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Jordan Gray

Member Since: 05/2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I am a lifelong reader, devouring everything from Ayn Rand to Stephen King. This love of storytelling fueled a lifelong desire to write. With newfound free time after bidding the corporate world farewell, I took the leap into authorship. My debut novel, 'Secret of the Whispering Woods' is a middle-grade fantasy adventure that ignites imaginations. In a way, I guess it was an experiment, or a test - to see if I could do it. What it did do was to give me a taste for writing. For my second book, 'In the Joining of Souls - Echoes of Yesterday' I wanted to do something more substantial. I wanted to create complex characters and emotional depth in a reflective narrative for a radically different audience. From the very beginning, I have wanted to explore different genres. It seems to me that my stories tell themselves, and I can't wait to see what the next one brings.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm 59 years old. I had a long career, mostly in corporate executive roles and hung up my gloves about a year ago. When I 'm able to take a break from consulting, writing or marketing my book, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, especially my 7-year-old granddaughter, and reading or just chilling with great music.

When and why did you start writing books?

I wrote my first book in the beginning of this year (2024). Writing's something I've always wanted to do, but never had the time to.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

For me, it is not a career, it's finally having the time to do something I've always wanted to.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My favourite character is in the new book I'm busy with, so I'm afraid I can't tell you about it yet. But in my first book, it's got to be my beautiful, sweet Princess Anyah.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Isn't the first one always the hardest? (LOL) Honestly, as new as I am to it, I find only pleasure in writing. Even now, with my second book, when I get stuck, I take a time-out for a day or two. During these breaks the "problem" mulls in the back of my mind constantly but I don't consciously think about it. Then, normally suddenly the solution just comes to me and I go on with my story.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Honestly, I have too many. But to not evade the question, I guess right up there would be The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand), The Shining Girls (Lauren Beukes), Doctor Sleep (Stephen King), Dune (Frank herbert) and To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee). I enjoy a wide variety of authors and books, lately Lee Child and Clive Cussler had featured a lot in my reading, previously also Greg Bear, James Patterson, Wilbur Smith and many more. I have a special soft spot for anything time-travel-related too.

What book are you reading right now?

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Life

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, especially my 7-year-old granddaughter, and reading or just chilling with great music.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, and I'm very excited about it. I learnt a lot from the first one and am trying my best to develop the good and avoid the mistakes I made with the first one. I'm starting on the ninth chapter and hoping to publish around mid October.