Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by Jocelyn Ingram, author of Bibles Be Trippin’ and the upcoming Grimy Fairy Tales. Welcome to our Showcase Lounge, Jocelyn. For any of our readers that haven’t come across your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself?

JI: 26 | f| Lansing, Michigan/Los Angeles. I just quit my day job to write and live my life. I could be crazy, but I could be perfect. Just living the dream.  

SPS:  What are your perfect writing conditions, and how often do you write?

JI: That would depend on what I have to write. If it’s a short-story or a book project – then I like writing from home on the couch in my living room with my furry BFF, MJ, and a glass or two of wine by my side. If I’m blogging or doing an article of sorts or simply writing aimlessly, I’ll head downtown or somewhere busy for people-watching. I like to draw from that energy. Ideally, I’d have a place in the art’s district overlooking the city, Sound Cloud blaring, typing away.  It would be awesome if I could wake up and my actual job be to write for a living. For now, I write whenever it comes bursting out of me. I don’t believe in forcing it. If I’m feeling inspired or like I have something to say, I will. 

SPS: Can you put your finger on the moment that you decided you wanted to publish your work?

JI: Not really. It came about so randomly but when it did start to evolve, it was definitely an exciting time that helped me realize that this is something I wanted to pursue. I just remember sending some of my stories to my sister or friends and they genuinely enjoyed them… And so I figured, I’d give it a shot.

SPS: Why do you think it is that your work has strong elements of humor/satire and do you see yourself ever writing more serious works?

JI: I’ve always been keen on the art of storytelling through humor and satire. You can tell how smart somebody is by what they laugh at. In my opinion, creative genius is relating something that appeals to the masses through jokes and parody, or taking something generally serious and being able to flip it for entertainment purposes.

I write about the culture that we live in today. I write for the non-prudes and the open-minded. I do appreciate classic literature and a range of writing styles but I think that incorporating a modern, tongue-and-cheek voice is cool and my work leans towards that sort of satire.

I do see myself writing more serious works. I’m actually pairing with an Artist who draws portraits to raise awareness for Cancer and other illnesses. We are putting together an article about a young girl’s battle with Cancer and her journey of hope, strength and love that stemmed from the support of the Michigan State’s Men’s basketball team. We are hoping to publish the story in the Lansing State Journal.

SPS: So, tell us about Bibles Be Trippin’?

JI: BBT is a witty portrayal of various landmark episodes from the bible. It blends pop-culture and sarcasm to retell popular stories like Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, David & Goliath, etc., in a cleverly absurd way. 

SPS: Why do you think you choose to write a satirical look at The Bible as your debut work?

JI: I haven’t seen a depiction of the Bible told in such a way before and figured that was as good a reason as any to choose it as my debut. 

SPS: Were these thoughts that had been months/years in the making, or did you sit down one day with the aim at taking a different view on things?

JI: One day I got to thinking about people and their different points of view… And how there are 3 sides to every story; yours, mine, and the truth- ha. What I mean is, it’s hard to know exactly how things transpire if you yourself are not present. Taking that into consideration, Re-working the Bible seemed like an interesting approach keeping in mind that the general premises would remain the same.

SPS: Do you have a favourite story in the book?

JI: I like Noah’s Ark, The Resurrection of Christ and Cain & Abel.

SPS: What sort of responses have you received from readers?

JI: People that have purchased the book and reached out to me, or others who I know that have read it think it’s hilarious. Any negative remarks are from those who haven’t gotten past the title itself. 

SPS: Have you considered bringing out a sequel, or has that not entered your thoughts?

JI: I haven’t thought about that although I’d like to read excerpts aloud somewhere.

SPS: Your upcoming work is the fantastically titled Grimy Fairy Tales, can you tell us more?

JI: Grimy Fairy Tales is a spinoff of the classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The Grimm’s brothers were definitely an influence in my love for reading as a kid. I think for my generation’s sake, these stories need to live on and grow up with us.

SPS: Can we expect previous fairy tales to be re-worked, or are these originals?

JI: Re-worked. There may be a surprise or 2 in the mix however.

SPS: Just how absurd are we talking?

 JI: Jack and the Weedstalk. The Ugly Duckface. Little Red Riding Hoodrat to name a few.

SPS: When can we expect, as readers, to be able to get hold of a copy?

 JI: Hopefully mid July. 

SPS: What can we expect next from the pen of Jocelyn Ingram, once Grimy Fairy Tales is released?

JI: I’m going to be teaming with celebrity photography Cassy Athena (CassyAthena.com) to contribute articles to all of her Summer 2014 events.

SPS: Was the Self-Published/Indie-Published route always your preferred route for your work?

JI: It’s the route that was the best option available for me and I’m happy with it.

SPS: Has the experience so far been all that you thought it would be?

JI: I didn’t have many expectations. I was just proud to add Author to my resume.

SPS: If you could give one piece of advice for someone looking to get into writing, what would it be?

JI: It comes from one of my favs. Charles Bukowski.

“Don’t be like so many thousands of
people who call themselves writers,
don’t be dull and boring and
pretentious. The libraries of the world have
yawned themselves to
sleep
over your kind.
don’t add to that.”

SPS: Before we bring this interview to a close, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

JI: Sadly no one as of late. 

SPS: Thank you for joining us today Jocelyn, and all the best for the future.

JI: Thank you very much for having me. Likewise!

SPS: For more information on Jocelyn and her work to date, please do visit her Author page here