James “Jim” West has been writing since 1998, inspired by the love for his beautiful hometown, Kent, Connecticut. The father of four incredible, grown sons and two adorable grandchildren, he graduated from Stephen’s College, Columbia, Missouri with a degree in healthcare and psychology and is a retired respiratory therapist of forty years. He taught Tai Chi and meditation classes in southwest Michigan for many years. Currently, he writes full time where he resides on a lake in southeast Michigan and is publishing through his company, Skiff Mountain Press.
What genres do you like to read? – Poetry, realism novels of light suspense, and self-help.
Do you have a favorite book or movie? –Milk and Honey, a book of poetry by Rupi Kaur and comedy movies like Oh Brother, Where Art Thou and Waking Ned Devine.
Which is your favorite mode of writing? Why? – Primarily a hybrid of narration and descriptive for short stories and imaginative/realism for poetry. I find they are preferred styles, drawing the left and right brain together in a way that forms an understanding of expression using intangible words and phrases that work to my satisfaction.
What is your primary or favorite genre to write? – Poetry and short stories.
Do you have other genres you write for? – I’m developing two children’s picture books.
Which project is your favorite so far? Why? – Swift the River Hoosie – My first book!
How long have you been writing? What does your path look like? –I’ve been writing solidly for 22 years; it was a way to express myself due to a lot of changes within and I’ve been doing it ever since.
I just started publishing. I’m working on my second book of short stories and aphorisms.
Where is your favorite place to write? In my living room or beside a river or lake.
What kind of atmosphere do you need? Quiet, music, coffee, wine? Any tricks to get in the zone? I love the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. In particular, I enjoy “The Daily Three” exercise that stimulates the creative juices: Just write something! Get the engine started!
I need freedom from distractions with music as a background or just the quiet…no alcohol.
What do you do for fun when you’re not writing? – Taking trips, visiting museums, or being by the water are favorite ways to recharge.
Website: www.skiffmountainpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.west.77128
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/James-West/e/B084KVYK64
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sr.jimwest/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/PoetryJim/
Featured Guests with Diana Stout 
Thank you, Diana! We’ve known each other for the majority of our years and now, can’t say enough good words about your mentoring me through the layers of technical challenges within the world of new author’s. Your friendship and guidance are appreciated immeasurably! Write on!
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