James Wollak
Author Interview - James Wollak
Author of Insight and Suitability
“In this daring sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, we see Lady Catherine's daughter Anne through a new lens.
Far too long, Anne de Bourgh has been pitied, ignored, and dismissed as boring and sickly. Her hopes begin to rise when two young gentlemen, both of whom would make a great catch, start paying attention to her.
With the help of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, Anne embarks on a journey to discover which beau is the best prospect as her potential husband. Will either one end up asking for her hand, and can she be certain of his character?
Anne must contend with differences in the gentlemen's personalities, poise, and intelligence, and even consider troubling rumors. Are the two men in competition over her? And will Lady Catherine be satisfied with either one as Anne's husband? Along the way, Anne realizes she is not the only one whose life could be changing.”
Author Interview - James Wollak
Author I draw inspiration from: My prime inspiration is obviously Miss Jane Austen. However, these authors in other genres also inspire me: H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, and Jennifer McMahon (horror/supernatural); Agatha Christie, Ellis Peters, and Elizabeth Daly (mystery novels); Loren D. Estleman (Western/historical fiction).
Author Interview - James Wollak
Favorite place to read a book: Any comfortable chair. Thanks to reading devices like the Kindle, even airport and airplane seating can be a great place to read.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Idgie Threadgoode in Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
Author Interview - James Wollak
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: After reading Sherlock Holmes stories like The Sign of Four and The Adventure of the Speckled Band. I could also mention several Laura Ingalls Wilder books, which I read around the same time.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Hardback or paperback, then an e-book. I like holding a book in my hands, but I also love taking my portable Kindle library anywhere.
The last book I read: Double Eagle by Alison Frankel, a fantastic investigation into the story of the mysterious 1933 gold coin. FYI, it's the one that is supposed to be sold by Sotheby's New York on June 8, 2021.
Author Interview - James Wollak
Pen & paper or computer: I prefer writing on the computer, then pen and paper. Composing as I type is easier, but I like scribbling and jotting things down too; either way, it's wonderful to see the words filling up the screen or the paper page.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: I confidently name two: Sam Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien); and George Milton (Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck).
Author Interview - James Wollak
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: Composer of either symphonic music or an opera.
Favorite decade in fashion history: The 1950's, followed by the 1920's for second place.
Place I’d most like to travel: Barcelona, Spain
My signature drink: A Manhattan, with either rye or bourbon whiskey
Favorite artist: Claude Monet
Number one on my bucket list: I'd like to learn Spanish, and being able to speak it!
Anything else you'd like to add: Interviews like this are so much fun! Thank you for inviting me, and thank you for your interest in Insight and Suitability!
Author Bio: A lifelong devoté of Jane Austen and all her works, James Wollak works as a financial data analyst and lives in San Francisco, California, a third generation San Franciscan. He is an avid reader, numismatist, and music lover, enjoying all kinds of music such as classical and opera, Motown and soul, ABBA, Celtic, blues, bluegrass, and zydeco. He also loves silent and classic Hollywood films, and the “Poldark” and “Downton Abbey” series. He is a strong Anglophile, and Pride and Prejudice is his favorite novel of all time. For more information, visit his website at jameswollak.com.
