A. J. Berea is the author of the Kingdom Series as well as the Sheriff Jeremiah Series. His works walk the lines between reality and allegory, thriller and satire, and showcase a thoughtful yet sometimes bizarre insight into human behavior. He is a fan of new fiction and non-fiction and offers space on his website for up and coming writers to present their works or works in progress – email ajb@ajberea.com for information.
Q & A
When did you start writing?
I started writing fiction over thirty years ago, mainly short stories, although I occasionally experimented with novels. A few years back, I decided to concentrate strictly on longer works and, in the process, developed two series. Another few series have come to mind. I’m trying to find time to work them in to my schedule.
What genre or genres to you write in?
Broadly speaking, my works fall into one of two genres: thriller/drama and satire. Admittedly, thriller and drama are two separate categories, but I’ve found that the line between the two is often blurred. If I had to choose which side of the line I fall on most of the time, it would be thriller.
Is it difficult writing in such disparate genres?
It’s difficult in the sense there’s a notion an author is supposed to stick with one genre only. In reality, how many authors do? Take Stephen King for example. He’s known as a horror writer, but think about works such as The Body (Stand by Me) or The Green Mile. Fantastic stories that don’t fit in the horror category. Besides, I see the similarities in my different works and not the differences, necessarily.
What do you mean?
I think of my works as a search for truth. That’s probably the guiding principle in all of my stories. I don’t say I find the truth or reach any conclusions, just that I’m searching for it. You could say this about the more serious novels I write as well as the humorous ones.
Speaking of that, describe your sense of humor.
I tend to see the absurd in all situations and highlight it in my writing. While my humor may seem childish and immature at times, that’s because it is. I also appreciate satire as a means of making a point that you might not be able to otherwise.
Your blog seems to land more on the satirical side. Why is that?
It depends on the project I’m currently working on. In fact, it’s a good way to determine the type of novel that’s coming out. To explain, if I’m working on a thriller or drama, most of my blogs will be on the satirical side and vice versa. It’s a way to keep myself balanced and to maintain my writing skills.
Who has influenced your writing?
I enjoy the classics, some of my favorite authors being Twain, Cervantes, Faulkner, and Poe. Out of the modern writers, anything by Ken Follett, Daniel Woodrell, Christopher Reich, Terry Pratchett, C.S. Lewis, or Graham Greene I can get my hands on I’m bound to read and enjoy. I think you can find elements from each of these authors in the novels I write.
What are your hobbies?
Politics and Olympic weightlifting. Politics because it’s a great source of material. Weightlifting because I like the challenge of taking blocks of iron from the floor and throwing them over my head. That and because I like to think I’m strong. I’m not, by the way. I’m very, very average. At best.
Do you have a family?
Yes. I have a wife, three kids, and a dog, who tolerate me some days.
Anything else you would like your readers to know about you?
They can reach me at ajb@ajberea.com. I am happy to respond to inquiries.