Today Lovely Books Shines The Author Spotlight On…
J.D. Cunegan
J.D. Cunegan introduces his debut novel, BOUNTY, a mixture of murder mystery and superhero epic that introduces the reader to his comic book-inspired storytelling and fast-paced prose. A 2006 graduate of Old Dominion University, Cunegan has an extensive background in journalism and a lifelong love for writing. Cunegan lives in Hampton, Virginia, enjoys reading, and is an avid racing fan.
Author Interview
How long have you been writing? When did you decide to become an author?
I’ve been writing, in one form or another, since I was in high school. I’ve tried my hand at writing comic books, screenplays, I’ve been a journalist, and now I’m a published author. I decided to make the transition to novels when I realized my writing ability had surpassed my artistic talents, meaning my comic books are now being transitioned into novels.
How do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration just about everywhere, but particularly in what I read and sometimes what I see on TV and in the movies. Sometimes, the media I consume will trigger a story idea in my head, and I just run with it. Sometimes, I’m inspired as much by what I don’t see as by what I do.
How do you go about writing a book? Do you have any schedule, tricks or tips to share?
I’m probably not the best person to come to for advice on the writing process, because I don’t really have one. Once I get a story idea in my head, I just write. Outlines and all that don’t really work for me — I find them too constrictive. But I know they work for others, so the best thing I can suggest is to find whatever style suits you. Oh, and pick up a copy of Stephen King’s “On Writing.
What kind of books do you read? Who is your favorite author?
I read comic books, graphic novels, novels… I try not to limit myself to one genre or type. If it’s good, I’ll read it. I just finished Angel Killer by Andrew Maybe and that was really good; looking forward to reading the follow-up, Name of the Devil. I enjoy Kathy Reichs books and Dan Brown’s early works, and Richard Castle books are also pretty good (you wouldn’t think so, but they are).
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on Boundless, a Bounty digital short that will be available next month. I’m also in the editing stages of Blood Ties, a second Bounty novel, that will be out in January 2016, and I’ve begun writing the third book in the series, titled Behind the Badge. I also have two other novels in completely different genres that are in the planning stages.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to teleport, because my day job involves a lot of travel — and it’s such a hassle that I would love to be able to just snap my fingers and wind up wherever I’m supposed to go.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what kind of music?
I love listening to music while I write; I can’t concentrate in complete silence, and TV is too distracting, so music is a wonderful compromise for me. I have different playlists that cater to whatever I’m writing; heavy metal for action sequences, instrumentals for more atmospheric or emotionally-heavy scenes, that sort of thing.
Who is your favorite villain?
I think Magneto, because he was the first villain I ever came across whose motivations I understood. Not condoned, not excused, but understood.
If you had to pick between receiving a million dollars today, or $1000 a month for the rest of your life, which would you choose?
Is this #1,000 a month for the rest of my life on top of what I already make these days with my job and my book royalties? Because if so, I’ll take that.
If you could take anyone out for coffee, dead, alive, or fictional, who would it be?
Joss Whedon: both so I could thank him for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and tell him how it influenced me, and so I could ask him what the hell he was thinking with Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Books by J.D. Cunegan
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