Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - R.J. Labette - My outlet, escape and passion.
Where were you born?
I was born in New Mexico, United States.
Where do you live?
I still live in New Mexico.
Do you have fur babies?
Two German Shepherds who are big sweeties.
Do you use a pen name?
R.J. Labette.
I use it because I want to stay anonymous, even to my family and friends, so that people who read my book don't try to see it through my eyes.
What kind of writer are you?
Modern Day Laptop/PC Writer.
Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.
The Good Dog by Avi.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
the Phantom Stallion Series by Terri Farley.
Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft?
John Flanagan.
He always amazed me with how he could incorporate battle strategy into a story so well!
How would you describe your craft in one sentence
My outlet, my escape, and my passion.
At The Dreamer's Bookshop, we embrace diversity and advocate for invisible illnesses. How do you feel about those topics? Do you include messages in your writing?
Definitely.
Book 2 elaborates on it more, so to be continued!
Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading?
Yes, a redline is gory violence and definitely abuse and rape.
Was there a review that touched you more than others?
What truly sets Shifters apart is its characters. Each one is richly developed, with their own struggles, desires, and secrets. Though perhaps the greatest strength of Shifters lies in its exploration of themes such as identity, loyalty, and the power of choice. Through the struggles of its characters, the book delves deep into what it means to be human, even when one's nature is anything but.
If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?
Because I've always loved escaping into my imagination, and writing it done allows me to return again and again, even after decades pass.
Which book are you most proud of and why?
Shifters.
It's the first book I ever shared with the world, and one of the very few books I actually finished,making me vulnerable in a way I've never allowed myself to be before.
What would you tell an aspiring writer?
Don't write for others.
Write for yourself, as what matters most is that you enjoy reading your work.
What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?
To know someone else read my book and enjoyed it half as much as I do.
What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?
That I finally finish some of my favorite stories.
