Interview with J.W. Nicklaus, author of "The Light, The Dark, & Ember Between"

J.W. Nicklaus resides in a place not entirely fit for human habitation about five months of the year. No pets to speak of, only the apparitions from which all romantics suffer.

An Arizona native, he’s been from one coast to the other, and a few places in between. College brought an AA in Journalism with a minor in Photography, and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications. His work experience has run the gamut from Creative Director for a small advertising firm in Tucson to a litigation support bureau in Phoenix (and assuredly some awkward stuff in the mix).

Snow has been featured prominently in his stories, perhaps because of the seasonless cli-mate he lives in. Nature was meant to be enjoyed and experienced, not hidden from the senses. So to that end, he hopes someday to live amongst those who are able to live through four true seasons, and not just blast furnace and warm.

He enjoys the occasional Arizona DiamondbacksArizona Diamondbacks game with his son, as well as watching him grow up. The experience of being a single dad has taught him far more about himself than he ever thought possible.

Within the expanse of every waking moment, he hopes his guardian angel keeps its arms open wide and heart ever watchful, for there but for one true Hope goes She.

For more about J.W. visit www.avomnia.com.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

From what I’ve been able to glean, lots of readers seem to draw upon my voice. A lot of short stories I’ve ever read are rooted in some metaphorical narrative and written not so much for entertainment but for enlightenment — not such a bad thing, but I think The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between is far more approachable from an entertainment perspective. It’s based upon very human qualities, and in some respects acts as a mirror for our foibles and follies.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

Perhaps the most socially and ethically correct answer would be the Bible. However, I think it might be a compendium of stories by John Steinbeck. His characters exude the same kind of humanity that I try to portray with my own. I have always been struck by how his stories aren’t just about characters moving a story along, but people.

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

It’s in our nature to wish away the disagreeable and yearn for a second chance. Disparity and harmony constantly teeter on a fulcrum of our own making. For myself, I would want to go back and reconsider something I’ve done to hurt someone dear to me. But I’m as human as you, so which one do I select?

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what ways?

Most certainly. I’m more aware of my weaknesses and passions. I’ve become closer to my son. I’ve worked on becoming not just more intelligent, but hopefully wiser. But I am, forever, a work in progress.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far? Is there anything you regret doing/not doing?

The lesson: I’d have to say that life is a series of moments, and I continually strive to absorb as many as I can, good and bad. That’s what life is. I wish I could take the high road and say that I harbor no regrets, but I must instead remain here on the crowded lower road. Many things I wish I had done I refrained from due to simple consideration beforehand. How many times would we love to stand up and tell someone off? While doing so might make us feel better temporarily, without consideration of the ripple effects we stand to do more harm than good. Perhaps most, I regret the absence and affliction of love.

What is your favorite past-time?

Baseball with my son. It’s something we both look forward to, and he aspires to. I imagine at some point his interest will wane a bit, but he will always retain a little bit of it in his heart. When my presence is no longer felt, he will have a whole slew of memories of time spent with dad at the ballpark.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Perhaps one of my favorite Mark TwainMark Twain quotes: “Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: some observers hold that there isn't any. But this wrongs the jackass.” Give that a little thought ;^) Thanks for inviting me here today. If your readers would like to read more of my ramblings they can find me at my blog, avomnia.wordpress.com — or find out more about my writing and The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between at my web site: www.avomnia.com.

A collection of short stories, each a splinter’s reflection of the human condition, firmly centered upon our oft tenuous, sometimes tensile bond with Hope, and careening flirtation with Love.

Fifteen stories: From the wispy fog of a love lost at sea, to an orphaned child who delivers a present of her own during a war-torn Christmas. These stories are gentle reminders to each of us of what it is to be human, and certainly of our affinity for the slightest glint of Hope.