An Interview with John Keith, Author of “The Pensive Gentleman”

John Keith is a passionate author and creative soul who spends his days weaving together stories and entertaining his readers. He blends his innate creativity and his ADHD to craft unique tales that grapple with real challenges while whisking readers away on sensual erotic adventures. While John writes about charming bachelors and the smoking-hot babes they fall for, in real life, he’s happily married to a beautiful wife who (luckily!) puts up with him writing about having sex with other women. John currently resides in Bergen County, New Jersey, with his family, which includes two beautiful sons and two little princesses. His latest book, The Pensive Gentleman, was released in March 2023.

HELLO JOHN KEITH, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE YOUR FIRST BOOK?
As a person with ADHD, I found myself struggling with concentration in a lot of areas, including reading books. But I discovered that I was able to focus better when reading romance novels. So, I decided to try my hand at writing my own. I wanted to create a story that was both steamy and emotionally satisfying, something that would captivate readers and help them escape from their own lives for a little while.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE?
The title “The Pensive Gentleman” came to me as I was brainstorming ideas for the main character, John Keith. I wanted a title that reflected his character: someone who is introspective and thoughtful, yet also confident and charming. I thought “gentleman” captured the latter, while “pensive” conveyed the former.

IS THERE A MESSAGE IN YOUR NOVEL THAT YOU WANT READERS TO GRASP?
One of the messages that I hope readers take away from my book is that it’s okay to be sexually liberated and confident in your own desires. I also hope that readers see that it’s possible to have a fulfilling and meaningful romantic relationship, even if it doesn’t follow the traditional narrative. Finally, I wanted to explore the idea that sometimes the things we want most in life are also the things that scare us the most.

ARE EXPERIENCES BASED ON SOMEONE YOU KNOW, OR EVENTS IN YOUR OWN LIFE?
While the characters and events in the book are fictional, I did draw on my own experiences with ADHD and sexual liberation to inform the way that I wrote about those topics. I also drew on my experiences with relationships and romance to create characters and situations that felt real and relatable.

WHAT BOOKS HAVE MOST INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE MOST?
There are many books that have influenced my life and my writing, but some of the most significant include “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger.

IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE, WHICH WRITER WOULD YOU CONSIDER A MENTOR?
If I had to choose a writer to consider a mentor, it would be Ernest Hemingway. I admire his spare, economical writing style, and his ability to create complex characters with just a few well-chosen words.

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I am currently reading “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
There are many new authors that have caught my attention in recent years, but some of the most notable include Yaa Gyasi, Celeste Ng, and Sally Rooney.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS?
I am currently working on a new novel. The second book in the John Keith and the Pensive Gentleman series is titled “Seductive Thoughts”. In this sequel, John finds himself caught up in a steamy love triangle with two beautiful and talented women, each vying for his attention and affection. As he struggles to choose between them, he’s also facing the pressure of a looming deadline for his next novel.
Filled with even more passion, suspense, and unexpected twists, “Seductive Thoughts” will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The book explores themes of desire, temptation, and the power of the written word to captivate and seduce. Whether you’re a fan of erotic romance or just love a good page-turner, this book is not to be missed.
So if you enjoyed the first book in the series, “The Pensive Gentleman“, or if you’re new to John Keith’s world, be sure to pick up a copy of “Seductive Thoughts” and get ready to be swept away by his irresistible charms.

You can connect with author John Keith on Instagram @johnkeithauthor