From Julius St. Clair (or J Clair):
It's hard to talk about myself, but I will do my best. On the surface, I am a quiet soul with a chaotic mind. I am constantly thinking about the state of the world, others, and where we're all headed whether it's politically, spiritually, or as a species. My mind is like an ocean, and each drop of water is an idea begging to be put down on paper. I am confident that I will be writing for the rest of my life. I don't like to insert myself in others' lives or even offer advice unless they ask, and I think it's because I grew up in a community in which nearly everyone had an opinion that was supposed to be taken swiftly and literally. The older I get, the more I realize that adults are as confused as children are, and few are as wise as they profess themselves to be.
I am an optimist by nature, but a realist in practice, focusing on what is, and not on what could be without evidence or a path in place. I like facts, not opinions most of the time, although I love hearing about people's personal lives and their origin stories, understanding that all of us embody an aggregate of our environment, family, upbringing and values, to name but a few of the circumstances that define us. I love the potential of human beings while I cry at the tragedy of their faults, and my stories are littered with their failures, hopes, dreams and hate. When I write from a main character's perspective, they are boldly declaring a concept I thought a lot about, or giving insight on a topic I love. They are my voice, as most of my life I had none.
I grew up with a strict, religious background that has both awed and infuriated me. One moment I appreciate the values and principles I've learned, the next, I want to reject them all. On average, however, I long for a simple life surrounded by the ones I love, and I suppose we all do. My perfect day involves staring at nature with my wife as we talk about the mysteries of the universe, watch my sons play and laugh, eat a burger off the grill, and then lose myself in a world of my own creation.
To truly know me, is to read what I write. Although I write fiction, and almost exclusively fantasy, each series is me on the page, and I think this is the only reason it resonates with others. I'm vulnerable, and truthful. There is no hiding. There is no silence. I'm talking, finally. Lol. James from the Sage Saga is the child in me wondering if I'll ever accomplish anything, if I'd ever find love, and whether life was even worth living (I wrote it in college). Lysander from End of Angels is my hope and innocence, and how I want to love everyone, even as so many continue to disappoint me. I will continue to focus on the great ones in my life. Remi from the Sorcerer's Ring is my determination, to succeed despite limitations and the odds. Aidan from Obsidian Sky is my rage, at institutions and organizations that look at humanity as numbers and not people. And the list goes on, and on.
Superficially, I am 32, I love horror video games, superhero movies, anime, reading, writing, listening to others talk. I have an unhealthy obsession with breakfast foods (like Ron Swanson on Parks and Rec), and I'm either in three modes of thinking at all times: daydreaming, planning, or creating. I'm trying to be the best author I can be because this is a dream come true, and I want to write for the rest of my life. I'm hoping that Witchfall, a culmination of everything I have learned so far, will be my first true bestseller. Optimistically, I think it will. Realistically, we'll see.
I'm always interested in meeting new people and if you would like to talk, you can contact me at the e-mail address: juliusstclair@yahoo.com.
