An Interview with the Author of ‘Z Towers’ Jay Zano

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z towersTell us something unexpected about yourself!

 

The most unexpected thing I have ever done was write this book. I have always been a good storyteller but growing up I struggled with reading comprehension. If you go back and tell my high school guidance counselor I wrote a book he would die where he sat.

 

 

How did you get into writing?

 

As mentioned, I have always enjoyed telling stories. In college, writing assignments was always a strength of mine. I always received high marks in making essentially any topic exciting to read. Well, except for American History. I felt me and my professor were on opposite ends of the political spectrum so he never seemed too thrilled about my submissions.

 

 

What are your top 3 books of all time?

 

I am Legend, War War Z, and Appalachian Trials.

 

 

Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?

 

A few friends and I were discussing how irritating some people are when one friend jokingly said, “man wouldn't it be great if it was legal to kill annoying coworkers”. Thinking only an apocalyptic event could provide enough justification, Z Towers was born.   

 

 

How long did it take you to write this book?

 

I always tell people it took 6 months to write which was over a two year span. I burned out after a couple of months so I took 18 months off.

 

 

Have you got any writing rituals?

 

 

I need to be in a place where I have limited visual distractions.I usually go to my office over on the weekends or in a private room at the library. For Z towers, I blared 80's hair rock in my earbuds while writing. If the book ever turns into a movie I will insist the soundtrack be 100% Motely Crue songs!  

 

 

How important is marketing and social media for you?

 

Marketing and social media is vital to promote your book. Since self-publishing has taken off, pretty much anyone can upload a book to Amazon. Having a quality book matters less than having a good marketing plan. As a self-published writer, I am trying to learn the marketing side of things. I can have the best book in the world but it doesn't matter if no one knows it exists.  

 

 

Do you read your book reviews?

 

I am obsessed with my book reviews. It is awesome getting feedback from complete strangers. I can only take my wife's feedback with a grain a salt. The real validation is the feedback from those who do not know you.

 

 

What advice would you have for other writers?

 

I will share the advice I learned from reading hundreds of blogs on how to write and publish a book. Invest in quality editing and cover design. You can have the best story in the world but if the reader is distracted by grammatical errors or plot holes you will lose them. Also, if your cover is poorly done you will be less likely to get anyone to even look at it.

 

 

What are you reading now?

 

I am reading Deaf Again by Mark Drolsbaugh. I am learning sign language and wanted to learn more about deaf culture in general.

 

What's your next step?

 

My next project is to co-author a book with my ten year old son over the summer. He has a fantastic idea for a book and wants for us to work on it together.  

 

 

Follow Jay on Twitter @zooktowers

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