We recently connected with Hector Miray and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hector, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
I think authenticity is a critical component to creation. Something you authentically feel, believe, or enjoy. For me a big component in becoming an author was being in a culture where I was looking for something I felt and desired, but never saw. I spent 3 years as an attendee to one of the largest comic cons on the east coast. Out of thousands of vendors and artists, I didn’t see anyone exploring spiritual themes in pop culture in any medium, so I decided to do it myself. I learned what it would take to be an artist at this event, and planned out the next year to execute the process. I began writing a book, having never formally written or published in that capacity. I wrote as much as I could as long as I felt momentum or inspiration, and I’d stop and revisit when I needed. I workshopped some of the chapter concepts as talks at summer camps and youth events, and then fleshed out the writings more. I spent about 5 months compiling what would be my first book into about a 90+ page word document. Then I hired a friend who was a first year english teacher to edit the document through. Once that was accomplished I started submitting to publishers. I applied for a space at the convention that originally motivated me before I even had a completed product, but I was confident I would make it happen. I received a fair amount of rejections and realized that for the purposes of my writings, self publishing would be the way to go. After exploring all the options available at the time, it seemed KDP (Amazon’s publishing branch) was the best option. I hired an artist to design cover art for me. They dropped the ball, so I did the best I could with my own limited abilities. I submitted the book for publishing. Roughly 6 months after first being inspired to start the process, I had a physical copy of my first book, and space reserved to display/sell/promote it at the event I longed for.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My heart and goal is to connect people who are engaged and enthralled with the world of geek and pop culture with the world of spiritual encouragement found in the Bible. I’ve been creating content in this direction for the past 12 years. I’ve published 22 books at this point. 15 books in the Faith & Fandom book series, as well as 7 other books. I also create podcasts, memes, and merch all with the same heart in mind. I then tour the books around the country at Comic Cons and other events. I average about 20 events per year. My goal is to show up each year at a show with new content for people to connect with. I’ve been able to build relationships, connections, and encouragement with a wide variety of people of the years. I’ve been included in other people’s books, been on many panels, been a guest at shows including San Diego Comic Con, as well as been a #1 new release seller on Amazon. I just wanted people to feel connected, seen, loved, welcomed, and understood. From me, from God, and from the community. Connecting through my content has been a great experience. Helping people feel they aren’t alone is worth it all.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
When I got started, social media was still in its earlier stages. When I took my first book by a bookstore chain, they told me I needed at least 500 facebook likes on my page. I began actively doing my best to grow socials. Just like with art, I think social media works best when it’s authentic. I began posting memes that reflected content that would work in the books. I began posting photos on in progress situations and circumstances. I began posting photos from every event. Consistent authentic posting and engagement helps firmly establish your place in any online community. If it it feel manufactured, it is less likely to engage. I once had a woman that drove 4 hours to an event just to say that the memes I posted gave her great encouragement. I also found that when you can connect and highlight connection with others, it makes it that much easier to grow. Currently my book’s facebook has 5k followers, ,my titktok has 8k, and instagram has 2.5k. All of these are still in progress and growth.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I feel that genuinely if something is in me, it should be shared out of me. If it’s on my heart, convicting me, encouraging me, or challenging me, then it’s something that could also do the same for others. If it doesn’t move me, I don’t expect it to move others. I only share what feels authentic in me, and trust that the right audience will find it if I maintain this focus.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.faithandfandom.org
- Instagram: @faithandfandom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithandfandom
- Twitter: @faithandfandom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithandfandom
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@emotionalsupporthobbit
