About Ian Johnson:
I earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. I've also taken courses in political theory at Goethe University, as well as courses in political philosophy and ethics at the University of Pardubice. At present time, I work as an english language arts instructor in New York City.
What inspires you to write?
I find this question difficult. My immediate inclinations would lead me to answer that I am inspired to write by the beauty of the world. But my less immediate inclinations would lead me to answer that I am inspired to write by the inherent difficulty of the human endeavor. I am certain, however, that vanity inspires my writing in a particulalry significant, if not ultimate, sense.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
My favorite writers are Fyodor Dostoevsky, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, Richard Wright, Plato, G.W.F Hegel, Emil Cioran, and David Hume.
Tell us about your writing process.
My most successful writing projects have not been guided by any sort of considerable outlines. I spent a lot of time outlining ideas and taking notes during the composition of my novel Notes From After Dusk. However, I did not spend any time developing outlines for the novel before I started writing the first draft.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I wouldn't say that I dialogue with my characters, but it isn't difficult for me to imagine what they would sound like or talk about if I were to meet them.
What advice would you give other writers?
It's important to read voraciaously. It's also extremely important to make an effort to write consistently (as in daily). Try to be a good person. Live an adventerous life. Be frugal. Be generous. Believe in yourself.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to publish my first novel on Amazon, because I found the interface user friendly and I wanted to maintain complete control over the production and distribution of the book.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think that there is a very concerning literacy crisis in the United States. I am confident that there will always be an an intelligenstia caste in the US, which will drive demand for books. But I think that the publishing industry has a brighter future in Europe.
What genres do you write?: Literary Fiction
What formats are your books in?: Print
Website(s)
Ian Johnson Home Page Link
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
