J. Edwards Holt was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with J. Edwards.
J. Edwards Holt As Cover Story Interview – October 2025 Magazine Edition
How do you introduce yourself?
Hello there! I’m J. Edwards Holt, a fantasy author best known for creating stories that blend adventure, faith, and moral reflection with imaginative worlds and memorable characters. I grew up with a deep love for storytelling, drawing inspiration from the fantasy greats like Tolkien and Lewis, and that passion eventually led me to write books that both entertain and inspire readers of all ages. My work often explores themes of courage, redemption, friendship, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. I aim to craft worlds that feel alive and timeless, where readers can lose themselves in the magic while still finding truths that resonate in their own lives. When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, drawing, gaming, and connecting with readers who share my love for meaningful fantasy stories.
Childhood to adulthood transition?
Growing up, I was always surrounded by imagination. As a child, I loved drawing, creating stories, and exploring the outdoors, anything that allowed my mind to wander and build new worlds. I was fascinated by heroes, mythical creatures, and moral tales that challenged the way people thought about right and wrong. As I transitioned into adulthood, that creativity stayed with me, but life began to feel more serious, more structured. I faced the same struggles many people do when trying to find purpose and direction. For a while, I wasn’t sure where I belonged or how to use the gifts I’d been given. Writing, which had started as a fun childhood hobby, eventually became the outlet that helped me rediscover that sense of wonder and meaning. It was during those formative adult years that I truly began to understand storytelling not just as entertainment, but as a way to connect with others and share messages of hope, faith, and perseverance. The lessons I learned growing up—about kindness, courage, and standing up for what’s right—became the heart of my writing.
Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?
Like anyone, I’ve had my share of hardships, moments that tested my faith, patience, and sense of direction. One of the greatest challenges I faced was learning to cope with uncertainty and self-doubt. There were times when I questioned my purpose, wondering whether my creative efforts would ever make a difference or even reach anyone at all. I also went through seasons of personal loss and emotional struggle, which forced me to look inward and reevaluate what truly mattered. It wasn’t easy, but those experiences taught me empathy and resilience. They deepened my understanding of people’s pain, which in turn shaped the emotional depth of my characters and the worlds I create. There were financial challenges too—times when pursuing writing felt like an uphill climb without guarantees. But through prayer, perseverance, and the support of friends and family, I learned to keep moving forward. In many ways, my hardships became the foundation for my stories, reminding me, and hopefully my readers, that light can always be found, even in the darkest places.
What makes you unique?
What makes me unique, I think, is the way I’ve learned to turn my struggles into something meaningful. I’ve lived much of my life coping with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which are challenges that have shaped not just who I am, but how I see the world and tell stories. There have been days when even simple things felt overwhelming, when my thoughts would spiral or my motivation would disappear completely. But through faith, therapy, and creative expression, I found ways to cope and heal. Writing became more than a passion; it became therapy. It gave me a safe space to pour out my emotions, process my fears, and transform pain into purpose. Because of those experiences, I approach storytelling with a deeper sense of empathy and authenticity. I write about flawed heroes, redemption, and hope because I’ve lived through seasons where hope was hard to find. My mental health struggles don’t define me, but they’ve certainly helped shape the voice and heart behind my work, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
What do people usually not know about you?
Something people usually don’t know about me is that, despite being an author and someone who loves sharing stories with the world, I’m actually a very private and introverted person. Public speaking, interviews, and social events can be challenging for me because of my anxiety and the tendency to overthink every little detail. Another thing most people don’t realize is how deeply I care about the worlds and characters I create. When I write, I’m not just telling a story—I’m living it. I feel every triumph, every heartbreak, and every moral dilemma right alongside my characters. That emotional connection can be exhausting at times, but it’s also what makes writing so powerful for me. And on a lighter note, most people are surprised to learn that I’m a huge video game and comic book fan. I love immersive storytelling in all its forms, and I think that passion has quietly influenced the sense of adventure and wonder that runs through my books.
What sets you apart from rest?
What sets me apart, I think, is the way I’ve learned to use both my imagination and my struggles to build something meaningful. I don’t write fantasy just to entertain; I write it to speak truth through story, to help readers see hope and light even when life feels dark. Living with anxiety, depression, and OCD has given me a unique perspective. I understand what it’s like to wrestle with fear and uncertainty, to have days when your own mind feels like the enemy. But those experiences also make me more empathetic. They help me write characters who are flawed yet brave, broken yet determined. I’ve also never been afraid to blend faith and fantasy, two worlds many writers keep separate. My stories aren’t sermons; they’re adventures filled with mystery, courage, and moral depth, but they carry an underlying message of grace and redemption. What truly sets me apart is that everything I write comes from a deeply personal place. Whether I’m crafting an epic battle or a quiet conversation, it’s always rooted in real emotion, drawn from my own experiences, and written with the hope that someone, somewhere, will read it and feel less alone.
What are your upcoming major events?
At the moment, I don’t have any major public events scheduled. I’ve been keeping busy behind the scenes, working on several writing projects that I’m really excited about, and those have taken most of my time and focus lately. That said, I truly miss getting out there, doing things like signing books, meeting readers, and connecting with fans face to face. Those moments are always special to me because they remind me why I started writing in the first place. I’m hoping that once a few of these projects are wrapped up, I’ll be able to return to events and conventions soon. It’s something I’m genuinely looking forward to.
What expert advice would you like to give?
My best advice, especially for writers and creatives,is to never stop creating, even when it’s hard. There will be times when inspiration feels distant, when self-doubt creeps in, or when life’s challenges make it tempting to give up. But those are the moments that shape you the most. Push through them. Keep writing, drawing, building, whatever your craft may be, because growth happens in the struggle. I also tell people to embrace their own story. Don’t try to sound like someone else or chase trends. Your unique voice, your experiences, and even your hardships are what make your work special. Authenticity always resonates more deeply than perfection. And finally, take care of yourself. Creativity flourishes when the mind and heart are nurtured. Rest when you need to, seek help when it’s needed, and never feel ashamed for doing so. I’ve learned that caring for your mental and emotional health isn’t a distraction from your art; it’s what keeps the spark alive so you can continue sharing it with the world.
Tom Harrecks is an Author at TheCelebrity.Online Magazine who has a vast experience of covering interviews in various international media agencies.
