Writing is the Easy Part: Author Interview with Jon Oregon

What made you decide to start writing picture books? How long did it take for you to complete your first book? How many rewrites did you do? 

I started to write for my two daughters, so I can leave a written legacy. My first book took 1 month to write, it was a short story but I did 5 rewrites with the advice from my editors.

How did you go about finding an illustrator?

Unfortunately as an indie-author money is hard, so I had to use my photography and design skills to create my own covers. I wish I could spend money on a professional cover design, but I can't, the editing took my cash.

What was the hardest part of putting together your books?

Editing. Implementing structural edits is such hard work. You really have to think how to implement the advice without interrupting your creative pursuits. I spent 2 weeks implementing these editorial changes.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from readers?

One lady sent me an email on Librarythings and told me how she loved my book. That meant so much. She reached out to me, made an effort, and left me a great review. She told me how her kids loved the book, and this is priceless for me. My story worked!

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?

Well, sales are hard for me to be honest. My marketing skills are weak, however BookFunnel is amazing for building up my newsletter, which helps me contact more readers.

What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?

It's hard work, really hard work! Marketing, I wish I had studied marketing, especially in today's internet based economy. Writing is fun and creative, marketing is essential yet hard work! They both go together as the many hats I must wear.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

Never stop writing. Sales mean little, no really. Creatives don't care, they live to create. Just never stop writing and never try. Just do. Just write. There is no try.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

Writing is a real buzz for me. Words turn into magic, we create scenes and drama, magic and mystery, like wizards and magicians - words are our power and tools.

What is the next book coming out. Can you give me some details?

I have a new book soon to be released called "Ka the Fearless Caveboy", it's about a cave boy who loses his tribe after a huge event and must become a man in the wilderness. A secret reveal now just for your readers, he meets a sabre-tooth tiger and they help rescue his tribe after a cataclysmic event! Ka the Fearless Caveboy is not ready yet. August first is the unofficial release date. 

That's all for today's interview. To learn more about Jon's books, here's his Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jon-Oregon/author/B0BYFYRD8S

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of Roland Finds a Magic Stone eBook. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Tuesday!