Ever sit at your job, and wonder: “What am I doing with my life?” Or, “How does this job have anything to do with the area of expertise I spent years studying?

A local graduate of UNC Wilmington’s MFA creative writing program, Jason Mott, battled with the same curiosity just a few years ago. He was “that guy” working at the local Verizon Wireless for four years, writing day in and day out, waiting for his big break to happen.

In October 2011, Mott received that big break when an agent responded to the manuscript he sent to several publishing firms. There were only two issues the agent had with the manuscript: the title and the last four chapters. The next six months were spent tackling the editing process, which continued up to three days before the book was sent to press.

On Aug. 28, 2013, almost two years after the manuscript was picked up, Mott delivered a reading at Wilmington’s local independent bookstore, Pomegranate Books, where he showcased his first novel “The Returned” that was released a day before.

“It’s exciting to have someone so talented and then also so successful. It’s good for a local small bookstore to have someone with such a powerful influence,” said Kathleen Jewell, owner of Pomegranate Books.

The small store was filled to capacity with supportive locals, close friends and old classmates, as well as several professors and members of the UNCW staff.

Associate professor Rebecca Lee commented on Mott’s first novel.

“It’s amazing. I mean it’s like it has sort of supernatural elements, obviously, but it’s such a soulful book. …Really rich sense of character,” she said.

The audience’s reaction and applause was in agreement with what Lee said.

This was Mott’s second reading at Pomegranate Books. The first was back in 2009 and focused on the poetry aspect of his writing. His second reading provided more emphasis on his novel, the publishing industry and his newfound insights into the film industry because “The Returned” was selected by Brad Pitt’s film company, Plan B, in June of 2012 as a new series to be released this upcoming spring, called “Resurrection.”

With so much fame and new opportunities opening for Mott, the community was concerned with how he was going to use it all to help better the town where it all began. Many suggested local workshops, and Mott noted that while he had already committed to doing a workshop in October for graduate students in the creative writing program, he would like to organize more in the future for the rest of the community. He does warn writers, however, that he is a very tough critic.

He advised other writers of the two main rules he lives by. He believes all writers should ask themselves: “What is the purpose of writing?” and “Why do you write?”

“When you’re writing, it’s never about you, it’s always about the reader,” Mott said.

This is one of the most important messages that he has learned and recognized throughout his recent journey, and he encouraged other writers to make the same recognition.

Mott is currently traveling for his book tour. Locations and dates can be found on his website, as well as a biography and further information about “The Returned.”

If you haven’t picked up a copy of the novel yet, you’re encouraged to do so. Look out for Mott’s name to pop up in the upcoming New York Time’s “Best Seller’s” list, and if you missed out on his last reading, make sure to attend the next one taking place soon at UNCW.