Featured Interview With S. J. Brown
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born and raised in New Jersey I moved to West Virginia over 25 years ago. Over 12 years ago I blended my love of writing with wildlife photography. I return to New Jersey often to see family and friends and to get a few critter shots.
My pursuit of memorable images has taken me from Maine to Florida and as far west as Texas. Home is a small house in the country with my husband/ spotter and our dog Val. She is a 12 year old Lab Shepherd mix who loves people.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I always remember books being a part of my life. I looked forward to trips to the bookmobile and rainy days curled up on the couch with a good book.
It wasn’t until High School that I began to write. A High School English teacher encouraged me to write for pleasure, not just a good grade.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are those I have met. I meet a variety of individuals at writers conferences, and book festivals. After sharing lunch or a conversation I can’t resist getting and reading their work.
My autographed book collection includes mysteries, westerns, anthologies, travel, historical, travel, and cozies.
My writing is inspired by life. The critters I encounter in the field, lessons I have learned, and things that life throws at me all become subjects.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Close Up & Close Encounters lets the reader look through the lens and experience wildlife photography from my perspective. I got started in wildlife photography on a whim. Armed with an inexpensive 35mm camera and a love for the natural world. Accompanied by my spotter and husband I venture to a variety of locations that re included in the book.
I quickly learned there is more to this than just camera settings, lighting and getting the right angle. Not all wildlife is agreeable to having their picture taken, and many are not easily accessible.
I encounter delicate butterflies, bears, birds, deer, wild horses and more. Along the way there are successes and failures, co operative critters, curious subjects, and some close calls.
Each chapter is another trip out into the field. I will deal with cold, wind, rain, and heat to get the shot. Within the pages there are over 50 images. To get those images I climb, hike, and even get into boats, although I can’t swim. Having a camera in my hand tends to make me a bit braver than I should be sometimes.
The hardest part about writing Close Ups & Close Encounters was deciding which stories to include. I spent several years in the field before a fellow author prompted me to put my stories on paper. It took me over a year to complete this work. I wanted to place the reader in my shoes, to see what I saw and feel what I felt. After a number of rewrites I think I have accomplished my goal.
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