I was
privileged to invite Jacob Lasher for an interview with BooKecCenTric to
discuss his latest book and the inspiration behind it. Enjoy!
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Thank you @JacobLasher for your time today. What's
your book about, and what inspired you to write it?
@JacobLasher: Cup of Coffee [published in 2019] is a book of
poetry that tells a story from beginning to end, expressing vulnerable feelings
of a child who was in an abusive household. I based it off myself and a little
dream that I had in which I confront my mother after years of not speaking and
discuss the abuse that happened in my childhood. I wrote it because I feel that
many people could relate to it. I feel like it's a departure from my first
book, More to Life, which is darker than Cup of Coffee. I wanted to show my
growth as a person, in my mental health, and my development as a maturing
person. I also wanted to show that everyone is a human being. Every person who
abuses, who has been abused and so forth...we all are human.
Who is your target
audience, and why do you think this book will appeal to them?
@JacobLasher: My target audience? That's an interesting
question. People who like poetry or a good story, maybe. Perhaps people who
need to read books that they can connect with. More to Life has reached people
and touched them. It's a great feeling to give people the feelings other books
have given me...hope, understanding, and relief.
What message do you wish to
pass across to your readers with this book?
@JacobLasher: To understand your past and to grow stronger
from it. Running away from it will only make it worse.
What was the hardest thing
about writing your latest book?
@JacobLasher: Reliving my past. Some poems featured in the
book were written when I was fifteen and still going through abuse.
As a writer, is there
anything you've learned about yourself while writing this book?
@JacobLasher: I have gained more perspective and
understanding. I think it takes a lot of courage to feel sympathy for people
who have hurt you. I'm very proud of myself for that.
For your own reading, do
you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books, and why?
@JacobLasher: It's hard to tell. With poetry, I seem to like
ebooks better. With traditional fiction, I do enjoy a paperback. I like to go
for a walk (I don't recommend...it's not safe!) and read.
What is your niche genre,
and if you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
@JacobLasher: Poetry. And...hmm...I wish I could write
historical fiction! That would be nice!
What books and authors have
most influenced you?
@JacobLasher: Cheryl Rainfield! Her book Scars is my favorite
of all time. It truly helped me...in more ways than I can explain. I love Jodi
Picoult, Ellen Hopkins, Danielle Steel, JK Rowling...the list goes on...and
on...and on...
Is there anything you'd
like readers to know about you?
@JacobLasher: I am in love with telling stories and I hope
you join me on this journey!
Do you have any more books
in the works?
@JacobLasher: I'm working on a few! A book titled LUCY. I am
so overjoyed with how it's unraveling as each day passes! It's a very warm
feeling. Another book titled A Tail I've Never Barked: Poems by a Senior Dog is
in the works...which is pretty self explanatory! And others!
Do you read your book
reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
@JacobLasher: Well I received my first bad one today and it
was a lesson to be learned. Not everyone is going to think you're a genius! But
as long as you love what you do, that's what matters! :)
What is your preferred
method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal
blog, Facebook page, Goodreads, etc.)?
@JacobLasher: Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads!
Any additional comments you
would like to add?
@JacobLasher: I hope you stay strong and remember to live
your best life.
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Jacob Lasher is an untypical poet who is obsessed with dogs, tea, and
of course, books!
Website
link:
