Hellooo Blogosphere!

How’s the world been treating you? Well I hope! Guess what time it is? Interview time!

Thank you, I’m excited too!

This time around I’m interviewing Jack Cornish, fantasy and historical fiction author.

Jack actually found me through my website and contacted me about an interview. I was so excited because that rarely happens to me. Am I really popular?

Okay, okay, I’ll stop. Let’s get on with this digital sit down and get to know our special guest a little bit better.

Jack Cornish

Bio:

My name’s Jack Cornish, I’m only 18 years old, living in the North East of England and am the author of two short and concise fantasy novels. When I was 7 I was diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder known as Asperger’s Syndrome which has found me struggling to fit in to each and everyday situations.

The Interview

Hi Jack, thanks so much for stopping by. To keep things interesting, I like to ask my interviewees a random question to get the blood flowing. Here’s yours!

Through an unknown magic you are teleported to the world of a book you’ve recently read. Where have you ended up?

Jack: Well, I’m currently reading the Shining by Stephen King so I would unluckily be transported to the Overlook Hotel with all its scary happenings.

Jonny: Oh goodness, you’ve really got yourself in a scary situation! That’s a really good book, but to be stuck at the Overlook would be a complete nightmare. Best of luck, haha! I’d get propelled to Let the Right One In. So long as I stay away from the vampire and treat Oskar nicely, I think I’ll be okay. I hope …

Jack and the Writing Process

I always find it interesting how authors and bloggers alike lead multiple lives. What is your dayjob? Do you enjoy it?

Jack: With my age I don’t currently work but I attend college where I am studying to become a primary school teacher which, looking past writing, has always been a dream job for me.

Jonny: Aw, lucky! Working is overrated if you ask me, haha. I just wanna read all day.

Oh nice! I’m glad you’re following your passions and know what you want in life. Many people never figure that out. I’m going back to grad school next year because I got the first degree wrong. Figures! 

What is your favorite part of writing/blogging?

Jack: I feel like writing is an easy way to express yourself verbally as you can insert part of your personal life into the characters that you are creating. I also love being able to come up with different characters.

Jonny: Oh, totally! Little bits and pieces of ourselves are scattered throughout our characters, and I think using life experience as inspiration can really make a character three-dimensional depending on the circumstance. There’s always a great new cast of characters to explore. I’m excited about shaking it up in my upcoming projects as far as characters go. 

Personally, I love the brainstorming and plotting phase of writing. So much is possible in those beginning stages, and I never have issues jotting down a plethora of ideas. 

What genre is your favorite to write in? Why?

Jack: By a mile, my favorite genre to write in is historical fiction. I love being to learn about things that happened to people years ago and one of my favourite authors is Ruta Sepeteyes, (author of Salt to the Sea), and I love writing in the genre as well.

Jonny: You know, I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of reading a historical fiction, though the idea has always intrigued me. I may have to lookup that book for myself. 

I mainly read scifi, horror, and anything fantasy. Anything to get the blood flowing and raise the hair on the back of my neck. 

Are you working on any projects at the moment?

Jack: I am currently working on a lot of different projects but the most prominent at the moment is a poetry book, which has just recently been announced on my social medias. The book is called For The Love of Poetry: One Small Book For A Guy’s Largest Ideas. It is an amalgamation of my deepest and darkest thoughts but it has also caught an essence of some of my happiest memories as well.

Jonny: Congrats on the poetry book! I hear you on different projects. I typically don’t work on more than one at a time, but I’ve always got the future in mind and what’s next for me. 

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Jack: Published books, I only have two of and they’re both part of a series. My favorite would be the second as I feel I’ve had time to develop as a writer. If we’re looking at unpublished work then I’m currently working on a YA horror novel which I feel, with a bit of tweaking, could be great. Overall I’ve written about ten books both published and unpublished.

Jonny: Congrats again! Publishing at all is quite the accomplishment, and I share your sentiment on growth. Over the years we grow in our craft, and I’m sure you have a very bright future ahead of you. Did you say YA horror novel? *gasp* I wanna read it! I live for horror. Definitely keep in touch and let me know when it’s published. Would love to give it a read. 

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Jack: I don’t get many reviews at my current position but I do read every single one that I receive. If their positive then great! I’m glad they like the book. If their negative in the way of constructive criticism then I will take it on board. I like to interact with my readers so therefore will reply to all reviews that I receive; good or bad.

Jonny: I think you have a very healthy perspective on reviews. Authors definitely need to have a thick skin. I do occasionally look for new reviews on my works and will hit the like button if it’s positive, but that’s about it. I’m usually too busy writing the next thing. 

Fun Facts About Jack

What’s your favorite place that you’ve travelled to?

Jack: I recently got the chance to travel to Rome and I absolutely loved it, I’ve always like looking at that period of time so getting to see the amazing architecture in person was truly a remarkable experience.

Jonny: Aw man, I’m so jealous! I bet it was lifechanging for sure. I

recently went to Easton, KS for a writer’s retreat and loved it. I also love quaint little towns like Hermann, MO. Life seems so simple there and I’d love to live in a town like that in the future. 

Are pineapples on pizza blasphemy or no?

Jack: Yes! Absolutely. Pineapples just shouldn’t be placed on pizza at all.

Jonny: Haha, you’re preaching to the choir! I do like to be adventurous (roasted veggies are really good on pizza!), but that’s not one of the things I like on pizza. That or olives, ick! 

What are your favorite tv shows and movies?

Jack: Oh my, there’s just so many. Overall, I would say my all time favorite TV show is Game of Thrones, I absolutely loved it all. Even the ones in Season 8 which I know may be an unpopular opinion. As for movies I absolutely loved the Harry Potter franchise as a kid and I still do to this day.

Jonny: Good choices! I randomly watch a lot of shows at night when I’m trying to unwind. Game of Thrones was good, though I’ll respectfully disagree on that last season, haha. As for me, I’ve been watching Schitt’s Creek (just finished it) and Star Trek TNG lately. 

What kind of music touches your soul?

Jack: I’m very much a lyrics kind of person so I tend to look out for the words more than the actual sound; that’s more of an added bonus for me. I listen to mainly country and folk but will listen R & B and sometimes pop though not often. I’m currently loving Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore.

Jonny: Nice picks. I saw an ad for Taylor’s new album but haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet. Time to get on YouTube I guess!  I’ll listen to almost anything as long as it speaks to me, though I mainly just listen to ambient music to keep myself centered. Right now it’s Halloween and nature background noises. 

Star Wars or Star Trek? OR Doctor Who?

Jack: Well, I’ve only watched two of these three and those are Star Wars and Doctor Who so I can’t really vouch for Star Trek. However, when I tried Star Wars I just didn’t get all the hype, I just wasn’t a fan. Doctor Who on the other hand, I am a massive fan of. Both the classic and newer versions of the show are absolutely brilliantly but both David Tenant and Matt Smith will have a soft spot in my heart.

Jonny: Yes, another Tenant fan! He’s the only doctor in my opinion. I actually stopped watching years ago after Matt Smith took over, but it wouldn’t hurt to give it another go. I understand your take on Star Wars. Some of the films are good, others not so much. That being said, I LOVE the Mandalorian. 

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Jack: I’ve actually thought about this for years and I’ve always liked the idea of something like this being called, ‘Being Labelled: A guy’s journey in finding himself.’ I just feel like it would fit me perfectly as, living with autism I’ve never felt as if I fit in. Still to this day, I’m trying to find out what my purpose is in life.

Jonny: Nice title. I think a lot of people would like to hear about your journey with autism. Also, I think the beauty of being so young is that you have the time to soul search and find yourself. Enjoy this time!

I’m in my early thirties, and that’s when things start to settle. You can still find yourself or make changes in your life for your passions, but it can be a little harder with increased responsibilities and all. 

If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

Jack: It would definitely to be to enjoy the time as a child. Enjoy your time at school, even though there are some hard days there are also some brilliant days ahead of you.

Jonny: Great messages to yourself. You’ve gotta enjoy that sweet freedom while you can. I think for me, I needed to hear be yourself and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about it. Be unapologetic. Of course I’m that way today, but I think I would’ve had an easier time had I heard that earlier on in life. 

Jack and His Works

Tell us about your new book.

Jack: So, my newest book is called Queen at Hells Rift. It is the second book in a trilogy that I have been working on since I was 10. We follow the monarch Madelyn, as she tries to defend her city and the people she loves against oncoming darkness. I sadly can’t say much more than that as I don’t want to spoil the first book.

Jonny: Oh wow, I love that you’ve put so much time into this. The description also sounds really interesting. My first book (still unpublished) took my 3-5 years to fully work out. Best of luck with your second book! 

Do you have a favorite character in your new book? Why are they your favorite?

Jack: Absolutely. My favorite character in my new book is a character called Isobel Young. I loved writing her as she’s that snarky, mysterious side character that I feel you come to love the more you get to know about her.

Jonny: Oh, it’s all about the snarky characters for me, so I believe you. What is it about scrappy characters with attitude that make a book so amazing?

What did you find was the hardest part about writing this book?

Jack: When I think about this my mind always goes to a particular scene in the book. Which is an execution scene. This incorporated the historical aspects which I had to research by watching TV shows and Films that incorporated similar scenes but then I had put a bit of originality into it so therefore I really struggled with that part.

Jonny: Yeah, there’s always a certain spot in writing where you just have a difficult time. Luckily, once you brave through it the worst is over. I go through that here and there and then when I read it over again I kick myself and see that it was fine in the first place. 

If your book would be made into a film, who would you like to play the leads? 

Jack: This is a very hard question however whenever I think of my main character, Madelyn, I always envision Emilia Clarke playing her. I don’t know if that’s just because I’m a massive Game of Thrones fan though. And I see Madelyn’s father being played by Anthony Head. Past that I haven’t really given it much thought as I doubt there much chance of my book becoming a movie ☹ But we can still live in hope.

Jonny: I like the actors you picked. 🙂 Yeah, the odds of most of us authors getting our work made into a film are pretty slim, but dreaming isn’t a crime and you never know. Chance is a strange thing. 

Alright Jack, it looks like our time is up. Before we go, what other projects do you have in store for the world to see in the future? Anything you can share with us?

Jack: I have many different projects in the works. I’m currently working on a horror duology. The first book in this will be called Haunted; the second is called The Policewoman, (This second book’s title is subject to change however). I’m also working on an LGBTQ+ dark contemporary romance called Come Home. Whilst working on these I’m also tidying up my poetry book and writing the final few chapters on the finale to my trilogy, this one will be called Child of Hells Rift.

Jonny: Oh, I love all of this! So much on your plate and I admire the ambition. You can do this!  

Thanks so much for doing this with me, and don’t be a stranger! 

That’s a Wrap!

All righty book worms, that wraps up my interview with Jack Cornish. I had a wonderful time chatting it up with him, and I hope you enjoyed the experience too!

If you’d like to learn more about Jack and his work, he can be reached at the social media links provided below.

Thank you for stopping by, and have a great day!

Social Media Links

Facebook

GoodReads

Amazon Purchase Link

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