Interview with Joshua Mason Interview with Joshua Mason

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Originally from Upstate New York, now living in Seattle.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

Dad was in the Coast Guard so we moved around a lot. I’ve spent over half my life in the pacific northwest, and it’s where I like to be, along with Indonesia.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I read my first Xanth books when I was a kid. After reading Ready Player One, I was inspired to write my own after I found a genre I could sink my teeth into.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

A literary representation of a role playing game, like Final Fantasy or D&D. My latest book is based on a digital afterlife, where humans have the ability to upload their consciousness to a simulation before they die. In Eight Bit Bastard, the simulation has run out of memory, so the world is compressed into the Bitrealm – a pixelated homage to some of the first video games ever released.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone who’s ever played a video game, or wonders what comes next after we die.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Probably that I can actually write. Everyone has impostor syndrome to some extent, I think, myself included. I just didn’t let it stop me. Reading positive reviews and having people constantly ask about my next book can help nip that in the bud.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Ultimately, write for yourself. The reviews and sales are nice, but do it because you enjoy doing it.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

All of them? Heh… pretty much anyone who’s ever picked up a controller or lost themselves in a video game.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Motivation is always a struggle. I mean, it’s there, but I’ve always been a big procrastinator. All tips on how to get around that are welcome.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I like to write unique stories. Familiar genres with a twist nobody has thought of yet. The actual publishing and releasing are the weak part of my game. Without a huge budget, though, I’ve become pretty creative with self promotion. I’ve borrowed some of the cheesy video game ads of the 80s and out my own spin on them. People seem to love them.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing, I’d have to say the motivation again, and creating deep character arcs. It’s harder than it looks, but I think I’m improving with every book. I need to brush up on publishing strategies, that’s for sure. When you self publish, there’s nobody there to hold your hand, although social media groups and forums can help a lot. Marketing, my biggest challenge is staying creative without overdoing the self-promo. A little goes a long way.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Tonight, well another chapter anyway. I aim to have Eight Bit Bastards: Level Three out by early November.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self published.

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Pinterest Interview with Helen Ann Licht