I started writing this book almost ten years ago. Unintentionally, I was writing a book and did not even know it. I wrote down thoughts and experiences while in therapy and it wasn’t long before I had an entire book in front of me.
John D. Moore – 10 January 2013
The Back Flap
John Moore spent all of his childhood years suffering sexual, physical and mental abuse by his father. Yet, through it all, he survived. Life Without Parole is filled with stories of growing up alone, lonely and desperate for attention. It gives you a look into the mind of a child that no one could ever imagine. It’s life, death, survival and finally beating the odds and not letting the demons win.
About the book
What is the book about?
Life Without Parole is the true story of growing up in a physically and sexually abusive home. And how life changes in so many ways once the abuse stops.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing this book almost ten years ago. Unintentionally, I was writing a book and did not even know it. I wrote down thoughts and experiences while in therapy and it wasn’t long before I had an entire book in front of me. It wasn’t until about 6 years ago that I decided I was going to commit myself to finishing it and sharing it with the world.
How long did it take you to write it?
All told, it was 10 years.
Where did you get the idea from?
My life’s story
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The most difficult part of the book to write was telling the stories of abuse and sharing details. I had no choice but to bring back memories I swore to never remember. I had a brief period of two years in which I did not write because of the difficulty of remembering things I did not want to.
What came easily?
I can’t say there was anything easy about writing this book. Writing about the life I had was difficult but also necessary. If anything, the only part that was easy was clicking the publish button.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
As real as they can be.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I have no favorite author. I am not a big reader of books. As strange as it may be, I am an author and not a big reader. I like true crime and true crime written as fiction.
Do you have a target reader?
Those who have suffered or are currently suffering any sort of abuse. I have found there to be many more victims than I could have imagined. My hope is to be some sort of light at the end of the tunnel for some of them.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Sit, stare, think, hope and start typing. It’s a very complicated process. I don’t know how I do it.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
The only thing I do prior to writing is come up with a title. I cannot write without a title. Once I have a title then I go with it. It gives me the direction to go in.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I originally started editing as I went. Then I realized it was taking forever to even write one chapter. I would do minor edits as I go and then left the rest for the editor to fix once I was done.
Did you hire a professional editor? (May skip if being published by a small press rather than self-publishing)
Yes I did. I was told by many authors that if there was anything I was going to spend money on, it should be an editor and proof reader.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Classical music is the first choice and usually works for me. Once writing and I need a change, I will switch to classic rock.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I submitted my manuscript to many agents. I did not get a response from any of them except one. The response I received was unkind and immediately made me feel as though I was working for nothing and should give up.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I decided to go with self=publishing because after reading the horror stories of some authors who went through nightmares with some publishers and agents, I decided I would try indie publishing and see what happens. So far so good.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did it you do it yourself?
I did it myself.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have recently spoken with a marketing firm and will be hiring them to handle the publicity and marketing.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Don’t get discouraged by any setbacks. Do your research and learn as much as you can before taking the big steps. Learn from the mistakes of others so you don’t make bigger mistakes yourself.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in North Jersey. We moved quite a bit but stayed in the same county.
Where do you live now?
I currently live in Virginia.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Gee, not sure I have that much room. I’m a private person and that gives reason to wonder why I would write a book about my life and share such intimate details. So as for what I would like my readers to know is that I am a very confident, very happy and very sarcastic person. In spite of the life I had growing up; I am a fun, happy and easy to get along with guy.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing about the next chapter of my life. Book number two is about how I have come to enjoy life, be successful, and enjoy a wonderful life with my family. I am also working on a romance novel when not writing about myself.
End of Interview:
You can find out more about Moore on his website and his blog.
Get your copy of Life Without Parole from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook) or Barnes and Noble (paper).
