Pump Up Your Book Chats with Mystery Novelist J.P. White

In the last 35 years, J.P. White has published essays, articles, fiction, reviews, interviews and poetry in over a hundred publications including The Nation, The New Republic, The Los Angeles Times Magazine, The Gettysburg Review, American Poetry Review, and Poetry (Chicago).  He is a graduate of New College in Sarasota, Florida, Colorado State University and Vermont College in Fine Arts. He is the author of five books of poems and a novel, Every Boat Turns South.  You can visit his website at www.jpwhite.net.

Thank you for this interview, Jay.  Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later?  Do you remember your first published piece?

When I was fourteen, I started writing were songs.  I wanted to be a blonde Bob Dylan.  The first piece I published was a poem.  I was seventeen and that poem appeared in The Nation.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

Most writers are not keen about self-promotion and yet in today’s world it’s essential that one learns how to do this with some finesse.  It’s always rewarding to hear from readers who enter into the lives of your characters and tell you they are eager to read the next book.

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life?  Do you have support?

I’ve been happily married for twenty-five years and have always made my living as writer, either full time or freelance.

What do you like to do for fun when you¹re not writing?  Where do you like to vacation?  Can you tell us briefly about this?

We have traveled widely in Europe mostly to see art.  My wife, Betty Bright, is an art historian and author.

Every Boat Turns South by J.P. White (click on cover to purchase)

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

Any of the islands of the 22nd parallel.  Island life, though sometimes remote, is also connected to the world because of the ocean the island sits in.

Who is your biggest fan?

My wife, but she also my toughest critic.

Where¹s your favorite place to write at home?

My office which is a tower room looking out over a marsh.

Do you have any pets?

Two cats.  Mickey and Minny. Very cute.  One is brazen.  The other is always afraid.  They are famous friends.

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

I never applied to college though I was accepted.

What¹s on your to do list today?

Take a walk on earth day

Now I¹ve got a couple of fun questions for you.  If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of your book, how would that help him find a way off the island?

There is much in my book about sailing into the wind and offwind and he would need to know about both to get off his island.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara Dioguardi and the newest addition, Ellen DeGeneres, to determine whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay where you¹d make millions of dollars.  What would impress them more ­ your book cover, an excerpt or your author photo ­ and why?

An excerpt, most definitely. There is plenty of island intrigue and high seas adventure in my book which lends itself to a gripping film treatment. By the way, there’s already a screenplay of my novel that is currently being packaged by ICM (International Creative Management.

You just got word that your book has received the 2010 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony to give an acceptance speech. Anyone who¹s anyone will be there and it¹s your shot for stardom.  What would you say and who would you thank?

I would talk about the beauty and power of language to transform pain into beauty.   I would thank many people including my wife and Russian daughter, but at the top of my list would be my 92-year-old mother who read poetry to me when I was ten.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in May and June via a virtual book tour.  Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

It sounded fun and different and I’m eager to learn how to connect to more readers online.

Thank you for this interview, Jay. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about my life and work.

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