Interview with Jonathan Reed

Author of The Protector, The First Coming

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

Born and raised in Henry County, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Transplanted to Orange County, California, in 2006.

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

Moved to California in 2006 because of my medical field job.

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

I had been thinking of writing a book since my teen years but never got around to it until I was encouraged by a fellow writer and friend, Dr. Robert St. Thomas. I dedicated my first book to him by giving the main character his name. This book is based on a mysterious stranger, Robert St. Thomas, who appears at the time when the world appears on the brink of self destruction. Evil appears to be winning over good; drug cartels, Islamic terrorist, economic collapse, and mistrust between governments are growing faster than mankind can handle.
The Protectors, The First Coming, is the first book of five in a series of fiction novellas based on Robert St. Thomas, a 25 year old, with the ability of conscious awareness. The ability to know what others know. A form of ESP but more. It’s not a far fetch science fiction fantasy but based on ordinary people and ordinary times. He uses his abilities to help fight terrorist, drug cartels, corruption and more with the help of a team he calls Protectors. The First Coming introduces St. Thomas and the formation of the Protectors.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I have four books out now. My books have so far been a mixture of science fiction, historical autobiographies, and one of personal reflection in my poems, writing, and paintings. My 1st book was The Protectors, The First Coming, which is about a mysterious stranger that appears at a time when the world appears on the brink of world calamity. The stranger uses his special powers of conscious awareness to help the President fight terrorist, drug cartels, and more. It’s the first in a series of five books. The Roanoke Boy, A WWI Diary is a book talking about the formation of the 42nd Rainbow Division and the unit that represented men from Roanoke, Virginia. The diary of my great uncle, George Wilbur Reed, makes up most of the book. Another book, A WWI Soldiers Story, tells of the WWI experience of my grandfather, Charles Edward Reed and his brother, George Wilbur Reed. Then my last book is called, My Expression of Christian Faith, Blue Ridge Values. It’s a collection of short stories, poems, and some of my painting that reflex my Christian principle and conservative roots living in southwest Virginia. I still have four more books to write in The Protectors series.

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

The WWI books I put out are targeted more to the older adults, but I think many from the younger generation would be interested in learning how rough it was for the men who served in Europe during WWI. My science fiction series is geared toward the young teens and young adult group. I grew up reading Edgar Rice Burroughs who geared his books to the younger age group. He wrote very simple and played on the imagination of the common teen. When I read the John Carter on Mars series I was so caught up in the story I was putting myself in place of the main character and my mind ran wild with what if that was me. That’s what I wanted to do with my book. To make it simple and then let the mind of the young reader run wild. What if that was me? I really think the younger readers would love the book and where it is heading.

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

I learned that there are many styles of writing and I believe anyone willing to put in the time can write a book. Of course we all need to have our books cleaned up and properly edited. Put putting your ideas and thought on paper can make for good reading if you are just willing to take the time write it out. Clean it up later with help.

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

I would advise myself to start early as possible in the writing process while I still had a young mind and a great imagination. Of course we can write at any age but it seems the younger person tends to have the greatest imagination.

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

I have never set a number for how many people I would like to reach, but I would like for as many people to read it my Protectors series and review it so I can make decision on future books and how I write them.

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

My biggest frustration is that I write on the side and have a full time job in the medical field. By the time I come home or when weekends come around I’m just to tired to write or put my ideas down on paper. To write a really good book I think you need to focus 100% on the book till you finish.

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

My biggest strength, when it came to my books, was advice I received from others that had written and published books. Their advise was very valuable because they had to learn through trial and error. This helped to reduce my errors, although you cannot avoid them totally. Listen to other writers through writer forums, web sites, author magazines. They are invaluable.

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

My biggest weakness was rushing the book just because I wanted to get it into print. Take your time. Read it over and over. have friends and family read it. You will be surprised how much you will catch and correct, even before it goes to print. Never rush.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I am presently on the fourth chapter of my 2nd book in The Protectors series. The second book is called, The Protectors, The Legacy of St. Thomas. Once this book is finished it will be followed by The Protectors, The Second Coming; The Protectors, The War of Good and Evil; and finally ending with The Protectors, Final Destiny.

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

I am self published through Kindle/Amazon.