We recently connected with Wayne John-baptiste and have shared our conversation below.

Wayne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learn most things through trial and error. Financially, any post-high school education was off the table for me, so I had to learn through experience. I have always utilized whatever I have to create. Much of that creation emerged from struggle. Working with limited resources, each breath I took, brought life to my work. Learning must occur at its own pace. Despite all my struggles, hardships, and tough choices, I wouldn’t change anything. Taking my time allowed me to explore various areas of interest that enriched my writing. Some may see my process and call it slow, but I now possess a deeper understanding of multiple topics, which I believe translates into the high-quality work I produce. Paying attention to details and thoughtful observation are crucial to my progress. I let my story guide me, allowing everything I’ve experienced to flow freely into my art. Then, I take the time to refine what I’m working on. For instance, when I write, I draw upon my memories to craft each sentence. Feelings, faces, nature, events—broad or specific—I remember how I felt and use the rhythm of that moment to shape how a sentence needs to sound. These small pieces coming together constitute my work.

I’ve faced my share of obstacles, like everyone else. I don’t discuss them much, if at all. Obstacles are inevitable. Some of mine are documented. In high school, my family and I were secretly homeless, living in our Econoline van. During this time, I felt alienated from my friends and the future looked foggy. I still have thoughts that haunt me from this era. This experience was one of many that defined who I am. I used the frustration, my past, and my imagination to fuel my words. I wrote my first screenplay in that van. A superpower I apply to all obstacles is perspective. I constantly reshape my reality with my mind. Pain provides me with the strength to avoid discouragement while seeking a way to heal. It’s all about the way. What is the way through this, is what I ask myself. I focus solely on finding the way, even when it seems like there isn’t one at all.

Wayne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York City, and have lived in nearly every borough. When I’m not writing or studying cybersecurity threats, I enjoy immersing myself in film and going out bowling. I’d train for the PBA if I had the time. My amazing cat full of soul Archie inspires me every day. My highest grades were always in English, my favorite subject throughout my schooling. I had incredible teachers who helped me refine my storytelling along the way. Writing essays reminded me of the structure and flow of stories. With this mindset, I crafted engaging essays for my assignments. I broadened my practice by writing poetry, music, screenplays, and short stories.

Today, you can call me a speculative fiction author, having released inspirational and contemplative fantasy books for children. I also write dark fantasy and sci-fi novels for adults under the pen name W.K. Phoenix. I won’t put myself in a box regarding genre. There are horror, gothic, mystery, and psychological elements throughout my portfolio. I always incorporate what I love, too. Whether it be wrestling, martial arts, music, and/or film. My work uses diverse storytelling methods—multimedia, mixed writing styles, and multiple art forms—to create innovative narratives. Through my characters’ idiosyncratic stories, I strive to guide readers to self-discovery, finding their truths within the fabric of their lives. My stories are engines of escape, allowing you to disappear for a while. Whenever I needed to escape, my stories were always there for me. My mind is a constant stream of ideas racing around for who gets told next. It can be overwhelming but it’s consistent support and medicine for me. Through distinct characters created to represent all walks of life, I could see alternative paths I might not have noticed before. My work guides and empowers myself and others to find the power within.

I’m self-published. I do everything myself: writing, formatting, sometimes drawing, advertising, editing, listing my books for retailers, and working with various artists to complete different aspects of a project. It requires running a small business on top of being an author, but I need my art to remain true to me from start to finish.

I’m excited about the work I’ll be releasing this year. My next book is coming out on February 27, 2025. It’s called Peculiar Cases Of Something Devine: Gravity Of Devotion, the second book in my series. I’m also working on multiple other projects that really speak to the human existence in fictional worlds I’ve created.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to strengthen myself so I can strengthen the world. I believe harmony strengthens us the most. That harmony starts from within. Bruce Lee once said, ‘Under the sky, under the heavens, we are but one family.’ I’ve always remembered that and I keep it close to heart. It helps me make the right decisions in life. My goal is to protect future generations. Make sure that kids around the world don’t go through what I went through and stop even worse from happening to them. I’m dedicated to cultivating young and old minds to use imagination as a solution. Understanding is the key to ending stereotypes, senseless violence, and committing to a more respectful world. Humanity is made to be inspired by their experiences and translate them into growth, bringing new victories. Be able to use any resource you have to make a diamond. Don’t worry about what your neighbor has, you have enough. You will create more.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The daily growth I allow is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. Through intentional actions and a commitment to taking small steps, I compose the outcomes I seek. Every day looks different for me; I learn new skills, new words, and how to change my old ways of thinking. My writing improves and better reflects my true self. Each author has their own voice, and adding my voice to the choir is a true privilege. It brought me joy sharing my books with elementary schools and interacting with minds full of dreams, questions, and creativity. The impact of art on children is powerful. Watching their faces light up at the magic of storytelling is the definition of rewarding. I hope I have moved them as they have moved me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Wbjr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildcardsphoenix/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wkPhoenixLegacy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynebaptistejr/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wkPhoenixLegacy
• Other: https://linktr.ee/wkphoenix