Jeffrey Allen Mays has been a member of the Writers’ League for over two years. He lives in Austin, TX.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
I write quirky, speculative, psychological fiction. When you throw a little action and intrigue and plot in there, it ends up being called something like Thriller. But I don’t set out to write thrillers. I probably set out to write Literary Fiction, but I like including elements of peril or magic or futurism, so my stories tend to drift out of that category.
Scribe: What authors would you like to have coffee or a beer with and which beverage?
Since we’re dreaming here, I would like sit on the veranda of the former Opal Divine’s on 6th street with Leif Enger, Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy, and Annie Dillard, and drink a local IPA. I would also like to sit with William Faulkner on his front porch, with John Steinbeck, Graham Greene and Walker Percy and drink Early Times. I would also love to have a tall, sweetened iced tea with Flannery O’Connor on her Georgia farm.
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
It would have to be a long one. I would choose The Brothers Karamazov.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers League?
I have benefited tremendously from every Saturday workshop I’ve been to. I don’t know how they keep finding such great presenters. I have learned about voice, the world of self-publishing, building a platform. I’ve also learned a lot about the harsh realities facing those who aspire to publish a book.
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
I don’t write hoping to get rich or become famous. I just want as many people as possible to read what I write, freak out, lay the book down with their jaw open, and perhaps be moved by it.
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world?
I just signed a contract with AEC Stellar to publish my first novel, The Former Hero, probably some time this summer. Follow my book launch at http://jeffreyallenmays.com. I would love to connect with WLT members who share similar thoughts about writing. Please send me a Facebook friend request or email at jeffreyallenmays@gmail.com, and let’s get a beer.
