What inspires you to write? 

I have always wanted to write. I constantly have narratives running around in my head. I also remember that growing up, reading books was a huge part of opening my mind and imagination. 

When did you first consider yourself a writer? 

I honestly don’t consider myself a writer. I consider myself an individual who wants to share an ongoing story in his head with the rest of the world. 

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? 

I chose to write in this genre because it was the genre I was interested in and was accustomed to. Most of the stories I read as a kid were written in the fantasy genre. 

Are you a full-time or part-time writer, and how does that affect your writing?

I am currently a part-time writer, but I’d like to be a full-time writer if I have enough income coming in to support me as I continue on my journey. 

What are some day jobs you have held? 

I have worked in so many fields. I have worked at a couple of Asian restaurants, I have worked as a salesman in Florida, and I worked as a construction worker building high-end fireplaces in a couple of states. 

Do you have a special time to write, or how is your day structured to accommodate your writing? 

I normally write early in the morning when I wake up or late at night when I get off work. I currently work for an aerospace company that starts at 2 PM, so this enables me to write before I have to clock in. I’m more of a night owl, so upon further reflection, I do my best work at night after I have a late-night workout and meditation. 

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively? 

I believe reading works by other accomplished authors and meditating has greatly improved my writing. 

What have you written so far? 

I currently have one noteworthy work: my first book, The Rise of the Dark Whisperer. 

Do you work with an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing? 

I do my best writing when I have an outline to follow. With that said, throughout the day, I have a digital notebook where I jot down my thoughts. Then later, I will insert them into my story where they fit appropriately. 

How did you decide how to publish your books?

I wanted to self-publish my book through Amazon because I’m not patient enough to wait on a literary agent. 

How do you feel about indie/alternative vs. traditional publishing? 

I believe indie/alternative publishing is way better for my style of writing. There is way less stress, and I set my own deadlines. It gives me more flexibility. 

How do you market or promote your books, and what strategies (e.g., social media, email, blog tours, etc.) have demonstrated the most success for you?

Did you make any marketing mistakes that you would avoid in the future? I have used Instagram and Facebook to promote my work, but I wasn’t very successful with this method because I wasn’t proficient in using those platforms. I turned to a social media marketing team to help, but they were very expensive and didn’t provide the necessary results. I wish I would have gone to a PR company like the one I’m currently using sooner. Next time, I’ll just seek the help of a PR company. 

Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book? 

My latest book is called The Rise of the Dark Whisperer. This book follows Seth Loyer, an 18-year-old who discovers that he is part of a secret society that can control fire, water, air, earth, and gravity. He also learns that he is destined to bring down the Salem clan, a powerful family that controls the Whisperer world government behind the scenes. 

What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing this book?

I wanted to find a way to make passive income and pursue a hobby of mine. I enjoy writing more than any job I have held, so it was killing two birds with one stone. 

Tell us more about your main character. What inspired you to develop this character?

My main character is Seth Loyer. Seth begins his journey as a sweet, caring individual who morphs into someone unrecognizable to himself and those around him. Seth symbolizes the journey of life—how we are all born innocent and loving until we meet life and learn that we have to change in order to survive what life throws at us. We all don’t want to change, but sometimes change is inevitable. 

Who is your favorite character in your book and why? 

My favorite character in my book is Shawn, Seth’s little brother. Shawn represents the child in all of us and how that child is always there with us despite what we do. He constantly tries to remind us that we can still choose to be good despite what happens to us. 

Who is your least favorite character and why? 

I honestly don’t have a least favorite character; I love them all. They all have purpose, and they all do their jobs quite well. They ultimately help Seth become who he is destined to be. 

Do you listen to or talk to your characters?

This might sound insane, but I actually envision myself interviewing these characters so I can adequately understand who they are and what makes them tick. 

If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast? 

If my book were made into a movie, I would cast Ethan Jones, my social media specialist, as Seth because he has been quite pleasant to work with, and from some of the posts he has made on his social media, I can tell he’s knowledgeable in the acting field. As for the other characters, I honestly haven’t thought that far. 

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book? 

The hardest thing about writing my latest book would be self-doubt. With every chapter, I feel like I’m failing. 

What role does research play in your writing? 

Research is the lifeblood of my books. I research everything, from how to write a better scary story to how to build up to a killer cliffhanger. 

What did you enjoy most about writing this book? 

I enjoyed getting my thoughts on paper and crafting a world that hasn’t been written about before. It really helped me open up my imagination. 

What is your next project? 

My next project is my second book called Becoming Bale. This book will focus on further world-building and Seth proclaiming himself as a full-blown Dark Whisperer and a gravity whisperer. 

Want to learn more about J.T. Bailey and the book?

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