1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I started writing pretty young. I grew up in a small town in Georgia with a public library right behind my house, and I practically lived in it. By fourth grade, I was already writing short mystery stories and would ask my teacher if I could read them to the class. Every now and then, she’d say yes—and something about those moments stuck with me. I think I knew even then that storytelling was what I wanted to do with my life.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
All the Time is a very personal book for me. It’s about nostalgia as a survival tactic—how we sometimes escape into the past to avoid dealing with the present, and what happens when we get stuck there. The story was inspired by the media I grew up loving (such as Back to the Future and The Wizard of Oz), and also by a kind of imagined version of my own adolescence—one that might’ve existed if I’d been born a decade earlier. It’s rooted in longing, grief, and the desire to find meaning in unlikely places.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
At its core, All the Time is about connection—how grief and uncertainty can bring people together, even in the most unexpected ways. I hope readers walk away with the reminder that we’re never truly alone in what we’re feeling, even if it sometimes seems that way. And as Yeats once wrote, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.” That’s the heart of the book.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Growing up in rural Georgia, there wasn’t much to do. During the day, I was buried in library books; at night, my older brother—who worked at Blockbuster—would bring home horror movies and try to scare me. The plan backfired spectacularly. He’d fall asleep, and I’d stay up late imagining how I’d survive if I were the final girl. That love for the eerie and emotional never left. My sister’s obsession with Unsolved Mysteries and Dateline sealed the deal—I was hooked on suspense, survival, and the strange tenderness hiding inside scary stories.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I’d choose Nat. She’s the grounding force Carter never saw coming—the friend who shows up just when he needs one most. She’s smart, practical, and emotionally complex. I’d ask how she interpreted the events of the story and whether the experience made her more hopeful or more afraid. She carries so much weight quietly, and I’d love to know what she held back, and why.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Instagram has definitely been the most helpful. It’s where I connect with readers most directly—whether through posts, stories, or DMs. I used to have a big presence on Vine and Musical.ly back in the day, but after stepping into my adult life and shifting focus to writing, Instagram has become my main space. It’s where I share updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and stay in conversation with the people reading my work.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Find writer friends. Truly. Having people who understand the ups and downs of this process makes all the difference. I met some of my closest friends in undergrad creative writing classes, and we still hold each other accountable, cheer each other on, and read each other’s work. Writing can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Join workshops, submit to forums, follow writing communities on social media. And if you’re ever in need of a lifeline—I mean this—my DMs are always open. I believe in paying it forward.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Absolutely. My latest novel, Written Just For You, released this past May, and I’m incredibly proud of how it’s been received. It’s set in 1962 and follows Will, a teenage boy who falls in love with a girl the town claims either never existed—or died long ago. As he tries to save her from the house she’s trapped in, he starts to wonder whether he’s chasing a ghost… or becoming one. It’s haunting, heartfelt, and might just be my favorite book yet. And I’ve got even more stories on the way.
(Social media link: @lincolnjjames on Instagram)
About the Author
Lincoln James, your favorite author’s favorite author, is celebrated for his haunting love stories, vintage thrillers, and slow-burn suspense. His characters feel, ache, and bleed, often trapped between the past and the people who won’t let them forget it.
In 2025, James was featured in The New York Review and named Best New Thriller Author in New York by Best of Best Review, honors recognizing his compelling storytelling and emotional depth.
When he’s not writing, James is a Communication professor in New York City and cherishes moments with friends and family, proving that the most thrilling tales lie in the love and laughter shared with those closest to us.
