Interview With Author S.J. Jackson Regarding His New Book “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle”
We sat down with author/entrepreneur SJ Jackson to discuss his very interesting and unique new book entitled “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle.”
What is the inspiration for the book?
S.L Jackson: Hello, I am S.L Jackson, debut urban fantasy author from Inkster, Michigan, my new book is Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle, the inspiration for the book was simple, it was a way to allow me to use my creativity in another form other than music or movies.
What is the significance of the title?
S.L Jackson: The significance of the title is me naming the project where it can be relatable once some one reads the book. Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle is the perfect title for this project.
Who is the target market for the book? Who are you trying to reach?
S.L Jackson: Funny thing is when I wrote this book, I didn’t have a target market in mind, I’m trying to reach anyone who is a fan of creativity. This book will be in libraries, people will write book reports on Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle one day.
What is the unique selling proposition of Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle Book? What sets it apart from other books?
S.L Jackson: The unique selling points for Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle are as follows; The book is set in an urban jungle setting where the animals are in control. The book isn’t humanized, so once your done reading it, you will never look at animals that are represented in the book the same again. Also, I’m a Black man, it’s not a lot of black men writing Urban Fantasy novels.
What are some of the underlying themes of the short stories?
S.L Jackson: Over all the themes are Family, Honor, and Respect, those are basic principles that I feel all species live and die by.
Take us through the writing experience. How did you come up with the characters?
S.L Jackson: Coming up with the characters was easy, I just looked at the animals that are in the jungles, and the woods. Then once I knew what animals I wanted to use, I begun to give them names and develop their personalities. That’s one of the catches to the novel. Every word count, so you must read it from “Dedication” to “Lost Loved Ones” to grasp who the characters are.
Is the book based on personal experiences or experiences of your peers?
S.L Jackson: Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle is an urban fantasy novel, so its not based on my personal experience, it’s based on my imagination and creativity.
Tell us about the process for coming up with the cover.
S.L Jackson: The process of coming up with the cover of Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle wasn’t hard at all. The cover is what I see when I walk out my front door in the fall. So, I contacted a graphic designer and explained my vision and the cover was the outcome of that conversation.
What do you hope your readers take away from reading this book?
S.L Jackson: I have no hopes, I’d like readers to walk away from reading Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle with an open mind and free imagination.
What are some of your favorite books and/or authors?
S.L Jackson: Authors I enjoy reading are, Donald Goines, Jaquavius Coleman, Iceberg Slim, and Kyiris Ashley. Books that left an impression on me are, “The autobiography of Malcolm X”, “The Art & Science of Respect” and “The Alchemist” to name a few.
Will there be a soundtrack to accompany the book?
S.L Jackson: No there will not be a soundtrack to Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle, this isn’t that type of novel. However, we are working on something audio wise that will be game changing.
Where can readers purchase the book?
S.L Jackson: Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle will be released Tuesday March 3, 2020 E BOOK ONLY. You can order your copy via Amazon, Apple I Books, Barnes and Noble, as well as all other e book retailers foe $2.99, My linktree will have the links for the store of your preference. (www.linktr.ee/sljackson)
Any final words?
S.L Jackson: Thank you for having me, follow me on IG @sljackson3. And, be sure to catch me ever week on The Connected Experience Podcast wherever you listen to podcast brought to you by Digital Soapbox Network and Himalaya. “I WANT FOR MY BROTHER, WHAT I WANT FOR MYSELF”
