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105 - Writing as a first time author with JV Hilliard
JV Hilliard is a debut novelist and published his first book, The Last Keeper in December 2021.
Like many, the global lockdown meant his work went online. He didn’t have to commute and suddenly had a lot more time on his hands. This was the opportunity he needed to write the book that had been brewing for the last two decades.
Joe has loved epic fantasy ever since a substitute teacher, Mr McKinley, read The Hobbit in class. He took that passion and turned to tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, and that’s where his imagination really took hold and he practiced world building - worlds he uses in his fiction.
JV says he’s a one hundred percent planner. He doesn’t do anything unless it’s worked out ahead of time.
He knew his characters before he started writing, and he knew where he wanted them to end up. From there he reverse engineered the series, outlining each chapter before writing it.
Part of Joe's day job is to write policy documents. This gave him the advantage of already being able to write every day. His writing muscle was well developed.
What was harder was switching from non-fiction to fiction, in particular writing prose and dialogue.
To help him with this, JV Hilliard enrolled in a writing class at a local workshop. This give his manuscript the opportunity to be workshopped - something I really recommend - and improved.
For much of Joe’s professional life, he has been an entrepreneur, and that has been crucial in giving him the business principles needed as a published author.
As well as enjoying the creative side of the business, Joe recognises he’s a ‘start up business’. He has one book to his name and understands this may be a ‘loss leader' until he’s written the series in full and found his fan base.
Once he’s up and running, JV Hilliard knows he’ll see the return on his investment in himself and his books.
JV Hilliard tells me about Books 1 and 2 his World of Warminster series, and his serendipitous journey to publication.
Given Joe’s obvious enthusiasm for his work, his open demeanour and willingness to learn, it’s no wonder his books have attracted the attention of his editor and publisher and it’s clear to me JV Hilliard and his World of Warminster series have a very bright future.
Connect with J.V. HILLIARD:
J.V. Hilliard - author of The Warminster Series (jvhilliard.com)
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By Emma DhesiJV Hilliard is a debut novelist and published his first book, The Last Keeper in December 2021.
Like many, the global lockdown meant his work went online. He didn’t have to commute and suddenly had a lot more time on his hands. This was the opportunity he needed to write the book that had been brewing for the last two decades.
Joe has loved epic fantasy ever since a substitute teacher, Mr McKinley, read The Hobbit in class. He took that passion and turned to tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, and that’s where his imagination really took hold and he practiced world building - worlds he uses in his fiction.
JV says he’s a one hundred percent planner. He doesn’t do anything unless it’s worked out ahead of time.
He knew his characters before he started writing, and he knew where he wanted them to end up. From there he reverse engineered the series, outlining each chapter before writing it.
Part of Joe's day job is to write policy documents. This gave him the advantage of already being able to write every day. His writing muscle was well developed.
What was harder was switching from non-fiction to fiction, in particular writing prose and dialogue.
To help him with this, JV Hilliard enrolled in a writing class at a local workshop. This give his manuscript the opportunity to be workshopped - something I really recommend - and improved.
For much of Joe’s professional life, he has been an entrepreneur, and that has been crucial in giving him the business principles needed as a published author.
As well as enjoying the creative side of the business, Joe recognises he’s a ‘start up business’. He has one book to his name and understands this may be a ‘loss leader' until he’s written the series in full and found his fan base.
Once he’s up and running, JV Hilliard knows he’ll see the return on his investment in himself and his books.
JV Hilliard tells me about Books 1 and 2 his World of Warminster series, and his serendipitous journey to publication.
Given Joe’s obvious enthusiasm for his work, his open demeanour and willingness to learn, it’s no wonder his books have attracted the attention of his editor and publisher and it’s clear to me JV Hilliard and his World of Warminster series have a very bright future.
Connect with J.V. HILLIARD:
J.V. Hilliard - author of The Warminster Series (jvhilliard.com)
Kick-start your editing for free!
Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Support the show