Dony Jay Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I’m 38 years old, married with two kids. I am a detective for a small police department in PA. My favorite place to be is at home. I enjoy the outdoors—hiking, playing soccer, basketball or any sport really—and books. Books are my passion. I love everything about them.  The excitement and suspense of opening one for the first time. The smell of its binding. The texture of the pages on my fingers. Okay, I admit, I’m a book addict. But above all, I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: Probably the middle of 2010 or so is when I knew I wanted to actually write my own thriller series. I had just read two books back to back, each of which had a tremendous impact on me: Pursuit of Honor by the late, great Vince Flynn and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. I’m going to take a lot of heat for this from the guys at work, but I’ve always enjoyed watching the old reruns of Murder She Wrote. Truth be told, I’ve always had a fondness for the Jessica Fletcher character, specifically her life as an author. Write books for a living. What job could be better than that?

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A: So, in 2010 I set out to write my own spy thriller series. I knew I could do it if I just set my mind to it (with the obvious aid of Divine Providence). I’m a very determined and competitive guy. I toiled away for about four years, trying to write the next bestseller. I wound up with a 600-page monster, which I soon learned literary agents are none too fond to receive from unknown, debut authors.

So I whittled the manuscript down to about 400 double-spaced pages and went about querying for the perfect agent to represent me and my book. I’m proud to say that I paid my dues with the dreaded rejection letters. Amidst that, I ran into some other authors on Facebook. Indie authors. I was reluctant at first to consider indie publishing, I guess because of the stigma it had, at least in my mind. I thought self-publishing was only for bad writers. But I quickly realized after doing some research and interacting with successful authors in the indie world, that maybe this was God’s path for me. I had trusted Him thus far in my life. Why stop now? His ways are often not our ways.

My first break wasn’t so much a break as it was a realization that I could do this. I could indie publish my book. Whether that might someday lead to something else is remain to be seen, but I know that publishing my first book, even with all the various tasks associated thereto (and trust me, they are legion), enduring the headaches and heartaches, was so worth it. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but like I said, I’m an extremely determined and competitive guy. So for now, it suits me. It certainly could not have been done without the help, encouragement and prayer from some key people God placed in my life, to whom I give endless gratitude.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release The Warrior Spy?

A: My current release is my debut Christian thriller, The Warrior Spy. It’s a special ops meets espionage type novel. The story starts off with the CIA coming to grips with the fact that several of its best, deep-cover operatives have turned up dead. When a Defense Department-related scientist then suddenly goes missing, Reagan Rainey is tasked to get answers. Rainey is a Delta Force operator assigned to a shadowy entity within the CIA, known as Directorate Twelve. Rainey eventually realizes that there is much more going on than what he’d originally been told. It’s hopefully a thrill ride for readers who enjoy a good Ludlum-style yarn with an added element of faith infused into the story. The book is available both in print and ebook.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for The Warrior Spy?

A: My inspiration comes from the men and women who serve both in the military and in the intelligence community. The real warrior spies out there, who, with humility and selflessness, professionalism and, yes, even ferocity when need be, protect and defend freedom and liberty. And equally so the families that support them.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: A few things. Number one, that God is ALWAYS in control. We may not understand at times what He is doing or what He is allowing to happen, but He is in control. Second, that there is hope in the power of prayer. And lastly, that God is faithful. He will never leave you nor forsake you, never give you more than you can bear. Also, that the men and women who are sent downrange, whether they be a Delta Force operator or an intelligence officer on a hardship assignment in a place you or I can’t even pronounce, need our unwavering support and love. As do their families. Together they sacrifice so much for us. Never forget. Never take what they do for granted.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: I like a lot of parts, but one of my favorites is in Chapter 4 and continues into Chapter 5. Rainey is kind of in mourning; a recent operation has deeply affected him. He’s busy with one of his hobbies when guess what? America needs him again. I refer to Rainey as a modern-day George Washington, because like Washington agreed to serve as America’s first president contrary to his personal sentiments, Rainey would much rather toil away on his farm, quietly go about living his life, than be out running and gunning. But he knows it must be done. And that it’s what he was meant to do. I love that about him (and Washington, too).

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: My inspiration to write in general comes from a desire to offer fresh Christian content that is both exciting and substantive. In addition, I think it’s important to challenge the current American hegemony that seems to celebrate a drift—some might say a sprint—away from our godly heritage and founding doctrines. I want to give the world a classic American hero who strives to live out the biblical principles on which this nation was formed. My inspiration also comes from the legacy of Adam Brown. Adam Brown was a Navy SEAL, about whom Eric Blehm wrote his book titled Fearless. Adam Brown, the man, his essence and legacy, is an inspiration and a strong motivation for me to write. With each book, my hope is to convey the feelings that I experienced when I read Blehm’s book. Can’t say it enough. Everyone needs to read about Adam Brown. Go read Fearless now! Buy it for yourself. Buy it for a friend. It’s just a very powerful story.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: Not at all. I knew coming in that it was going to be a lot of work and that it was going to take continued perseverance and determination. Now that I’m published, I can say that I wasn’t wrong.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: If nothing else, remember these two words: NEVER QUIT! Not ever. If you prayerfully decide that you want to be an author, you can do it. Do research. Learn. Seek out people from whom to learn. Be humble. Be genuine. Be willing to accept that you will have to work your fanny off. And after you’re published, the work has only just begun. Seek perfection, but don’t let that pursuit paralyze you with doubt. You will fail. It’s okay. Resolve yourself to get back up and try again each and every time you do. You will be frustrated, confused and frazzled. Accept it. Adapt and overcome. Know that you will have to step outside your comfort zone. By default, I’m a very reserved person. I will speak up when necessary, but generally I’m not someone who enjoys being the center of attention. Be gracious and approachable. Surround yourself with positive people who will offer their honest support. Be who God made you to be. Be willing to allow Him to be in control of your life. And pray without ceasing.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: Right now, I’m working on the second book in the Warrior Spy Thriller series titled, Artifacts of Conspiracy. It picks up where book one left off. The story is a bit closer to home for Rainey. Hopefully readers will be thrilled. Pun intended. It should be out sometime in late 2016.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A: I spend time with my family. I read, play sports, goof around. Oh, and I read. Did I mention I read?

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: Readers can always find me here:

Website: www.DonyJayBooks.com
Facebook.com/DonyJayBooks
Twitter.com/DonyJayBooks
Goodreads.com/DonyJay

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: I encourage your readers to reach out. I always love hearing from readers. I consider myself a reader first actually. Then an author. If you have a question or would like to know more about the book(s) or me, contact me either through the website or at DonyJay@DonyJayBooks.com. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my free email newsletter, the Reader Intel Bulletin. Bulletins are sent out usually on the first of every month. Your email address will never be shared with anyone.

Thanks for the opportunity to chat with you and your readers. God bless