Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - Meet Johan Ingler - His Craft is about Staying Playful.
Where were you born?
I was born in Stockholm, Sweden.
Where do you live?
I now live in Malmö, Sweden (at the moment, I move a lot!).
Do you have fur babies?
Not at the moment, sadly. I love having animal buddies around.
Do you use a pen name?
I use my real name, but if I used a pen name it would be...hm... The Cat.
There'd be endless confusion. "Did you say the cat wrote this?"
What kind of writer are you?
- Old School Notebook and pen Writer
- Modern Day Laptop/PC Writer
Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.
- As I kid I read a lot of Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge comics. The first "actual" book that made an impact on me was The Hobbit. I was immediately struck by Tolkien’s prose and playful communication with the reader.
- As a new adult I got really into noir-y thrillers by Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and Graham Greene, and one book that stood out was The Tenth Man by Graham Greene. It’s a gripping examination of the choices humans make in desperate situations. I think it resonated with me while coming to terms with myself as I was heading into adulthood.
- And my current favorite book... I’ll cheat a bit. It’s a tie. Two books that have the same message of compassion and understanding, and hit me right in the feels. The Green Mile by Stephen King, and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Beautiful books.
Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft?
If I have to pick just one, it'd have to be Don Rosa, the grandmaster of Uncle Scrooge comics (faithfully following in the steps of Carl Barks).
His narrative intelligence, immense imagination and quirkiness had a profound impact on me growing up, and still does.
How would you describe your craft in one sentence
This is a difficult one. But one of my mottos is to always stay playful.
I think playfulness is the key that unlocks the door to the world of creativity that lies beyond the physical one where we live our everyday lives. There’s magic in that world. Many creators, writers, musicians and artists have been there. Some call it being ”in the zone”. It’s a wonderful place to be.
At The Dreamer's Bookshop, we embrace diversity and advocate for invisible illnesses. How do you feel about those topics? Do you include messages in your writing?
I’m a big advocate for inclusiveness and compassion.
Everyone is struggling with something, which is important to remember. Many people are quick to judge without taking the time to listen or to try to understand, which divides and polarizes us, and social media is largely to blame for it. People who are willing to listen and change their opinion have my respect (for what it’s worth), but regrettably many people just aren’t interested in hearing each other out. Many just want to stay in their own echo chambers.
My book Frankie & Chair is largely about people’s hidden struggles and how important it is to try to understand each other. No one thinks life is easy, because it isn’t, so let’s give each other a break.
Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading?
I don't like anything done only for shock value or for attention grabbing. That said, I have no problems with explicit material if it’s done for the purpose of sharing a powerful message.
Was there a review that touched you more than others?
I’m so lucky to have several reviews that really touched me, and to learn that my book touched these reviewers. As my book Frankie & Chair handles the difficult subject of losing a parent, it’s been very nice to read reviews that praise the way I handle the topic, and that it has helped some in their own grieving process.
One reviewer wrote that Frankie & Chair made them feel like a better person, which I think is the highest kind of praise I could ever dream of.
If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?
Because reality is just too silly to take seriously. I want to live in the magical world of creativity and imagination.
Which book are you most proud of and why?
As Frankie & Chair is my first and only book, it's an easy answer. And I’m very proud of it.
I’m happy that I chose to self publish it after so many (very, very many) rejections. It was definitely scary to put something out into the world that so many had said no to. But my own belief in it was, and still is, stronger than all the noes in the world. Is that insanity? I’m pretty sure it is.
What would you tell an aspiring writer?
If you believe in it, go for it and never give up. And don’t listen to people who claim to know ”the way”. Only you know the way for you.
What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?
To be happy, feel fulfilled, and that what I’m doing is worthwhile.
What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?
Same answer as above :)
Do you have a message for your audience
It’s the same I’d give for an aspiring author.
Just be yourself, do what you believe to be the right path for you, and never give up on your dreams. Also, be kind to animals and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
