Interview A. J. Bryant

by

Angela Verdenius

1.  The title of your book, ‘To Honor the Fallen’, is intriguing.  Can you tell us a bit more about it?

“To Honor the Fallen” is a phrase typically associated with military or law enforcement funerals and the playing of “Taps.” I thought it was well suited to be the title of this novel--intriguing anyway.

2.  What inspired you to write such a story?

I wanted to write a story that was essentially an ‘easy’ read--one that keeps the reader turning the page. I feel I’ve accomplished that with this book.

3. Where does your inspiration for your stories come from?

I’ve always been able to weave an interesting story. However, I think most of my inspiration comes from my youth. The sights and sounds of memory have a way of needing to be expressed. Writing is one way to get those memories on paper--the smell of a forest, or a specific personal experience, for instance.

4.  Do you feel that your personal values have come across in the book?

Perhaps, but I really try to separate myself from my writing and characters. Of course, this can be difficult as we’re biased, but I think it’s an important aspect of having objectivity as an author.

5.  Okay, some more general (but nosey!) questions: where do you do your best writing?

I write my best late into the night. It’s quiet and the darkness of the hour helps keep the mind clear. Of course, that’s just my personal experience, others may simply fall asleep. [laughs]

6.  Is there anything you find off-putting when you write?  Anything that distracts you?

Interruptions. They can easily wreck a nice string of prose dancing inside my head.

7.  Ever suffered from writers block, and if so, how do you handle it?

I’ve actually never suffered from writers block.

8.  What is your all-time favorite book to read?  (the one you place on your touch-at-your-peril shelf)

I tend to read more non-fiction. I read everything from philosophy to military science. I also have a saying: ‘why should I be reading when I could be writing’?

9.  How do you unwind from a hard days work and/or writing?

Spending as many precious moments as possible with the ones I love. That’s very healthy for my writing.

10. You finally have some free time to do what you want!  What’s the first thing you do?

[Laughs] Finish my next novel. A bit boring perhaps but I honestly try to make time for everything in my life. Everything in moderation as they say.

11.  What genres of books do you write, and why?

Action/Adventure/Thriller. I suppose it’s what interests me, and the genre I tend to write best in.

12.  What genres of books do you read, and what movies do you like?

The same as before. As for movies, it simply has to be a well-constructed plot with intelligent acting and editing.