Interview with Author James L Hill

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I was born in the South Bronx. It was the late fifties/ early sixties. It was gang territory and everyone had to travel with their gang. My friends and I were into the Marvel comics, picking out our favorite superheroes to emulate. We drew out the figures, and I tried to write the next story to come. I guess I started writing fan fiction before it became fan fiction. I always had several stories running in my head and daily battles to fight.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales is a collection of short stories that encompasses about three decades of work. One day I was going through my file cabinet and decided I should publish some of these. I thought it would make a nice Christmas gift for my readers. It covers the different genres I have worked in and these stories are some of my best.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

That is hard to say because there are different themes and messages in each story. For example, Cold Storage is a precautionary tale about science and medicine not always working out for the better. While Antibody leaves the reader questioning ‘is the government’s use of science and medicine right if it serves the greater good’. The title story examines our idea of beauty and if people can change their behavior.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

There are multiple genres in the book. I like to write in all of them. Usually, the story will dictate what genre it falls into.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would talk to Harry from The Moth and ask him why he didn’t just run. He let himself get pulled back into a world of crime right after getting out of jail. Was he really in love with Rachael? Was he trying to be Calliope’s hero? Or was he that afraid of what Blackie would do to him?

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m on Facebook the most. So, I guess they would be the most helpful. I post links to podcasts, interviews, plus any reviews I get there.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Keep writing. So many write one book then sit back and wait for it to sell. After you write your first book start working on the next one. I usually have a couple of books in the works. Selling books is completely different from writing books. They are two different jobs, don’t get bogged down in the one and forget the other.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have to finish The Gemstone Series. I published The Ruby Cradle, the second book, June 2025. Now, I am working on The Diamond Warrior. I have a horror story in the works, The House of Sun and Shadows, it will be my first full length novel in that genre. And I have more short stories to publish. I think I’ll be busy in 2026.

About the Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s.

He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined.

James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.

The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is complete. Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, Killer With Black Blood have all received five-star reviews.Killer With Ice Eyes, the final chapter of the boys from the Bronx, is available now.

He is currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series; The Emerald Lady is in publication to rave reviews. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, is coming soon.

www.rockhillpublishing.com

www.jlhill-books.com

Multi-Media

Readers and Writers Podcast:

https://anchor.fm/rockhillpublishing

YouTube channel:

https://bit.ly/RockHillYouTube

RockHill Publishing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockhillpublishing

Author J L Hill Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jlhill57

Interviews