Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - Meet J.R. Mann - His Craft is aiming to keep readers hooked.
Where were you born?
I was born in London (U.K.)
Where do you live?
I still live in London (U.K.)
Do you have fur babies?
No
Do you use a pen name?
J.R. Mann - the J and R are my parents' initials.
What kind of writer are you?
- 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 a child :1984
- As a new adult: The Great Gatsby
- Now : The Heart's Invisible Furies
Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft?
George Orwell. His influence is on two levels. Firstly, his ability to weave social and political commentary into a compelling story without losing sight of the characters. Secondly, his prose style. Orwell believed that you should never use a long word when a short one will do, and I've always admired the clarity and precision of his writing.
How would you describe your craft in one sentence
My aim is to tell fast-paced, thought-provoking stories that keep readers hooked from the first page to the last and thinking about the implications for weeks or months afterwards.
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?
In The Banyan Project, I deliberately tell the story through characters from very different backgrounds and circumstances. One of the themes that emerges is how vulnerable people can become when society's support systems fail, including those living with conditions such as diabetes.
Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading?
One of my biggest red lines is boredom. I have ADHD, so I know how quickly attention can drift when a story loses momentum. As a writer, that has made me very conscious of pacing. Every scene should earn its place by advancing the plot, deepening character, or ideally both.
Was there a review that touched you more than others?
This review was the highest possible compliment
This book is on a level equal to 1984. Not hyperbole, actual level. I read 1984 in middle school and it terrified me but also made me look at the world differently. This book will do the same.
If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?
Writing provides a much-needed outlet for my overactive imagination.
Which book are you most proud of and why?
The Banyan Project (at the moment my only book, but the sequel is in progress) because readers tell me it has made them think about things differently.
What would you tell an aspiring writer?
Just write, it doesn't need to be perfect but write and write consistently and write from the heart.
What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?
My wish is to write a book a year and create stories that entertain people while also opening their eyes to ideas, challenges, and possibilities they may not have thought about before.
What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?
As a person, I hope to keep learning, stay curious, and make the most of the time I have. I want to continue growing, spend more time doing meaningful work, and be present for the people who matter most to me.
Do you have a message for your audience
Thank you for taking a chance on my work. In a world full of distractions, choosing to spend your time with one of my stories is something I never take for granted. I hope my books entertain you, make you think, and perhaps help you see the world from a different perspective. Most of all, I hope you enjoy the journey.
