Inside The Indie Author: A Conversation with James Wittenborg

Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?

No, I never gave it any thought. I understand some of the reasons why someone might use a pseudonym and why it may be appropriate for others. Some may use it for privacy, perhaps writing something that they may not want associated to them. I do see how it could be used as a trigger to spur interest, especially if the pseudonym is a strange or unique name; one that is hard to forget. For me personally, the intent is for people to hopefully enjoy what I’ve written and associate with my true name.

What is your “go-to” method for working through or around writer’s block?

I’ve tried several methods to rescue me from the inevitable occurrence of writer’s block. The first method is to simply walk away. Turn off the computer, take a walk, watch a movie, play with my two dogs; anything to disassociate myself from what I was just doing. Most of the time this works. A second method is to stop writing, take a short break, then open up another book. Sometimes getting immersed in the flow of another author’s writings can help kick-start my own thought process and help me resume writing.

From your perspective, what are the most important elements of good writing?

As someone with only a few books under his belt, my answer to this may not be as sophisticated as that of a seasoned writer. But for me, keeping the story simple and relevant to the reader is what I aim for. I believe that good writing grabs the interest of the reader and refuses to let go. But as important as the story is, I believe it’s the characters in the story that intrigue the reader most. There always seems to be that one character that the reader can relate to, root for, despise, or admire. And making these characters as true to life as possible, is paramount in capturing the reader’s interest.

What comes first – the location, the plot, or the characters – and why?

For me it’s always the plot. I think that once I have the storyline, I can then create the types of characters and personalities suited to carry out the story. The location, at least for me, is a byproduct of the plot. Is it necessary to be near a body of water, a desert, mountains? If so, this would obviously influence the location. But in the end, location, plot, and character development are all intertwined and rely on each other for completeness.

What are your least favorite and most favorite things about publishing a book?

To date, I have only published three books, so I don’t have much to draw on. I guess, in an ideal world, my hopes would be that when I finish writing a book and it’s ready to be published, there would be a list of publishers out there knocking on my door wanting to publish it. I’m still waiting by the door! Truth is, new writers aren’t easily acceptable “into the club,” and our best option is to self-publish. My favorite thing about publishing a book? To see the finished product in print and being advertised. I see it as perhaps climbing a mountain and, upon reaching its peak, looking back down at the trek I just completed.

What is a significant way your book changed from the first to the final draft?

The final draft is generally a series of self-imposed re-edits in a quest to always make it just a little bit better. Usually, some necessary dialogue is added where needed, or I look at a word and decide there’s a better word to use in its place.

What was the inspiration for your most recent book?

My most recent book, “The Station,” is the final book of a trilogy. The inspiration for writing this series came to me simply by creative chance. Like many people, I live my life at times, entertaining the thought of “what if?” Those two words can take you to a thousand scenarios and one such scenario for me was; what if I could go back in time, witness something, and then bring that knowledge back to the present? Although there’s nothing spectacularly unique about that thought, it did intrigue me enough to expand it to think about what might happen (good or bad) to a person with such an ability.

Where are your most productive writing spaces, and what elements are important about that space to keep you focused on writing.

It won’t come as a shock when I say that my most productive writing comes when I am least distracted. The best writing environment I’ve enjoyed has been the quiet solitude of a library’s small conference room. I am surrounded by a peaceful environment and invigorated by the energy radiating from the countless literary works around me. When I don’t make it out to the library, I prefer the quiet of my home office.

If you were to give one of your side characters a novella of their own, who would it be, and why do you think they need their own story?

There’s a character that is introduced in the second book of the series named Alec Devers. He’s the main character’s college roommate who slowly becomes an integral part of the story. He’s also the kind of a guy you might have known at college or were friends with growing up. But Alec is a bit quirky and exceptionally smart, and certainly someone who could carry a storyline.

What’s the best monetary investment you’ve ever made with regard to your writing practice?

This one is easy. Finding an editor that you’re comfortable with, and whose oversight results in something that is better than what you could have done on your own. That extra set of eyes, especially eyes that are skilled in the writing process, tends to see what the rest of us are oblivious to.

When you first began writing, what was a common procrastination trap you encountered, and how did you overcome it?

For me it was always about being easily distracted whenever I paused in my writing. Sometimes when I got to the point where I needed to think through a scene, if the answer didn’t immediately come to me, I would quickly allow myself to shift attention to my dogs, laundry that needed to be done, something I forgot had to be repaired in the garage – anything that would get me out of my chair and away from writing. Like many other things in life, it really comes down to discipline. Set goals. Finish what you start. Of course, take breaks when you need them but discipline yourself to recognize when it’s time to get back to the keyboard!

What is your writing software of choice, and what is its best feature?

I’m not even aware of all the types of “writing software” that are out there. In fact, I had to google what they were. So, I will say with shame, that the only software I use is Microsoft Word. Although it can never replace a human editor, it does the simple tasks of identifying some punctuation mistakes, spelling errors, spacing errors, and such. Maybe someday I’ll venture into the world of writing software – read that as procrastination!

Do characters’ names come immediately to you? Do you add them in a final draft? Where do you find names, and how do you make a final decision about the names you’ll use?

I always wondered how established authors come up with the names for their characters. I believe that the more unique a name, the more it will be remembered by the reader as they journey through the book. I must confess though, that most of the names of my characters are a combination of names from people I went to school with or worked with throughout my life. I grew up on Long Island, New York and had a graduating class of over a thousand. I used the last names of some with the first names of others. I attempt to create the names after I know the storyline but before I start writing the book. When the character has a name, his or her personality begins to develop and they become someone very real to me. This is why I name them early, and together, we all progress through the journey of the book.

Tell us one of your favorite novels, and why this book is a favorite.

One of my favorites is Robert Ludlum’s "Bourne Identity." It’s the classic story of an individual fighting against an agency; David against Goliath. The main character is a believable hero and not without fault. And standing up to one of our country’s secretive agencies is a storyline that always intrigues me. In fact, it serves as the theme that runs through my own series of novels.

What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading “The Summer House” by James Patterson and Brendan DuBois. It takes place in the south, one state over from where I reside. It includes a beach house setting and a small town, all of which I can relate to. And of course, it is written by an author whose books I have previously enjoyed!

Tell us a little something about your current WIP. When do you expect it to be released?

I am currently working on a book called “The Five.” A simple story about five men from New York who are life-long friends and take trips every so often together. Now in their mid-forties, one of them recommends spending a week in a quiet town near the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Something happens in the small town which jeopardizes their freedom and causes strain on the friendship between them. I’m hoping to have this ready to be released by the Fall.

What are the titles and genres of each book you’ve written?

To date, I have written three books, all comprising the "Dream Traveler Series." They are: