Interview: Wayland Bryant Jackson
Author’s name:
Wayland Bryant Jackson
Publishing Credits:
Memoir: “When God Disappeared”
Short stories: “Frog Legs”
Poetry: “Do Not Marry for Love”
Religion: “17 Things Your Pastor Will Never Tell You”
Why did you become a writer?
It was either that or become a garbage collector.
Why should anybody read your books when there are so many others written by famous authors?
Every book has a perspective. Everyone should share their views, their stories, and their ideas. There are many good authors who are not famous. It’s not a competition.
What is your greatest strength and weakness as an author?
I think my greatest strength is that I continue to improve, with the help of my critique group. My weakness is that I improve more slowly than I would like, but I do not give up.
How would you describe yourself in Haiku?
Ninety-five years blessed,
Four books shared, a full fam’ly—
Joy in every day.
If somebody could only read one book that you’ve written, what would you recommend?
When God Disappeared, mainly because in it I describe my unique religious experience, which changed my life.
Why do you carry a tip jar?
My tip jar was the idea of my son John, who lives with me and helps care for me. (I am 95) I have collected some 350 “tips” I print and cut out at home, all of them positive. I pass them out wherever I go: restaurants, grocery stores, doctors’ offices, beauty salons (next door to my dentist’s office). etc. I get hugs, smiles, thank-yous, tears, and prayers in response. I have heard many times, “This is just what I need,” and “Thank you so much.” Who knew? The reverse side of the tips has my website: waylandjackson.com where you will find stories, poems, and my art work (watercolors, ink, #2 pencil)
What jobs have you held?
Soda jerk, janitor, evangelistic musician, founding pastor of a church, YMCA desk clerk, church staff member, and school teacher—in that order.
What events have made you into the person you are today?
I am not a goal-oriented person. I just stumble from one thing to the next. Have all my life. I am still stumbling.
If you could spend an afternoon with any person on the planet, whom would you spend it with?
I think I would choose to spend the afternoon with an author whom I admire, both his writing and his character. His name is Jeff Cates.
What do you want readers to get out of your stories, letters to the editor, and books?
I have stories, poems, and books. Each one has a view. Some are humorous; some are dead serious. I share with the hope of stimulating dialog, with me or with friends. I hope others share with me also.
What are you working on now?
I just completed 12 haikus, probably the first I have ever attempted. We’ll see where that goes.
If someone wants to purchase your books, how can they do this?
The books mentioned above are available on Amazon. I encourage people to buy them because I get two or three dollars from each sale. I am saving my money with a target date of 2050 for my next retirement.
What advice do you have for people who want to become professional authors?
I don’t care for the word: professional. It implies that the writer must get money for their work. Everyone has a unique story. Telling it effectively is the challenge a writer faces. It’s one way to leave a footprint in the sand of time.
Most of what I’ve seen of my writing in print I would revise if I had a chance. A year from now, I would make the same choice.