Meet JP McDonald | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with JP McDonald and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JP, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In this instance, I was the prey and the career was the hunter. It sought me out at such a young age with music and I was enraptured then and there. I began playing guitar, singing and composing my own songs all the way into adulthood where I mastered playing several instruments, playing in bands and touring occasionally.

After taking time to craft meaningful lyrics, I decided to take writing more seriously and have since published three books.

There is nothing else that brings me carthesis or truly grounds me than exploring my creativity. The joy of creating something unique and new outweighs all the pitfalls of your project being discovered or successful. If we remember that creativity is an exploration of the self; a love song to our individuality then outside ‘success’ shouldn’t ever be a factor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I write science fiction adventure books that have lyrical prose. Usually my stories feature a diverse range of characters and address themes centred around humanity, xxx, xxx.

Writing books is never an easy task, it often takes years to develop ones craft and to get it to a point where it is publishable. Just like everything, when it comes to honing creative skills it takes a lot of practice, guidance, collaboration and dedication to the cause. In order to overcome challenges, it’s important to have the drive to succeed and an end goal.

I usually put a lot of heart, soul and thought into my stories. In a world where AI can whip something up in a couple of minutes, I take my time to ensure that my humanity and my voice comes through in my words. If I leave my readers with a profound thought, deep consideration or lasting impression then I feel like I’ve achieved my purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Sydney, NSW, Australia

Eat: The Farmhouse in Potts Point (An ever changing menu, seasonal, local produce, well priced)
Drink: Palmer & Co in Pitt Street for some cocktails
Visit: Blue Mountains National Park – an array of beautiful natural sites to take in just outside of Sydney.
Hang out: Rosey Ravelston Books and Blue Dragon Books in the Blue Mountains area
People: Friendliest people are outside of the city centre, in the mountains or by the beaches.
When the sun comes out: Manly has some really nice beaches and summer vibes.
Unique experience: Climb the harbour bridge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are members of the online writing and reading community that have been instrumental in feeling successful. The connections between myself and genuine individuals is unbeatable. In particular my biggest writing mentor has been fellow author and editor Emmie Hamilton. I couldn’t have grown as much as I have over the last few years without her.

Website: www.jpmcdonald.com.au

Instagram: @jpmcdonaldwrites

Other: tiktok – @jpmcdonaldwrites

Image Credits
All photographs taken by me except the music one taken by Nicholas Rider.