if the NY Times just doesn’t call me the worst hack who ever put pen to paper.

Oh, right, that'll never happen. I can hear the crowds chanting your name now:o)
Thanks for visiting with us today.

Thank you!!!!

Farworld-Water Keep will be in stores on September 8th. To find out more about J. Scott Savage and his books, visit his blog at http://www.jscottsavage.blogspot.com

More Suggested Reading

Book: Season of Sacrifice
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Publisher: Golden Wings Enterprises

Sarah Williams is a young Welsh immigrant, coming to Utah to join her sister Mary Ann Perkins. When the Perkins are asked to join the San Juan mission to pioneer a trail through Southern Utah, they take Sarah along to help care for the children. But a six-week journey turns into six agonizing months of hard work and toil as the Saints blast their way through a cliff to bring their wagons through what would become the famous Utah landmark "Hole in the Rock."

Finally settled in the San Juan, Sarah's true hardship begins when Ben Perkins asks her to be his second wife. With their faith and testimonies challenged to the core, both Sarah and Mary Ann struggle to find the true meaning of Christ-like love and obedience. Will they make it through?

This is a great book written by an amazing lady. A very enjoyable read.

Season of Sacrifice can be purchased by logging on to http://www.tristipinkston.com

Also, be sure to order your copy of my new YA novel The Journey by logging on to http://www.jadamsnovels.com