Written Author Interview
1. Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
That is a great question. Being a bit of a storyteller at heart. When I am not writing I love to spend time with my family, as a father of three that is a very important thing to me, though not that easy of a thing to do in my current situation. Listening to music is a huge part of my life as well I get a lot of inspiration from songs.
A typical day for me consists of some really normal stuff. First off I gotta get me a Monster energy drink. I am kind of addicted. I work on podcast ideas, social media posts, things like that. I am currently working on getting back into Jui-Jitsu again as well as working out daily. Currently I do at home workouts. You know Body weight stuff. Have to keep my body moving, one of the things needed dealing with MS.
2. What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
My first book wasn’t even a fictional novel—it was more of a life story. You know how people always say, “You should write a book about your life”? Well, I did. My second ex-wife was actually the one who pushed me to start writing. I never imagined that 15 years later, I’d still be writing and publishing books. I’ve since self-published around 15, with another 11 set to come out this year. I challenged myself to write and publish at least one book a month this year, and so far, it’s been a rewarding, unexpected journey.
As for my poetry, my emotions and mental health have been a huge inspiration. Writing has been cathartic for me, a way to channel everything I was feeling when I didn’t know how to express it otherwise. It became a form of survival.
I never thought I would become an author—it was just a way to cope, to work through what I was facing. But the more I wrote, the more I realized how much power words had—not just for me, but for others as well. Writing became a bridge that connected me with people I’d never meet, a chance to share parts of myself that had always been hidden. That realization is what kept me going, not only as a tool for healing but as a way to connect with the world.
3. How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
For me, character development is a bit of both. Sometimes, characters come to me spontaneously—like a spark of inspiration that hits out of nowhere. I might be working on something completely unrelated, and suddenly, I get a glimpse of a person in my mind, and they just click. From there, I start building on their personality, motivations, and struggles as I get to know them better. It’s like discovering someone new, and I get excited about bringing them to life.
Other times, my characters are more meticulously planned. For example, I might have a specific story in mind or a situation I want to explore, so I create characters that fit the needs of that narrative. I’ll think about what kind of person would realistically respond to the challenges they’re facing. In these cases, I tend to outline their backstories, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks to make sure they feel fully fleshed out.
But whether they come spontaneously or with a plan, I always try to keep my characters authentic. I want them to feel real—people you could meet, with complexities and imperfections. I think that’s what makes them relatable to readers.
4. What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
To be honest, I’ve always gravitated toward horror and psychological thrillers. There’s something about exploring the darkness, delving into the unknown, that’s both captivating and unsettling. I’ve had this connection with those genres for as long as I can remember. Edgar Allan Poe is a major influence for me—his works have this haunting beauty that always draws me in. I find a strange sense of beauty in the darkness, in the things that unsettle you.
As for books I’d recommend, obviously, I have to mention my own works. 86 is a piece I’m really proud of, and I’d encourage any first-time reader to give it a go. If you’re into darker, atmospheric stories, you might also enjoy The Veil Keeper Chronicles, my trilogy. It’s a mix of suspense, supernatural elements, and characters who are struggling with their own inner demons.
But if we’re talking about authors outside of my own work, I’d recommend anything from Anne Rice. She’s been a huge inspiration for me, especially The Servant of the Bones. That book, in particular, is a masterpiece—her writing is so immersive and elegant, and it’s one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve finished. I just love how she brings the darkness to life in such a mesmerizing way.
5. What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
Honestly, building a fan base is probably the most challenging part. In today’s fast-paced world, with everything moving so quickly on social media, it can feel like finding the right audience is like searching for a needle in a haystack. There’s so much noise out there, and it can be tough to stand out or make a real connection with readers.
But beyond that, I think the hardest thing for me is not being my own worst critic. We tend to be our harshest critics, always second-guessing ourselves or feeling like our work isn’t good enough. It’s tough to silence that inner voice, but I’ve learned over time that it’s okay to embrace imperfection. Writing is a process, and every step forward, even the missteps, is part of the journey.
6. What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
I’ll be honest—I don’t really follow a traditional process. I’ve always been more of a “write as I go” kind of person. Sometimes, I just sit down and start writing whatever comes to mind, and then I let the story evolve from there. It’s a messy process, but it’s how I’ve always worked. Over time, I’ve learned to mold what I write into something cohesive.
That being said, I’m starting to shift a little. Lately, I’ve begun creating more structured outlines for my ideas before diving in. It’s a new approach for me, and it’s definitely helping me organize my thoughts better. But even with outlines, I like to leave room for the story to surprise me. So, it’s a blend of planning and spontaneity, with the freedom to let the creativity flow.
7. What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
Oh, wow, that’s a tough one! I’d say there’s a lot that could be considered unhinged in my work, and I’m not going to shy away from it. One of the more twisted aspects of my writing involves delving deep into the complexities of mental health and the darker sides of the family law system. Not all of my protagonists get a happy ending, and I take my characters through some pretty intense struggles.
For example, in one story (which I haven’t released yet), I have a protagonist dealing with a cursed “Elf on the Shelf,” while also trying to protect his son from being alienated by his ex-wife. It’s a blend of supernatural horror and real-world issues, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. On top of that, I don’t shy away from exploring tough topics like suicide, which I’ve written about in another book.
It’s dark, it’s raw, and it’s uncomfortable at times, but it’s also where the truth of the story comes from. I think that’s what makes it “unhinged”—not just the events themselves, but the emotional rawness and depth behind them.
8. What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
Oh, this one’s easy—when I see authors attacking other authors over things like typos or using AI tools. I mean, really? Some authors will go after new indie writers for using AI, but then turn around and use spell check or Grammarly, both of which are powered by AI. It’s such a contradiction, and it drives me up the wall.
Times are changing, and we need to embrace the future and the tools available to us. We’re all just trying to create, whether it’s using traditional methods or using the tech available to make the process smoother. I also get a little frustrated with the “pompous” attitude some authors take once they get published. We’re artists, not teachers. We’re not here to educate everyone on grammar rules or which “witch” is which. Let’s focus on the craft, not policing each other.
9. What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
This one’s tough because people often assume I’m chasing fame, but that’s not really the goal. Sure, I’d welcome some recognition, don’t get me wrong, but for me, success has already happened. When I first started, all I wanted was for my two books, FML and Would You Marry You?, to make a positive impact on at least one person out there.
And honestly, I realized I had already achieved that when I did a TikTok live one night—yes, I’m a 46-year-old man on TikTok, don’t judge me. I had several people share with me that they’d bought and read my books and how much they had helped them, whether in their own lives or their relationships. Some even told me that Would You Marry You? had saved their lives. That, to me, is the definition of success.
It’s not about fame. It’s about reaching people, connecting with them, and knowing that something I wrote made a difference. That’s the kind of life I want to live as a writer—one where my words touch others and have a meaningful impact.
Now, as for the life I want from writing? Well, I see my writing eventually making a livable income. So, yeah—I’ll take the fame and fortune now, please!
10. Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
If I had to describe my writing journey, I’d say it’s been a lot like a rollercoaster ride—unexpected, full of twists and turns, and definitely not what I originally imagined. I never really thought of myself as a writer at first; it wasn’t even on my radar. Writing just kind of morphed into something I did. It started out as a way to get my thoughts down, to share some life experiences in a book, and somewhere along the way, it took on a life of its own. What began as an outlet for my emotions and frustrations slowly became a full-blown passion, and I realized it was something I couldn’t walk away from, even when I wanted to.
There were so many moments when I thought about quitting. People around me said I wouldn’t make it. They said writing wasn’t a “real job” and that I was just wasting my time. At times, it felt like the weight of those opinions was more than I could bear. I thought maybe they were right, that maybe I’d never be able to write another book again. But the more I pushed myself, the more I realized that I couldn’t give up.
It wasn’t about chasing fame or recognition, it was about something deeper—something I didn’t even understand at the time. Writing became my dream, one I never saw coming, but now that it’s here, I can’t imagine my life without it. Every story I write, every book I publish, it’s a step toward something bigger than I ever anticipated.
Would I be able to write a story about this journey? Maybe. It’s certainly had its fair share of highs and lows. There’s been self-doubt, frustration, and even moments where I thought about giving up entirely. But there’s also been growth, triumph, and the realization that writing has become my purpose. And that’s what keeps me going—the dream that, even though I’m not the big name I may one day hope to be, my words matter.
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About
Edward “Eddie” Bowers, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is more than just a father of three—he’s a fierce advocate for men’s mental health, a captivating poet, and a storyteller whose fictional novelettes blend raw emotion with life’s deeper truths. Through his writing, Eddie offers more than words; he delivers a powerful invitation to transform, drawing readers into reflections on life’s toughest challenges and the steps needed to reclaim joy, strength, and purpose.
His books aren’t just self-help manuals; they’re blueprints crafted from his own struggles and triumphs, providing a beacon for anyone looking to rebuild after life’s hardest moments. Eddie’s poetry and fiction delve into the heart of human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, resilience, and redemption. Now based in Canton, Georgia, Eddie writes with a mission: to help others unlock their potential and find a way back to themselves, stronger and wiser than ever before.
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Edward Bowers: Turning reality into gripping nightmares.
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