In 2018, after working as a lawyer for almost 7 years, Jens decided to leave his legal career to pursue his own journey. From start-ups to UX design to crypto and writing, Jens has a wide range of experience and interests, making him a nomadic wanderer in a sea of infinite opportunities.
Jens' love of writing and telling stories began at a tender age but was always put on the back burner. This was until November 2019 when Jens finally decided to embark on the dream of writing and completing the Chronicles of Lilith series. Its inception began around 15 years ago.
Many books were started and never finished, largely due to time and commitment issues apart from lack of experience. However, this long road brought him back to the writer’s desk with the commitment and resolve to see this through, whatever it takes. Jens currently resides in Malta, a little island in the middle of the Mediterranean. He spends his free time gaming, belting it out, scraping guitar, and cuddling his cats.
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
A. I’m predominantly a non-fiction reader, ironically enough. However, that helped me tremendously, I feel. I read a lot of history, philosophy, psychology, economics, and the like, so all of that then gets transposed into characters and world-building.
Q.2 What inspired you to write The Chronicles of Lilith series?
A. Many things. I would say it’s a mix of my own instinct to understand existence and the meaning of life, my love for storytelling and games and films that inspire me, and a hint of LSD, haha.
Q.3 Are we going to read more from you in the near future? Any new project you’re working on?
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
A. I’m predominantly a non-fiction reader, ironically enough. However, that helped me tremendously, I feel. I read a lot of history, philosophy, psychology, economics, and the like, so all of that then gets transposed into characters and world-building.
Q.2 What inspired you to write The Chronicles of Lilith series?
A. Many things. I would say it’s a mix of my own instinct to understand existence and the meaning of life, my love for storytelling and games and films that inspire me, and a hint of LSD, haha.
Q.3 Are we going to read more from you in the near future? Any new project you’re working on?
A. That's a tricky question. The next phase of the Chronicles of Lilith needs to be written, and whilst I'm excited to get into it, I know that it's going to take a while. I will most likely write the story in one big draft, which may span around 2-3 books of around 350-400 pages.
So, whilst the eventual output will be wholesome and weaved perfectly together, it does entail a longer publication runway. That being said, I do have a few side stories and lore and other fun stuff that I'll be sharing on my website for free for those interested in getting that extra bit of content.
Q.4 What is the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
A. Frankly, I never saw a problem. Funnily enough, though, I have received praise from people telling me that I know how to write women. I mean, I never thought of it that way. I write PEOPLE, and naturally, some traits and behaviors are more traditionally associated with one sex or another, but again, what makes characters endearing are personal qualities, values, and characteristics that are universal and not necessarily tied to any gender, race, etc.
Q.5 Do you plan out your books before you start writing, or do you just write and see where it takes you?
A. 90% planner 95% pantser. I’m a perfectionist and everything has to weave together in a meticulously woven tapestry of character, plot, theme, and meaning. These are things that cannot be done unless you plan. Again, a lot has to take place in subsequent edits but in my case, I simply cannot just flounder around.
Q.4 What is the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
A. Frankly, I never saw a problem. Funnily enough, though, I have received praise from people telling me that I know how to write women. I mean, I never thought of it that way. I write PEOPLE, and naturally, some traits and behaviors are more traditionally associated with one sex or another, but again, what makes characters endearing are personal qualities, values, and characteristics that are universal and not necessarily tied to any gender, race, etc.
Q.5 Do you plan out your books before you start writing, or do you just write and see where it takes you?
A. 90% planner 95% pantser. I’m a perfectionist and everything has to weave together in a meticulously woven tapestry of character, plot, theme, and meaning. These are things that cannot be done unless you plan. Again, a lot has to take place in subsequent edits but in my case, I simply cannot just flounder around.
I allow some leeway in the development of a scene etc and something can evolve from there, but each chapter, scene, etc, has to serve a purpose in the story, which is either character development, driving the plot forward, and/or framing the meaning/theme of the narrative. Anything else is excess that should be edited out.
Q.6 How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
A. From my experience, I managed to write the first draft of two books in around 10 months. But it took me another year for each book to refine and publish to the standard I was happy with. It takes me much longer than average authors since my attention to detail is very high and I’m adamant to have a near-perfect product at the end of the day.
Q.7 What’s your writing schedule while working?
A. I tend to write in the evenings after work (that’s the creative process). Publishing, on the other hand, is a logistical one that happens at all times of the day.
Q.6 How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
A. From my experience, I managed to write the first draft of two books in around 10 months. But it took me another year for each book to refine and publish to the standard I was happy with. It takes me much longer than average authors since my attention to detail is very high and I’m adamant to have a near-perfect product at the end of the day.
Q.7 What’s your writing schedule while working?
A. I tend to write in the evenings after work (that’s the creative process). Publishing, on the other hand, is a logistical one that happens at all times of the day.
Q.8 Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?
A. I would continue doing the rest of what I already do, which is design apps and websites, and probably spend my time doing more investing and leisurely things.
Q.9 Do you try to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
A. Original. I don’t write with the primary intent of making money. I want to create the best story I can tell and the path it should take shouldn’t be dictated by anyone. That being said, there are rules and guidelines, such as tried and tested tropes and styles of writing, which help you, and to that extent, I try to fit those in where they are in keeping with the story, etc.
Q.10 It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing. Tell us about your marketing campaign?
A. Unfortunately, it is something I do not have much time to dedicate to. I use a PR manager to get through to different blogs and interviews. Apart from that, I occasionally post on Instagram but this feels like a complete waste of time unless you are devoted to consistently churning out content.
Frankly, I’d rather be writing and churning out books than showing off bookshelves and spending hours crafting posts that only reach a handful of people because the algorithm gods deem my devotion to their platform insufficient. Apart from that, in Malta, I'll be distributing my hard copies through local stores, which will be nice, especially in summer since there are so many tourists coming in.
Q.11 If you could be a member of any fantasy race, which would you choose and why?
A. Hmmm - I know it’s probably a boring answer, but most likely a human nonetheless. Life’s already complicated for us as it is, let alone if you have to deal with immortality or other magical stuff. If I had to choose anything other than human, then I would probably be an Elf. At least I wouldn’t need to worry about time too much and I’d spend my days traveling.
Q.12 If you could invite one character to dinner from your books, who would it be and why?
A. Obviously, Zain. We’d have a blast, get drunk, and get up to some mischief.
Q.13 What three things can a reader expect from your books?
A. 1. A deep immersive world with a complex history and lore that enriches the story without burdening the reader with unnecessary exposition - everything is delivered at the right place and the right time and in the right amounts.
2. Rich, interesting, and likable characters which you’ll fall in love with due to their inherent humanity, be it because of their characteristics, values, humor, flaws, or their determination to overcome their own challenges.
3. A metaphysical journey that will have you guessing what’s next at the end of each chapter. Twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s a story within a story, within a story. So as it unfolds and questions are answered, even more questions arise!
Q.14 Among all the supporting characters in your books, who is dear to you and why?
A. Pïshkah (she's on the cover of book 2). She’s very brave and wise and struggles to overcome her fears despite her size and very legitimate fear of her enemies. She is a good person and devoted friend, with her heart in the right place.
Q.15 Who designed your book covers? How do you select them?
A. Dave Arredondo is the artist behind the artwork and I’m the designer who turned the artwork into a cover. I selected him after a long search and found someone who is able to provide striking and beautiful portraits with depth and intrigue.
Q.11 If you could be a member of any fantasy race, which would you choose and why?
A. Hmmm - I know it’s probably a boring answer, but most likely a human nonetheless. Life’s already complicated for us as it is, let alone if you have to deal with immortality or other magical stuff. If I had to choose anything other than human, then I would probably be an Elf. At least I wouldn’t need to worry about time too much and I’d spend my days traveling.
Q.12 If you could invite one character to dinner from your books, who would it be and why?
A. Obviously, Zain. We’d have a blast, get drunk, and get up to some mischief.
Q.13 What three things can a reader expect from your books?
A. 1. A deep immersive world with a complex history and lore that enriches the story without burdening the reader with unnecessary exposition - everything is delivered at the right place and the right time and in the right amounts.
2. Rich, interesting, and likable characters which you’ll fall in love with due to their inherent humanity, be it because of their characteristics, values, humor, flaws, or their determination to overcome their own challenges.
3. A metaphysical journey that will have you guessing what’s next at the end of each chapter. Twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s a story within a story, within a story. So as it unfolds and questions are answered, even more questions arise!
Q.14 Among all the supporting characters in your books, who is dear to you and why?
A. Pïshkah (she's on the cover of book 2). She’s very brave and wise and struggles to overcome her fears despite her size and very legitimate fear of her enemies. She is a good person and devoted friend, with her heart in the right place.
Q.15 Who designed your book covers? How do you select them?
A. Dave Arredondo is the artist behind the artwork and I’m the designer who turned the artwork into a cover. I selected him after a long search and found someone who is able to provide striking and beautiful portraits with depth and intrigue.
Dave is someone who is very reliable and willing to work closely with me in designing the images. I have a knack for design yet lack the skills to execute such wondrous art but together, we put together what I have in mind and whilst we do take time, it always turns out to be a fantastic finished product.
Q.16 How do you select the name of your characters?
A. Some are just what comes to mind others are inspired by mythology. Some have meaning and others don’t.
Q.17 Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with good or bad ones?
A. Yes. Till now, they’ve been only positive (all 20 of them) lol, So I can’t really answer this fully. But again, one is always happy to see people enjoy one’s work.
Q.18 If your book would ever make it into a movie, then whom would you like to play the role of Zain and Lilith?
A. Oh, I have a full casting set out for the entire cast of characters: https://www.mycast.io/stories/the-queen-of-shard. Check it out. But to answer your question, Lilith would undoubtedly be played by the wonderful Eva Green.
Zain, on the other hand, is tricky. I cannot find the right one. Timothee Chalamet would be a good candidate was he a little older - he would be a fine young Zain, though. Alternatively, a younger and clean-shaven Christian Bale would do.
Q.19 Are there any new books or authors in science fiction or fantasy (or both!) you are excited about? What are you reading right now?
A. At this present moment, I’m actually reading Dune so, nothing “new” there. It’s a great book and there’s a lot to learn from Frank Herbert’s writing.
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far?
A. Do you have a few hours? I won’t go into the details; there’s enough about the process on the internet that is far better explained than I can. All I can say is that it's not something for the faint-hearted, especially if you wish to do something unique and artistic. It is literally the labor of love that drives me and the prestige of creating something unique and beautiful.
Share your social account links -
Facebook - www.facebook.com/authorjensbud
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensbud/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/authorjensbud
Website - www.jensbud.com
Q.16 How do you select the name of your characters?
A. Some are just what comes to mind others are inspired by mythology. Some have meaning and others don’t.
Q.17 Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with good or bad ones?
A. Yes. Till now, they’ve been only positive (all 20 of them) lol, So I can’t really answer this fully. But again, one is always happy to see people enjoy one’s work.
Q.18 If your book would ever make it into a movie, then whom would you like to play the role of Zain and Lilith?
A. Oh, I have a full casting set out for the entire cast of characters: https://www.mycast.io/stories/the-queen-of-shard. Check it out. But to answer your question, Lilith would undoubtedly be played by the wonderful Eva Green.
Zain, on the other hand, is tricky. I cannot find the right one. Timothee Chalamet would be a good candidate was he a little older - he would be a fine young Zain, though. Alternatively, a younger and clean-shaven Christian Bale would do.
Q.19 Are there any new books or authors in science fiction or fantasy (or both!) you are excited about? What are you reading right now?
A. At this present moment, I’m actually reading Dune so, nothing “new” there. It’s a great book and there’s a lot to learn from Frank Herbert’s writing.
Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far?
A. Do you have a few hours? I won’t go into the details; there’s enough about the process on the internet that is far better explained than I can. All I can say is that it's not something for the faint-hearted, especially if you wish to do something unique and artistic. It is literally the labor of love that drives me and the prestige of creating something unique and beautiful.
Share your social account links -
Facebook - www.facebook.com/authorjensbud
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensbud/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/authorjensbud
Website - www.jensbud.com
No comments:
Post a Comment