Writers At Work

This is the ninth in Ravenshead's series of interviews with writers.

With his first book Juan Gomez-Jurado has deservedly jumped to the top of the best-seller charts. God's Spy is a gripping, imaginative page-turner which combines the best of 'The Da Vinci Code', 'The Name of The Rose' and 'Silence of the Lambs'. This really is a book everyone should read. It has been translated into 27 languages and would make a superb film. Juan Gomez-Jurado also has the modern accolade of a detailed entry on Wikipedia

Juan worked as a journalist and corporate boss, but with the success of God's Spy he has taken up writing full-time. He is currently working on a new novel which is set in the Middle East.

Ravenshead interviewed Juan Gomez-Jurado in August 2007 and the interview is reproduced here.

An Interview with Juan Gomez-Jurado

RH: Please tell us a bit about your background.

JGJ: I am an only child brought up by middle class, Catholic parents in Madrid. The only child is a curious beast - he has to supply his own entertainment - he has no one to amuse save himself.

RH: When did you start writing?

JGJ: When I was very young. Many, many stories, many of which I hope will never see the light of day.

RH: Where do you write?

JGJ: In my study, on my favorite black keyboard, from approximately eleven pm to six am. In short, in a form of monkish seclusion. Now I'm starting to discover your software... and I love it! It really helps me to order my messy head.

RH: What makes you write?

JGJ: It kills time, in both senses of the phrase. You are sitting at a desk doing absolutely nothing and all of a sudden you are flying through the air and landing -- who knows where.

RH: What's the easiest thing about writing? What's the hardest?

JGJ: Ideas are the easiest. I can come up with twenty a day, most of them bad but one of them a gem. The hardest: the aloneness. But I am used to that.

RH: Have other people’s comments affected your writing?

JGJ: I am very receptive to intelligent critiques.

RH: Where do you get your ideas? Do your own experiences appear in any of your stories?

JGJ: There are two ways to write: out of yourself, or out of curiosity about the world. I try to practice both. I bury (or reveal) many personal experiences in my fiction - but at the same time, my books are the product of a great deal of research and personal inquiry.

RH: Which writers have influenced you?

JGJ: I always knew I wanted to write big thrillers so I have read all the great writers in this genre. They all influence me. Stephen King, David Baldacci and are my favorites. And I love Shakespeare, too.

RH: Your novel God's Spy has now been published in 39 countries in 27 languages! Did you ever dream that it would be so popular?

JGJ: When I was sixteen I made plans to become a great and famous writer, and everything is working out very well! Just joking, no, I never thought of something like that. Who could?

RH: How long did it take you to write the book? Did you have to revise or rewrite it much?

JGJ: It took me two years. I love to revise. A text can always get better.

RH: Was it easy to find a publisher?

JGJ: God's Spy sold very quickly. I was very surprised by that and I hope my luck holds. Kudos to my agents, Antonia Kerrigan and Tom Colchie!

RH: What's the single biggest change to your life that has happened since writing God's Spy?

JGJ: I have even more time to write but also many more responsibilities.

RH: It sounds as if it would make a great movie! Have you had any offers yet?

JGJ: Ask me again in six months! The book has only been out in America for three months.

RH: Which other thriller writers do you admire, and why?

JGJ: My all time favorite is King -he writes Horror, not Thriller but...- I love Baldacci and Grisham. Why? King is complex, natural and practically perfect. Baldacci is fluid, clever and gripping. Grisham is wise, fast and shocking.

RH: With the success of God’s Spy you gave up your job to become a full time writer. Was that an exciting fulfilment of a life-long goal, or were you a bit nervous about giving up the ‘day job’?

JGJ: Both. You're jumping into the void without a parachute, you know. But in my case there were no choice. I can imagine myself in the road of life with a sign: WRITER OR BUST. I'm still there!

RH: I read that you have worked as a journalist and as a director (of corporations). Do your previous jobs inform your writing?

JGJ: Of course. All experiences in life are useful to the writer. In fact, those people who come straight out of university writing programs are really in a fix: they haven't had any experiences other than their family life, which may or may not be enough. They should forget about writing for a few years, and live.

RH: Do you find writing a lonely occupation compared to the teamwork involved in running a business?

JGJ: Yes, but now I have a whole team of crazy translators translating my work! I specially love James Graham, a great guy who is determined to became the new John DosPassos.

RH: What are you currently working on?

JGJ: Ah, that's a secret. A new novel, set in the Middle East. Would you like to see the trailer?

RH: We certainly would! Where can we find it?

JGJ: The link will be available very soon... There is also a video of my first book on YouTube

RH: Do you have any advice for new writers?

JGJ: Write 4 hours a day, read 4 hours a day and look both sides before crossing the street. Success will come, eventually.

RH: Thank you for the interview. We really enjoyed listening to your thoughts and ideas, and good luck with your next book.

JGJ: Thank you and thanks to you for developing such wonderful software and for your kindness.