By David Jordan Jr
The power of the pen has the capability to change the world. Journalist and authors utilize its power to convey thoughts, share stories and educate people of the world in which they live in on a daily basis. History, current events and inspirational stories shape the minds and perspectives of people that carry the world forward for generations to come. Journalist and author Frank James IV has used the power of the pen to inform, educate and take readers on a journey. Frank has published five books, with his latest being “Final Cut.” The book shares a unique perspective of revenge that is sure to captivate readers and initiate deep thinking. Frank talked to ESHE about his life as a writer and his newest release “Final Cut.”
David Jordan Jr: As an author and as a journalist, you educate and captivate readers with your words. How instrumental have your life and career experience been in your success as a writer?
Frank James IV: David, I have lived a wonderful life with plenty of experiences. I won’t say they all were great, but they all assist me in being a better person and enhance my writing skills. My experiences have taken me around the world and enabled me to view/live in various levels of society. These experiences become invaluable when it comes to thinking of a scenario that fits into the story that is realistic and may be something a person in the situation would do. Being a journalist helps because I can draw on the information I have collected over the years from researching stories to use in my works.
David Jordan Jr: You recently released your latest book, “Final Cut.” This book is a part of “The Revenge Tour” series. What inspired you to write “Final Cut?”
Frank James IV: Final Cut was written during the COVID shutdown of the USA. It was a story that just started writing itself. The concept of revenge is one that the “John Wick” series made popular. I enjoy John Wick and I thought instead of a killing machine, John Wick, how about a regular person who was dealt a bad hand by someone. How would this look? I jumped on my faithful MacBook and walla, you have Final Cut. The second book of the series will be out in early 2025. It is a grabber too David.
David Jordan Jr: What emotion(s) do you feel will be evoked in reading “Final Cut?”
Frank James IV: Final Cut is a series of twists and turns that leads to an ending that will have many readers in shock. I know you have heard the words twists and turns so I will rephrase and say, convoluted events sparked by an inner-city mania which leads to a traumatic conclusion. All of my test readers were shocked by the end. One said this is one story where everyone seems to be twisted in their thinking and actions. The main thing I want the reader to do is think about the story and even if they do not like it or agree with the concept, they will say it is well written. Those who enjoy John Wick or find themselves cheering for the bad guy will understand, if not enjoy the story. People who cheer for the good guy, will probably agree that everyone in the story was perverted/manipulated by the events that unfolded. All readers will enjoy and Final Cut will have the readers thinking.
David Jordan Jr: As this is part of “The Revenge Tour” series, what can readers look forward to with the future releases in this series?
Frank James IV: The Revenge Tour book series is going to become a movie series. The next few titles are already in the works. There is never any shortage of situations where normal people get shafted by someone and want to take action. I look forward to writing these and in the future possibly working with other authors who want to contribute to the series.
David Jordan Jr: As a writer, what do you think is the most important part of the creation process for fiction writing?
Frank James IV: The idea and vision for the project. Also, a good story that keeps the reader guessing and sitting back saying, “I didn’t expect that.” I write and go for the shock effect in my writing. Nothing is simple. I add situations that seem out of the norm, but if you look at society today you will see that these are really everyday situations that people overlook or choose to ignore. 
David Jordan Jr: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received that has helped you in your career as a journalist and as an author?
Frank James IV: Advice from writing? I have to laugh at that. Outside of the test readers that see my work in an uncut version, I have never had anyone offer any advice. If anyone did, this act is deep in my memory banks and I have to dig it out of cold storage. I write what I feel and what comes to mind. For example, when I am writing articles for The Milwaukee Times, I say exactly what I feel about a situation and once I do that I’m done. You can agree or disagree. Waiting on advice or acceptance/recognition from others will have you sitting by your keyboard doing nothing.
Frank James IV Official Website: www.thefrankjamesiv.com
