__http://francishpowellauthor.weebly.com/interview-with-james-hershey-jr.html
http://bestsellingauthorinterviews.weebly.com/horror-novelist-james-hershey-jr.html
http://bookgoodies.com/interview-with-author-james-hershey-jr/
http://allpassionyourprofit.com/ep-08-how-to-succeed-as-a-horror-author-w-james-hershey-jr/
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/paranormalconcepts/2015/12/07/paranormal-concepts-radio-networkpresents-author-james-hershey-jr
http://paranormalheraldmagazine.com/2016/02/01/paranormal-and-horror-do-micmeet-james-hershey-j-r/
http://paranormalheraldmagazine.com/2016/02/12/horror-author-james-hershey-j-r-explains-how-he-writes/
http://paranormalheraldmagazine.com/2016/02/22/when-a-mans-dreams-become-his-obsessionjames-hershey-j-r-is-call-of-the-wind-spirits/
https://soundcloud.com/judi-giramonti/james-hershey?fb_action_ids=10206785856904774&fb_action_types=soundcloud%3Apublish
http://mixlr.com/vaderskywalker/showreel/vaderskywalker-on-mixlr-20/
http://bestsellingauthorinterviews.weebly.com/horror-novelist-james-hershey-jr.html
http://bookgoodies.com/interview-with-author-james-hershey-jr/
http://allpassionyourprofit.com/ep-08-how-to-succeed-as-a-horror-author-w-james-hershey-jr/
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/paranormalconcepts/2015/12/07/paranormal-concepts-radio-networkpresents-author-james-hershey-jr
http://paranormalheraldmagazine.com/2016/02/01/paranormal-and-horror-do-micmeet-james-hershey-j-r/
http://paranormalheraldmagazine.com/2016/02/12/horror-author-james-hershey-j-r-explains-how-he-writes/
http://paranormalheraldmagazine.com/2016/02/22/when-a-mans-dreams-become-his-obsessionjames-hershey-j-r-is-call-of-the-wind-spirits/
https://soundcloud.com/judi-giramonti/james-hershey?fb_action_ids=10206785856904774&fb_action_types=soundcloud%3Apublish
http://mixlr.com/vaderskywalker/showreel/vaderskywalker-on-mixlr-20/
This is an interview I did for the HorrorMovieFanEvilAsh horror group.
Justin Cool:
Alright James first question 1 for you sir, what movie initially got you into horror?
James Hershey Jr:
For me was the first Nightmare on Elm Street I remember watching that movie when I was a kid in the theater and it scared me so bad that I was afraid to go into my room and lay in bed. I knew that if a movie could call that kind of reaction and make me feel that way it was powerful and that was something I wanted to get into.
Justin Cool:
A true classic movie especially among the horror community. Question 2 for you sir, where do you get your inspiration from for your novels? Is it a different source for different novels or does your inspiration all draw from one source?
James Hershey Jr:
All my stories come from the same place my dreams. Ever since I was a small child I have been having these super vivid dreams. I have a different one every night until the story is finished and then they start repeating. I learned that by writing the dreams down it stopped them from coming back. Of course they are just replaced by a new set of dreams.
Justin Cool:
Which would expand why A Nightmare On Elm Street had such an impact on you. Question 3 sir, aside from writing what other passions do you enjoy in your life?
James Hershey Jr:
I teach self-defense and spent most of my life as a musician so I enjoy playing music. The thing that brings me the most joy is spending time with my family. I never knew what love really was until I became a father. When I look into my daughter's eyes it makes me realize what is truly important in this life.
Justin Cool:
That is truly amazing and two of my passions are music and horror. Question 4 sir, have you ever been interested or thought about writing scripts for horror movies or tv?
James Hershey Jr:
Most people that read my novels tell me that they should be made into movies. It is one of my goals to have my novels made into movies. I think there is a lot of really good tv being made now too and I would be interested in that as well if it was done right.
Justin Cool:
I think that would be great for your career sometime in the future hopefully, the way you write is very fluent. Question 5 sir, if you can recall, what moment in your life did you know for sure that writing novels was exactly what you wanted to do?
James Hershey Jr:
I have always loved reading. I was reading books like the Bernstein Bears before I went to kindergarten. By first grade I was reading Mark Twain. I wrote my first story when I was in elementary school and have been writing ever since. It was recently that I decided to get serious about writing and really try to write novels and get published. I was giving my daughter a speech about how nothing is impossible and you can accomplish all your dreams if you work hard enough. I got about half way through the speech and it hit me that I wasn't practicing what I was preaching. It was my dream to be a writer and I never went for it because I was too afraid of failing. I decided right then that I had to set an example for her and prove that what I was preaching to her wasn't just hot air.
Justin Cool:
That's a great way to realize that, through family I mean. Question 6 sir, I'm sure many get asked this and I apologize if it is an over asked question to you but what are your opinions and thoughts on Stephen King?
James Hershey Jr:
I do get asked that a lot. If you read my reviews you will see that I get compared to him a lot. I have been called the next Stephen King and many other comparisons. My opinion of King is that he is a great storyteller. I have read all of his novels and he is one of my favorite authors. Many other authors will take shots at him because let's face it he is on top of the mountain. I have nothing but respect and love for him and to be compared to a master like him is not only a great honor but is mind blowing to me.
Justin Cool:
Your right you do and that's why I couldn't resist asking, truly I think your work stands on its own but like you said a great honor. Question 7 sir, when you are writing initial drafts or final works, do you write more in a song writing / poem style or is your drafts and final works usually about the same?
James Hershey Jr:
When my first draft is finished it is pretty much what you read in the final novel. I only fix spelling and grammar errors. I never outline or plan out a book. I have an idea how the story goes from my dreams but I don't plan it out at all. When I am starting a novel I reread my dream journal once to get the basic idea in my head and then just surrender to whatever it is that causes me to have the dreams in the first place. I type frantically for as long as that inspiration has me in it's grip. Sometimes I write through the night and into the next day. I don't pay a lot of attention to what I am writing I just surrender and let the story flow through me. I am just as suprised as my readers by some of the plot twists that happen. I truly believe that the story wants to be told and if you just trust in the story it will almost write itself.
Justin Cool:
That is amazing a lot of authors and writers change works they do for some reason or another but to get it right the first time is rare and shows much talent in my opinion. Question 8 sir, if you have writers block or just when your diving into your next novel and just starting to write your ideas and dreams to the page do you have any go to bands or singers that you listen to?
James Hershey Jr:
When I was writing Legion I listened to Rob Zombie for the whole book. I love his music anyway but I listened to it because it captured the feeling of the story and helped me get to that place where I go away and the story takes over. For Call Of The Wind Spirits I listened to alot of classical music while I was writing it. Wind Spirits wasn't a mellow book by any stretch of the imagination but it is about a child that gets snatched and fed on by an immortal creature. My daughter plays viola in the school orchestra and listening to classical music always makes me think about her. My biggest fear is that something terrible will happen to my daughter and the music helped me to transfer that fear and emotion onto the page so the readers can go along with me on the emotional rollercoaster that is Wind Spirits.
Justin Cool:
Truly powerful and having met Rob years ago I can honestly say I've never met a nicer "celebrity" music is really inspirational. Question 9 sir, as you garner a larger fan base and your works are taking off more and more as I see in the horrormoviefanevilash pages, is it becoming harder for you to focus on your work or is it giving you more motivation?
James Hershey Jr:
I always respond personally to every single reader that likes or comments on my posts. I also message back and forth with my readers and have started doing video answers to readers questions. It does take time to do all of that but I treasure the personal relationship I have with my readers and will always do my best to answer their questions and try to show them how much they mean to me. We all work hard for our money and I greatly appreciate it when someone spends their money to buy my book. I couldn't do what I love for a living without their support and I want them to know how important they are to me.
Justin Cool:
Wow well said, very well said. Last question sir and this truly has been an honor for me. As horror is moving forward as it always has no matter what decade it is horror remains relevant one way or another, with that said do you think that your love and passion for what you do will still be with you 5-10 years from now?
James Hershey Jr:
Horror is and has always been relevant for one simple reason. Fear is one of the most powerful emotions and has the ability to physically change you. The beautiful thing about horror novels or movies is they allow you to experience that primal sensation in complete safety. People love to get scared because it makes them feel alive when they realize they are safe a second later. I still have my dreams every night and I don't see them stopping any time soon. I have over thirty novels in my dream journals and they just keep coming. I love what I do and I think it's safe to say I will be scaring all of you for many years to come.
Justin Cool:
I honestly hope so and cannot wait to read more from you, thank you so much for your time brother. I learned a lot today and truly have even more respect for you as a friend and an artist.
Justin Cool:
Alright James first question 1 for you sir, what movie initially got you into horror?
James Hershey Jr:
For me was the first Nightmare on Elm Street I remember watching that movie when I was a kid in the theater and it scared me so bad that I was afraid to go into my room and lay in bed. I knew that if a movie could call that kind of reaction and make me feel that way it was powerful and that was something I wanted to get into.
Justin Cool:
A true classic movie especially among the horror community. Question 2 for you sir, where do you get your inspiration from for your novels? Is it a different source for different novels or does your inspiration all draw from one source?
James Hershey Jr:
All my stories come from the same place my dreams. Ever since I was a small child I have been having these super vivid dreams. I have a different one every night until the story is finished and then they start repeating. I learned that by writing the dreams down it stopped them from coming back. Of course they are just replaced by a new set of dreams.
Justin Cool:
Which would expand why A Nightmare On Elm Street had such an impact on you. Question 3 sir, aside from writing what other passions do you enjoy in your life?
James Hershey Jr:
I teach self-defense and spent most of my life as a musician so I enjoy playing music. The thing that brings me the most joy is spending time with my family. I never knew what love really was until I became a father. When I look into my daughter's eyes it makes me realize what is truly important in this life.
Justin Cool:
That is truly amazing and two of my passions are music and horror. Question 4 sir, have you ever been interested or thought about writing scripts for horror movies or tv?
James Hershey Jr:
Most people that read my novels tell me that they should be made into movies. It is one of my goals to have my novels made into movies. I think there is a lot of really good tv being made now too and I would be interested in that as well if it was done right.
Justin Cool:
I think that would be great for your career sometime in the future hopefully, the way you write is very fluent. Question 5 sir, if you can recall, what moment in your life did you know for sure that writing novels was exactly what you wanted to do?
James Hershey Jr:
I have always loved reading. I was reading books like the Bernstein Bears before I went to kindergarten. By first grade I was reading Mark Twain. I wrote my first story when I was in elementary school and have been writing ever since. It was recently that I decided to get serious about writing and really try to write novels and get published. I was giving my daughter a speech about how nothing is impossible and you can accomplish all your dreams if you work hard enough. I got about half way through the speech and it hit me that I wasn't practicing what I was preaching. It was my dream to be a writer and I never went for it because I was too afraid of failing. I decided right then that I had to set an example for her and prove that what I was preaching to her wasn't just hot air.
Justin Cool:
That's a great way to realize that, through family I mean. Question 6 sir, I'm sure many get asked this and I apologize if it is an over asked question to you but what are your opinions and thoughts on Stephen King?
James Hershey Jr:
I do get asked that a lot. If you read my reviews you will see that I get compared to him a lot. I have been called the next Stephen King and many other comparisons. My opinion of King is that he is a great storyteller. I have read all of his novels and he is one of my favorite authors. Many other authors will take shots at him because let's face it he is on top of the mountain. I have nothing but respect and love for him and to be compared to a master like him is not only a great honor but is mind blowing to me.
Justin Cool:
Your right you do and that's why I couldn't resist asking, truly I think your work stands on its own but like you said a great honor. Question 7 sir, when you are writing initial drafts or final works, do you write more in a song writing / poem style or is your drafts and final works usually about the same?
James Hershey Jr:
When my first draft is finished it is pretty much what you read in the final novel. I only fix spelling and grammar errors. I never outline or plan out a book. I have an idea how the story goes from my dreams but I don't plan it out at all. When I am starting a novel I reread my dream journal once to get the basic idea in my head and then just surrender to whatever it is that causes me to have the dreams in the first place. I type frantically for as long as that inspiration has me in it's grip. Sometimes I write through the night and into the next day. I don't pay a lot of attention to what I am writing I just surrender and let the story flow through me. I am just as suprised as my readers by some of the plot twists that happen. I truly believe that the story wants to be told and if you just trust in the story it will almost write itself.
Justin Cool:
That is amazing a lot of authors and writers change works they do for some reason or another but to get it right the first time is rare and shows much talent in my opinion. Question 8 sir, if you have writers block or just when your diving into your next novel and just starting to write your ideas and dreams to the page do you have any go to bands or singers that you listen to?
James Hershey Jr:
When I was writing Legion I listened to Rob Zombie for the whole book. I love his music anyway but I listened to it because it captured the feeling of the story and helped me get to that place where I go away and the story takes over. For Call Of The Wind Spirits I listened to alot of classical music while I was writing it. Wind Spirits wasn't a mellow book by any stretch of the imagination but it is about a child that gets snatched and fed on by an immortal creature. My daughter plays viola in the school orchestra and listening to classical music always makes me think about her. My biggest fear is that something terrible will happen to my daughter and the music helped me to transfer that fear and emotion onto the page so the readers can go along with me on the emotional rollercoaster that is Wind Spirits.
Justin Cool:
Truly powerful and having met Rob years ago I can honestly say I've never met a nicer "celebrity" music is really inspirational. Question 9 sir, as you garner a larger fan base and your works are taking off more and more as I see in the horrormoviefanevilash pages, is it becoming harder for you to focus on your work or is it giving you more motivation?
James Hershey Jr:
I always respond personally to every single reader that likes or comments on my posts. I also message back and forth with my readers and have started doing video answers to readers questions. It does take time to do all of that but I treasure the personal relationship I have with my readers and will always do my best to answer their questions and try to show them how much they mean to me. We all work hard for our money and I greatly appreciate it when someone spends their money to buy my book. I couldn't do what I love for a living without their support and I want them to know how important they are to me.
Justin Cool:
Wow well said, very well said. Last question sir and this truly has been an honor for me. As horror is moving forward as it always has no matter what decade it is horror remains relevant one way or another, with that said do you think that your love and passion for what you do will still be with you 5-10 years from now?
James Hershey Jr:
Horror is and has always been relevant for one simple reason. Fear is one of the most powerful emotions and has the ability to physically change you. The beautiful thing about horror novels or movies is they allow you to experience that primal sensation in complete safety. People love to get scared because it makes them feel alive when they realize they are safe a second later. I still have my dreams every night and I don't see them stopping any time soon. I have over thirty novels in my dream journals and they just keep coming. I love what I do and I think it's safe to say I will be scaring all of you for many years to come.
Justin Cool:
I honestly hope so and cannot wait to read more from you, thank you so much for your time brother. I learned a lot today and truly have even more respect for you as a friend and an artist.