Tell us about yourself.
J. Denison Reed, born in New Jersey, currently lives in Virginia with his wife, children and their cats, Spencer and Guster. Ever since he was a child, he enjoyed creating short stories and poems. He joined the Army after graduating high school which started his career as a Network Engineer. With story-telling always on his mind, J. Denison would write very short and creative, two paragraph stories or short poems in station logs, work logs and trouble tickets purely for others amusement. In addition to writing, J. Denison enjoys other creative outlets like photography and making candles. He even co-owns a small candle company with his wife. (Profile Photography credit: Jennifer James)
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey outside of Philadelphia, PA. I don’t feel like my hometown had any barring , specifically, to my writing style. I have always enjoyed story telling and creative writing.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes like to act out some of the action I write. I also will hold a conversation with myself to see if the dialog sounds good.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Your real writing does not start until you start your re-writes. This is where the creativity begins.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not give up on your story. Even if it takes ten years to finish, your story will be forever.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
My inspiration comes from my desire to tell a good story. My favorite kind of reads are those that are quick and absorb you. Most comments about my writing style are about how quick it is. If you blink you will miss something. I don’t like getting bored with a story and I don’t want my readers to either. Every detail matters.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the continuation of Clifford's War.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Word of mouth is best. You can promote everywhere but if no one talks about it, no one cares.
What's next for you as a writer?
more public speaking and helping with ending the recidivism rate
How well do you work under pressure?
From the Military to working as a telecom engineer, I feel like I was built to work under pressure.