If you
could fly anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would
you most likely want to go?
Italy, simply because it’s always
ranked as having the best food in the world. Its beaches are nice too. I’ve
Googled it.
What is
your favorite genre to read/write?
Young adult (YA), because those stories
carry universal themes we can all relate to, a peek into the lives of
characters who are more intriguing, real, and raw.
What is one
silly fact about you?
I can mimic Enrique Iglesias’s voice
pretty well. I sang “Hero” at a friend’s birthday party once and received an
enthusiastic response. Some applauded, others laughed. Overall, though, I felt
good about my performance.
What got
you started on your writing journey?
My move from Massachusetts (where I’d
lived most of my life) to Virginia. The first year here was difficult. I was
alone, depressed, and in completely new surroundings. But it was here in the
South that I began seeing all these stories in my head, and that my “writing
gene” got activated. So it seems the old saying is true, everything does happens
for a reason.
Why do you
choose to write clean/sweet romance?
I don’t choose, per se. I just write
whatever I see in my head. And so far, all the romantic parts have been sweet
and clean, which is fine with me.
What other
things do you have planned with your writing for the rest of the year 2013?
I’m working on another YA novel that Sia
fans should enjoy as well. If things go according to plan, I’ll publish that in
the summer of 2014.
What is the
most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Being able to partake in the wildest
adventures imaginable, all without ever leaving your house.
Do you have
a favorite comment or question from a reader?
One reviewer said, “It, without a
doubt, inspired me to find ways to help others in need. I’m looking into
charity work.” I loved hearing that, because that’s exactly what I wanted Sia
to do: to motivate others to become their best self, to make positive changes
in the world, wherever they are.
Where do
your ideas come from?
I find muses everywhere! In books,
magazines, poems, movies, YouTube videos, and so much more. I always try to be
receptive. You never know what might trigger your next story.
What
inspired you to write Sia?
Initially? Oprah. (Laughs). I saw an
interview she did on a man with fugue amnesia that impacted me. Fugue amnesia
occurs when someone, usually in response to excessive stress, takes off on some
unexpected travel. And during the travels, that person assumes either a partial
or complete new identity. I found it both fascinating and frightening to think
that stress alone can cause the human brain to demand a reset like that. I
often wonder why I haven’t gotten fugue amnesia yet!
Yes! I wrote it as soon as the book was
finished. I’m about to hire a seasoned Hollywood screenwriter to polish it.
When it is up to industry standards, we’ll submit it to film companies and
cross our fingers. I think Sia would translate wonderfully to film.
Determined. Compassionate. Humble.
Kind. Brave.
Because
I believe it will leave you touched, encouraged, and—of course—entertained.
About Josh
Grayson
Josh Grayson was born
in Mexico, raised in Massachusetts, and now lives in Martinsville, Virginia. It
was his move to the South that stirred his imagination and gave him the courage
to start writing. During his free time, Josh enjoys reading, jogging, swimming,
and watching YouTube videos.
Josh currently works as
a medical driver, shuttling people all over Virginia and North Carolina. He has
also worked as a machinist, film sales rep, administrative assistant, and
telemarketer (he apologizes if he called you).
Sia is his debut YA
novel.
Josh’s Links:
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