Jace lives in Arizona with his family made up of a wife, five kids and a little dog. He writes fiction, thrillers and soft sci-fi with a little short horror on the side. He holds an MBA and works as CFO of a biotech firm. He volunteers with the Boy Scouts, plays and writes music and enjoys everything outdoors. He’s also a novice photographer.
1. How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I started writing when I was five and for the next decade I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. But then slipped away from the dream. I’d return occasionally, for a month or so during the next two decades. I’m thirty eight now and have been writing solidly for the past three years. I just couldn’t stay away. My head is full of stories that I feel compelled to share. It’s just taken a lot of work and time to get good enough at my craft to tell those stories.
2. What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
The best advice I’ve received as an aspiring writer is the best advice I can offer. Keep at it. Keep writing, studying, analyzing, reading. Keep at it.
3. Are there any writing resources, such as books or websites, you’d like to recommend?
A few years ago i came across a book that really helped propel my writing, Million Dollar Outlines, by David Farland. He also teaches some online classes that are fantastic. I also attended Superstars Writing Seminars. It’s a great tribe to be a part of, and extremely helpful to the writing pursuit.
4. What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
My favorite fiction are thrillers and light sic-fi. But I enjoy reading fantasy, sic-fi, westerns, and horror. I love Dean Koontz, and have not read anything of his that I did not thoroughly enjoy. Most recently I’ve been reading Brandon Sanderson, particularly his Stormlight and Calamity series. They are both fantastic.
5. What tips do you have for finding time to write?
Finding time to write can be tricky. I work full time and make sure that I give what is expected by my employer. I also have a family that demands and deserves a lot of my time. I do most of my writing at night after the kids are in bed. On weekends, I make sure to communicate with my family ahead of time, when I plan on writing. They know I zone out for awhile and they support me. My commutes are also effective writing time. I do a little dictation and a lot of brainstorming, plotting, character development and so on.
6. Do you prefer to outline a story in advance or write on the fly? Why?
At my core, I’m what they call a prancer or a discovery writer. But that style is very ineffective and usually has plot issues and weak development. But outlining takes some of the fun out of writing. So I get an idea and discovery write the first couple chapters then pull from that writing insights into the rest of the novel, allowing me to put together an effective outline. Then it comes down to work ethic. I’ve got to sit down and write the thing.
7. How do you deal with rejections?
Rejection is part of the process. I take all feedback I can get and let a little time pass between so that I’m far enough away to make sense of the feedback. Then I’ll return to my story and make it better.
8. What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I just finished my first novel, a middle grade historical fiction that takes place just prior to the Revolutionary War. I’m in search of an agent for this piece and a few other YA novels I have in the works.
9. For the next five years?
In the next five years I should finish two YA trilogies and a couple thrillers that I’ve been working on.
10. Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link.
You can learn more about me at www.jacekillan.com
