Interview with Thomas Lee Howell

Author of Down On Jack

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

Originally from Houston Texas and live in Lamar Colorado now.

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

I have had a long lifetime career as a professional musician. I have worked as a ghostwriter since 1999 as well.

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

I had written an action sci-fi series entitled Hegira from 1976 through 1999 which became 4 novels, 8 screenplays and a 16 episode TV series. James Cameron read my initial screenplay adapted from the first of 4 novels called Prison Planet. He told me not to change a word but could not help raise funding to produce the movie(s).

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Family oriented entertainment.

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

All races and ages from 12 to 90.

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

There is a lot of research involved to creating a coherent novel or book.

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

Do it no matter who says not to.

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

Everyone who can read in all languages possible.

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

I am poor and unable to afford promoting my own work.

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

A. English Major, Spelling Bee champ in 5th grade, extremely literate with a 146 IQ.
B.SELF PUBLISHED 100 books ON AMAZON.
C. I cannot afford to pay for their promotion.

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

I have no problems writing at all. Anyone can self publish. There are FIVE major publishers in the USA. The chances of getting a contract with any of them is next to zero.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am working on 3 currently.

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

100 books self published at Amazon.com