We were lucky to catch up with J. Edwards Holt recently and have shared our conversation below.
J. Edwards, appreciate you joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
In 2017, I embarked on an enchanting journey into the world of fantasy fiction when I published my first book, “Little Men, Big Treasures”. The adventure began with just a spark of inspiration. The idea for my novella, a tale of mythical creatures and magical realms, came to me one day when I was trying to decide what to write. I remember the next day vividly, as it marked the dawn of a new chapter in my life as an author. With my idea in hand, I delved into research, immersing myself in folklore, legends, and the works of renowned fantasy authors.
In the hours that followed, I started sketching the rough contours of my story, envisioning the characters and the fantastical world they would inhabit. Months were spent crafting the intricate details of my narrative, breathing life into my protagonists and antagonists alike. The writing process itself was a magical odyssey, with each word and sentence weaving together to create a tapestry of imagination.
As I neared completion of my manuscript, the path to publication became clearer. I had to venture into the realm of self-publishing, researching the intricacies of formatting, cover design, and the labyrinthine world of literary agents and publishing houses. The following year was marked by countless revisions, beta reader feedback, and the arduous task of editing.
Finally, in 2017, my debut novel saw the light of day. The launch day was a whirlwind of emotions, a culmination of years of dedication and determination. The book’s release was accompanied by marketing strategies and promotional efforts that stretched over weeks and months. Social media platforms became my allies in connecting with readers and fellow authors.
Looking back, I realize that the journey from idea to execution was akin to a quest in one of my own tales. It required patience, resilience, and a touch of magic. Through countless words typed and pages turned, I transformed from a fledgling writer into a published author, forever enchanted by the world of fantasy fiction.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m J. Edwards Holt. I’m an author of fantasy fiction, primarily in the young adult category. However, I also have a children’s book and a coloring book for kids. Aside from writing fantasy, I also delve into the realm of religious writing, and I write regularly for a health and wellness magazine.
I began my writing journey a long time ago, in elementary school when I realized I had a love for the craft. I spent a lot of time writing through school, but put the idea on the back burner during college and for a while after. It was in 2013 that I met someone who had recently published a book, someone who wasn’t all that different from me. This inspired me to eventually begin my first book, “Little Men, Big Treasures” in 2016 that came out the following year. In it I created a world of fantasy and magic, and since then I have gone to expand upon that world with a total of twelve book.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
With my works, my main goals are to entertain and teach others. I like to think that my stories give people a chance to escape real life through entertainment in a magical world that holds different possibilities than our own. I also hope to teach values in my stories, like the power of love and family, and appreciating others.
With my own journey, I hope to inspire others, to encourage them that, like me, they can achieve their dreams through hard work and dedication.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
To be honest, I’m still working on that! However, I will say that building a presence on social media is essential to being an author or creator of any kind. I started by branding myself as an author. After that, it’s important to let people know what kind of author you are so that they know what to expect from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jedwardsholt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jedwardsholt/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jedwardsholt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-edwards-holt-417ab6146
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jedwardsholt
- Other: Email: [email protected] Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16475228.J_Edwards_Holt Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/J.-Edwards-Holt/e/B06WD7G9WS/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1546131307&sr=1-2-ent