Aspry Jones worked as a television professional with 25 years of experience in New York City’s broadcasting scene. His background spans news, financial reporting, and sports broadcasting, where he held various technical and managerial roles. From overseeing morning shows, to working as a sound and video engineer and coordinating multi-camera setups for live broadcasts, Aspry developed a well-rounded expertise in television production throughout his career.
Now retired from the industry, Aspry has shifted his focus to writing novels. His debut novel, Protectors of the Light Crown, a sci-fi fantasy, is set to be released in November 2024. With a deep passion for storytelling, Aspry continues to share his unique perspective through his writing, committed to creating content that resonates with readers.
Author Q&A
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Beware The Golden Tigers” is book two in my Light Crown series. Taking place in dual eras, the super team of the Protectors have to deal with the threat of the Golden Tigers having broken into their universe in modern times. A totally different story takes place in the Middle Ages. While the medieval plot exists to expand on the first book’s lore, the Tigers are advancing the overall story. So, I picked the latter when it came to naming the book.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes, I am leaning heavily on the representation of ‘perspective.’ I feel that we humans often fail as a people when discounting the perspectives of others. In my story, I try to make sure every villain, every hero, every John Doe gets their point across. Their motivations should have perfectly good reasons behind them. In that way, I think readers more readily identify with characters if they can better understand them.
What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?
Making every singular era, reality, or setting have its own distinct personality. It’s super fun but it’s deep work. For instance, the Five Stars were a super group from the 20’s and they get their own chapter. As a result, I combed through our depiction of that decade as thoroughly as I could in order to reflect it in this book’s universe. The Golden Tigers first show up during that time, and hence, Ishan, the primary villain, spends the story speaking in old timey lingo. Staying on top of things like that was cool but I worked hard to not make mistakes with it.
Do you write an outline before every book you write?
I fill notebook after notebook with steep details about my characters before doing the exact same thing for each chapter. Then, I make outlines for my outlines. I say “I need to address this and that before moving on to such and such. At the same time, blah blah about Dexter should be made clear so I can deal with it in chapter ten. And all of it has to relate to yadda yadda, which I’ll cover near the end.” During work times, my bed is covered with note cards and pads. I honestly couldn’t see how to write this story without the beautiful order of outlines, outlines and more outlines.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t pay for anything you don’t have to. Throwing a few bucks at some wise promotion in order to get Google to present you effectively is a good thing. I’m talking about the parasites. Once the leeches know you exist, they will hound you! Never pay for a podcast interview. I’m on my 20th appearance since 2025 and I haven’t paid a dime. Never answer the incessant emails from some ham-and-egg salesperson claiming they can make you a star. Put that money into the pocket of a good cover artist. Hire a strong editor. And, for God’s sake, don’t use A.I. if you can manage it. Not for your cover; not for your writing. Creative humans create.
Do you see writing as a career?
It’s all I want to do. Twenty-five years in the TV business was more than enough. The only other thing I am really good at is telling stories. And I’d rather do that for money than anything else in the world. I want billions. I want J.K. Rowling money. We all do. But remember, being able to just make a living out of this is, is a blessing unto itself. A career? Yes indeed. But let’s not forget the readers here. If I can write something that makes one think; touches one’s heart; get them to see a different point of view – it makes me deliriously happy. That’s the beauty in all this.
How do you relax?
I call myself an advanced meditator, and through meditation, I have rewired my brain to lean toward epic levels of calm. Relaxing my mind is a top priority. To that end, I’ll also employ Zen music, or even classical, played from my Amazon Echos. Or maybe diffuse some calming essential oils. Take my dog on a walking trail. Drink some chamomile tea. It’s safe to say when it comes to chillin’ out, I’m an expert.
What is your favorite movie and why?
“Casablanca.” It’s nearly perfect in every way. I had an old movie phase a couple decades ago and lost myself in classics like “Bringing Up Baby,” “Lillies Of The Field,” “Cabin In The Sky,” “Suspicion,” “It Happened One Night.” I was obsessed with old timey films, of which “Casablanca” stood out as my absolute favorite.
What are you working on now?
I’m always writing. Between interviews and various other ways of promoting myself and my books, I am writing outlines for other books. Gearing up to publish a spiritual journal detailing my journey into the sublime. Making sense of a children’s book starring my dog Angel. Deeply researching for this new Cyberpunk sci-fi series I have in mind. And I’m casually taking steps toward another story set in Africa during the Middle Ages. I like the idea of showing the world that medieval times didn’t just take place in the West. I’ve got lots of delicious breads baking in the oven. It’s a big oven.
Connect with Aspry Jones online at
Website: https://aspryjones.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asprywrites
Beware the Golden Tigers is available for purchase on Amazon at
https://www.amazon.com/Beware-Golden-Tigers-Light-Crown-ebook/dp/B0HCJMGHR9