Author Interview: James Stadig
- fridaynightwritesi
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Friday Night Writes! As always, our goal is to shine a spotlight on members of the book community and introduce readers to awesome authors, narrators, event hosts, influencers, and more.
This week, we'd like to introduce our featured guest, author James Stadig. Evie will be conducting the interview.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you?
I am a queer and chronically ill author. I’ve got two kids and three cats and a very loving partner.
What are a few of your favorite things/least favorite things?
I enjoy crocheting, loom-knitting, and coffee. On the flip side, I despise ice coffee
Did you always want to be an author?
Yes, I’ve always wanted to be an author, but that’s always been in addition to many, many things from a farmer, to president, to a coffee shop owner
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
Since I was eight years old
Besides writing, do you have any hobbies? Do any of your characters share the same interests as you?
I enjoy fiber arts and some of my characters do as well (such as Kestrel and Cam)
Do you have anything that you’re truly passionate about outside of writing? (Could be a cause, a project, etc.)
I’m extremely passionate about Human Rights, specifically LGBTQ+ rights
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing stories since eight years old
Which genres do you write in?
I write Paranormal, Dark Fantasy, and Epic Fantasy
Are you independently published or traditionally published? Why did you choose this route? What are the benefits/drawbacks?
I am indie published and I chose this path because I’m a little too much of a control freak and want to maintain as much creative integrity as possible. There’s a lot of benefits to it, but the drawbacks are that I am solely in charge of marketing.
What do you enjoy most and least about being an author?
I enjoy everything from the first draft to edits, to cover creation and beyond, the only thing I really don’t like is the marketing aspect
Are you a plotter, a plantser, or a pantser?
I am a plantser. I know the points I want to hit just no idea how the story is getting there
Do you have any writing routines (things you do that help you write)?
Writing first thing in the morning with music
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Sprints and aiming for a word goal
How many WIPs do you have going right now? Can you tell us anything about them?
I have four WIPS. Two of them are sequels to my first two books that are out. One, Whiskey & Lies, comes out this December. It is a dnd-inspired adventure fantasy with swing flair and mafia drama galore.
How many books do you currently have published? Tell us about them.
I have two books out currently
Where do you get the inspiration for your books? Do you insert pieces of yourself and people you know into your books?
I am inspired by life, by music, by people. I see or hear something and it just helps me peak into this whole other world that needs to be written. Sometimes I find inspiration in the people around me, including my husband. If anyone has inspired me the most, it’s him.
Are there any other authors who have inspired you?
R.P. Dunwater, Tricia Meyers, T.L. Combs, Douglas Adams, and many others
Do you prefer standalone books or book series?
I prefer standalone books to read but series to write
Do you have a favorite and least favorite of your characters? Why?
Choosing a favorite character is like saying I have a favorite child, it all depends on the situation and day and you never say who
What is your most popular book?
My most popular is my first book - Of Rebels and Gods
Which of your books do you wish received more love than it does?
Something is Wrong with East Thomas
How do you handle the author/life balance? (i.e. writing/editing/graphic design/home life/etc.)
Handling the work/life balance is a damn trapeze act where you reach out for the bar mid jump, you think you have it, and then you slip and fall deeper into the chaos
What do you do for your mental health and to recharge your creativity?
I am really bad at this and don’t think I would have a satisfactory answer cause I live on coffee and really high stress levels on the regular. That being said, I highly recommend taking care of yourself and perhaps not being a dumbass like me, burning the candle on both ends.
Do you have any advice for unpublished writers or people who hope to become authors?
Don’t publish your first book, or your second. Write for yourself first and figure out what it takes to make your books great and how to publish first. You’re also priming yourself to learn how to write books in completion this way.
What was your most recent five-star read?
The Gifted King by Lizabeth Phoenix
What’s your favorite Dinosaur?
Triceratops
What is the best gift you have been given?
Tickets to the Sonic Symphony
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Lemon
If you could be a shifter what would your alternate form be?
A cat
What are you interested in that most people aren’t?
I am really fascinated by weather, like big scale weather. Watching how the weather patterns have changed over history, comparing and contrasting and watching it go through cycles as well as how it’s evolving and changing with the consequences of human actions. It’s really fucking cool. Weather has changed so much on earth in just a short time.
Where can we find you online?
Do you have any planned events?
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
After these next two books, I am planning on taking a publishing break and just enjoying the writing process for now.
Are You hosting a giveaway?
I am offering a free prequel to my Shattering series - Static in the Woods. Readers just need to follow me, and join my patreon on the free tier and they’ll get their free copy.
Are there any rules or exclusions? (ex. Signed books available to the United States only)
No
How can readers expect to hear from you?
They can expect to hear from me either through discord or email
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