About J M Samland:
J M Samland is a fantasy author based in Canton, MI, USA. He is passionate about creating vivid worlds and compelling characters that transport readers to new realms of imagination. Drawing inspiration from his love of storytelling, Jamie spends his free time playing board games, roleplaying with friends, and indulging in other hobbies like martial arts and home repair. When he is not writing, Jamie is often found lost in thought, dreaming up new and exciting stories to share with readers alongside his husband and their cats.
What inspires you to write?
My inspiration for writing is drawn from a blend of immersive video games, captivating fantasy books and shows, and my own journey in martial arts. Video games, with their intricate worlds and complex narratives, offer me a canvas of imagination where I envision my characters navigating through challenges and adventures. Fantasy literature and television whisk me away into realms of magic and myth, where the impossible becomes tangible, fueling my desire to create my own universes that readers can lose themselves in.
Similarly, practicing martial arts has been a profound influence on my writing. It's not just the physical aspect but the mental discipline, the stories of perseverance, and the rich history behind each technique that weave into the fabric of my characters' development and the conflicts they face. The resilience and dedication I've learned through taekwondo mirror the journey of a writer — both require patience, discipline, and a deep-seated passion for the craft. This unique combination of influences allows me to blend elements of action, fantasy, and personal growth into my narratives, creating stories that I hope resonate deeply with my readers and leave them yearning for more.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
My list of favorite authors is topped by Stephen King, Brandon Sanderson, and James Rollins, each for their unique contributions to the fabric of literature and their influence on my own writing journey. Stephen King's unparalleled mastery of storytelling and his ability to blend the ordinary with the supernatural has always fascinated me. His works remind me of the power of character-driven narratives and the importance of connecting with readers on an emotional level.
Brandon Sanderson's intricate world-building and magic systems are nothing short of inspirational. His ability to create expansive, yet thoroughly detailed universes, filled with complex characters and moral dilemmas, has significantly influenced how I approach my own fantasy worlds.
James Rollins combines historical mysteries with scientific intrigue in a way that captivates me every time. His seamless integration of fact with fiction and the pace at which his plots unfold keep me glued to the pages, teaching me the value of research and pacing in storytelling.
Together, these authors have shaped my perspective on writing and storytelling, encouraging me to explore the depths of imagination while staying grounded in the emotions and experiences that resonate with readers.
Tell us about your writing process.
My approach to writing varies significantly between my novels and shorter stories, reflecting the depth and complexity of the narrative I aim to construct. For my novels, I adopt a meticulously planned approach. I spend a considerable amount of time in the preparatory phase, fully developing the themes, plot, and characters before I even pen the first word. This groundwork ensures that every element of the novel serves a purpose, and it greatly reduces the amount of content I have to discard later on. It's like constructing a building: laying a solid foundation and carefully planning the structure ensures the integrity of the final product.
Conversely, when it comes to my shorter stories, I embrace a more spontaneous, "pantsing" method. This term, derived from the phrase "flying by the seat of your pants," refers to writing without a detailed plan, letting the story unfold organically. It allows me to explore new ideas and themes with freedom and flexibility. This approach suits shorter narratives well, as it lends itself to the discovery of unexpected twists and turns that can make a story truly memorable. The contrast in these methods highlights the versatility in my writing process, adapting to the needs of the narrative to best tell the story I envision, and it's just a lot of fun to write in different ways.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Absolutely, all the time. My characters are as real to me as friends or family members, each with their own distinct voices, quirks, and desires. These conversations often happen in moments of solitude, like when I'm driving or taking a shower. It's in these quiet times that my characters 'speak' the loudest, offering insights into their motivations or how they might react in various situations.
Engaging in full conversations with my characters helps me understand them on a deeper level. It's a bit like method acting; by immersing myself in their personalities and viewpoints, I can ensure their actions and dialogues in the story are authentic and true to their nature. This practice has been incredibly beneficial, especially when I hit a roadblock or am unsure of a character's development. It might seem unconventional to some, but these conversations spark creativity and often lead to breakthroughs in my storytelling.
What advice would you give other writers?
My foremost piece of advice to other writers is to stick with it, remembering always that writing is a marathon, not a sprint. It's easy to get caught up in the desire for immediate success or recognition, but the reality is that such expectations can lead to disappointment. Success in writing often comes slowly, and for some, it may not arrive in the form they initially hoped for.
The key is to ensure you're always enjoying the writing process itself. Find joy in the act of creating, in bringing characters to life, and in weaving narratives. If you love what you're doing, then you've already succeeded on a level that matters deeply. Writing should be fun, a passion project not entirely dependent on external validation.
This journey is as much about personal growth and fulfillment as it is about achieving traditional markers of success. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and above all, keep writing because it brings you joy. The path of a writer is unique for each individual, but a shared love for storytelling connects us all. If you stay true to your passion and enjoy the journey, you'll find that you've gained much more than you ever sought to achieve.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
After weighing my options, I decided to self-publish my books. This route appealed to me because it offers complete control over every aspect of the publishing process, from the writing and editing phases to cover design, formatting, and marketing. The traditional publishing route can sometimes impose constraints on an author's creative vision, whether through editorial decisions or marketing strategies that may not fully align with the author's intentions. By self-publishing, I ensure that my creative vision remains intact and unhindered.
Self-publishing also allows me to directly engage with my readers and react more nimbly to their feedback, something that's incredibly important to me. While self-publishing does come with its own set of challenges, such as the need for self-promotion and managing the publishing process, the rewards of maintaining creative autonomy and a direct connection to my audience are immensely satisfying. It's empowering to steer the ship of my literary career, making decisions based on what's best for my work and my readers.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I believe we're at a critical juncture in the history of book publishing. The traditional model, as we knew it, is facing a decline, struggling to adapt to the rapid changes and demands of the digital age. However, it's the emergence of AI in the literary market that's become a significant point of contention. AI-generated books are flooding the market, introducing a new wave of content that's accessible and diverse but also raising questions about the essence of storytelling and creativity.
Personally, I have no interest in reading a book written by AI. To me, the soul of a story lies in its human element—the unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives that the author brings to the narrative. AI can mimic styles and construct narratives, but it lacks the genuine heart and the lived experiences that make stories deeply resonant and meaningful.
Despite these advancements, I'm optimistic about the future of book publishing. This era of change presents an opportunity for authors, publishers, and readers to redefine what value we place on storytelling. It challenges us to advocate for the irreplaceable qualities of human creativity. While AI may alter the landscape, there's a growing appreciation for authentic, human-crafted narratives that I believe will endure. The future of publishing will likely be a blend of traditional, self-publishing, and AI-generated content, but the stories that stand the test of time will be those that capture the essence of our human experience.
What genres do you write?: fantasy
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
J M Samland Home Page Link
Link To J M Samland Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
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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.
