Interview with Jim Neglia

Author of I have two books: 1) Onward and Upward 2) Center Stage

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born and raised in New Jersey, and now reside in Florida.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

As I discuss in-depth, in my second book, Center Stage, after leaving my position with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, I was recruited by the Jacksonville Symphony.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I wrote and published Onward and Upward in 2012. I began on January 1, 2012, and had the book available for our readers on December 19, 2012. I wanted to share my story of relentless determination to make a living in the Performing Arts.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Onward and Upward: For years, I have wanted to write a book about the relentless determination it takes to succeed in the arts. Whether as a young artist in New York City, as a music coordinator of a Broadway musical, or as a musician traveling through Europe, I will share with you excitement, acclaim, and culture. Onward and Upward is the true account of my pursuit of a dream; a career in music. In this around-the-world journey, I share my stories of culture, family, laughter, friendship, wisdom, and heartache, with a generous splash of the likes of Strauss, motorcycle chases, and Hollywood. Any aspiring artist, would-be world traveler, or entrepreneur, will benefit from reading this book. Learn from another’s experience about dedication, passion, and culture. Partly by means of behind-the-scene memoirs, partly by means of journal entries, we will walk hand in hand on this most extraordinary journey through a life in the arts.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone who enjoys reading on travel, the arts, concerts, entrepreneurial desires, mishaps, making of movies, working with the biggest names in the field would enjoy both Onward and Upward, as well as Center Stage.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

There was nothing unexpected or surprising for me, however, the process of writing and sharing my thoughts, on paper, proved to be an exercise in discipline. I talk about this form of discipline and many others in both books.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Remain steadfast, diligent and true to yourself while documenting your thoughts.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many who would find the subject worthy of their time.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest hurdle I had during the writing of both books was to make sure I had written permission from all those I mention.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I have created a good buzz on both books via social media. Paying for marketing doesn’t really prove to be cost-effective.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Paying for marketing – I did better on my own.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Within two years.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self-published.