Jason Powell
Author Interview - Jason Powell
Author of No Man's Ghost
Charles Davids, a rookie firefighter still finding his footing, faces his biggest challenge when he finds himself the unwitting pawn in a twisted game of revenge.
A scorned ex-husband, hell-bent on disrupting his wife’s life, begins a relentless barrage of false fire alarms. Each time, the sirens wail, engines roar, and Charles, still grappling with the weight of his uniform, is dispatched. But the games soon escalate, transforming petty harassment into a deadly threat.
Trapped in a web of lies and danger fueled by a simmering rage, Charles must overcome his fears and prove his worth – or face the ultimate consequence.
Set on the hot summer streets of NYC and building to a blazing conclusion, No Man’s Ghost is a vibrant and thrilling look at the heroes who keep a city safe – and the ones who simply want to watch it burn.
Author Interview - Jason Powell
Author I draw inspiration from:
I'm a huge fan of Donald Westlake, Ann Patchett, and Walter Mosley. I don't know that anyone might find an easy connection to these three authors, but for me, what they have in common, is their natural voice. Nothing about their books feel like writing. It feels as if I'm being told a story by a friend who loves telling stories. And they're always good.
Author Interview - Jason Powell | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
On a plane. I recently took a 28 hour flight to Japan and read Stephen Kings ELEVATION and Richard Starks THE SOUR LEMON SCORE, cover to cover. If I'm home, I'll be distracted by other things that might seem more important. If I'm in public, I'm distracted by people. On a plane, I have the benefit of being out and surrounded by people, but not in any way that they could be a distraction.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
Jack Reacher from Gone Tomorrow (or any of the twenty something Reacher novels.) Jack Reacher is a former Army MP, who is smart, tough and resourceful. I am a firefighter, and though I don't really consider myself like Reacher, I believe myself to be tough and resourceful. I think between the two of us, we'd get out with no problem. And look tough doing it.
Author Interview - Jason Powell | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
In third grade. Mrs. Barecca read to us Ann Martin's Ten Kids, No Pets. As the youngest of nine, all with the same two parents, I know what it's like to grow up in a fun but full house. The family in that book was nothing like mine, but yet the story felt so relatable. I was amazed that a book told the story of life so well and so enjoyably. I loved escaping into that world, and wondered what it would be like to create worlds of my own.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
Hardback is good to read while eating. The pages and cover generally stay put where you place them. Paperback is better for single hand reading, like when you're on a train or in bed. And mass market paperback is easy to travel with. I'm not a fan of ebooks, because I try to avoid more screen time than absolutely necessary. I LOVE audiobooks. I can listen while doing all of those other things, and while working out or walking or bathing. If the narrator is good, audio books are the best.
The last book I read:
I read many books over and over again. The last new book I read was Pike Island by Tony Wirt. It was excellent. A dual timeline, dual perspective book that comes together at the end, in the best way. I recommend it for a fun quick read.
Author Interview - Jason Powell | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
Computer. I'm too impatient with my eyes and hands to write free-hand. When I'm in a groove, I just want to get the words out. I don't know how long the groove will last and I want to take as much advantage as I can. Writing is too slow. Then it has to be transcribed, and that feels like too much work. I see the benefits of freehand -- reading it again when you type it, but I'd do that anyway during the editing process. Computer. All the way.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
This is a great question. I think I'd be great friends with Dan Wycza from the Richard Stark Parker Novels. He was only ever a secondary character, but as he is in a few books, we get to know him pretty well. He's tough and competent, and health conscious, and a loyal trustworthy friend. All very good qualities for a professional thief.
Author Interview - Jason Powell | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
I'm currently an active duty firefighter in New York City. In fact, I'm answering these questions from a desk in the firehouse. I love both my jobs. The combination of the two are a dream come true.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
Meh, I'm less than an expert. I'd wear the same thing every day if it didn't need to be washed.
Place I’d most like to travel:
Japan was on the top of that list, but I went last year. Athens is next on the list. I'm so interested in the history and the architecture.
My signature drink:
I don't drink alcohol so this will be boring, but I love seltzer with cranberry juice and lime.
Favorite artist:
Eminem. I... he's the best story teller I know.
Number one on my bucket list:
Another good question. Hmm... I think the thing I'd love to do that I can't freely do yet is purchase a grand piano and learn to play it. Can't do it yet because there's no space in my apartment.
Anything else you'd like to add:
I love talent. I love seeing people do the things they are great at. That is the most inspiring thing for me. No matter what the art, I love watching artists work.
Find more from the author:
Instagram: uh_thousand_words
www.authorjasonpowell.com
About Jason Powell:
Author Interview - Jason Powell
Jason Powell is a FDNY firefighter and author whose work has been published in Slate, and numerous online writing outlets. When he isn't at the firehouse or at a desk, he can be found lost in the pages of a novel. No Man’s Ghost is his first novel. Find him online at authorjasonpowell.com
