Action Pulp!

“A good character has to be well-rounded, self-aware. There have to be flaws. Nothing’s more boring than a character who is perfect.” – Jonathan W. Sweet.

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Jonathan W. Sweet, author of 12 books, both fiction and nonfiction. I have also contributed to or edited more than 30 anthologies and collections. I’m a two-time winner of Best Historical Thriller from the Bookfest Awards and a five-time Pulp Factory Awards Finalist. I’ve worked as a writer – from daily newspapers to magazines to marketing – for more than 25 years.

I’m the founder of Brick Pickle Pulps, which publishes books in the classic pulp style and host the Pulp Nostalgia & Old Time Radio Podcast and the World War II Radio Podcast. I live in Minnesota’s Twin Cities with my wife, two exceptional children and one fairly dim-witted dog.

What genres do you write and why?

Most of my fiction is traditional “hero” pulp fiction, typically set in the 1930s or 1940s, although my latest book (“Lincoln’s Avenger”) is more of a mystery/thriller set in 1894 Minnesota. As for nonfiction, I have written mostly books and articles exploring some aspect of history in the Midwest, but have also written two guides to pulp fiction.

What is your earliest memory of reading?

Reading “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein over and over.

When did you know you wanted to write? How did it happen?

Apparently I’ve been a storyteller since I was a toddler when I used to tell stories based on pictures in the newspaper comics. But, more to your question, in 4th grade we had to write a “book.” I crafted a tale of mystery and ghosts, set in the woods. All very spooky, I’m sure! But I was hooked from that point. 

What’s one of your favorite scenes in one of your books?

There’s a scene in my second Red Jackal book, Ghosts of the Jackal, that introduces Charlie Cook, when she rescues the Red Jackal during a fight in an alley. That scene came into my head fully formed and the fight was great fun to write. She ended up being so much fun that she kicked off her own series of stories with Airship 27.

What makes a good character? A bad one?

A good character has to be well-rounded, self-aware. There have to be flaws. Nothing’s more boring than a character who is perfect. Too often I see people write these perfect paper heroes that are, frankly, boring.

What moves the story for you?

Action and dialogue. I don’t spend a lot of time writing lengthy scene descriptions because I don’t want to read them. That detail dump is the sure way to bring a story to a halt. 

What is your favorite book and why?

That’s a tough one! Probably something in the Nathan Heller series by Max Allan Collins.

What do you want to say to your audience?

Leave a review! I hope people enjoy what I write, that it’s entertaining and gives them a break from the crazy world around them. That’s why almost all my fiction is historical fiction. (But seriously, folks, there’s nothing better you can do for any writer than leave a review!) 

What advice do you have for new writers?

Keep writing! Don’t worry if you think it’s crap. The only way you get better is to keep working at it. Get the words out.

Website: JonathanWSweet.com AThrillingPublication.com