From humble beginnings in Liberia to forging a path in the aerospace industry, JT Bailey’s journey is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the power of storytelling. Known to his readers by the pen name "JT," Bailey is no stranger to hard work, having honed his skills in various fields, from door-to-door sales to construction to work in the aerospace industry. But it’s in the world of fiction where he’s found his true calling. Rise of the Dark Whisperer marks the beginning of his literary adventure, where themes of love, loss, grief, and mental illness come together in a captivating, emotionally charged narrative.
In this insightful Q&A, Bailey shares the inspirations behind his debut novel, the struggles he faced in overcoming self-doubt, and the lessons he learned throughout the writing process. He offers a glimpse into his creative journey, revealing how his past experiences shaped the unique and vivid world of Rise of the Dark Whisperer, a story that promises to take readers on an unforgettable emotional roller coaster.
Tell us a bit about your background.
My name is Carter Jet Bailey. For this book, I have used the pen name JT because I enjoy the sound of it. I am originally from Liberia; I moved to America about 17 years ago. Ever since then, I have had a rich and fruitful experience here in the States. I would say I have had quite a few experiences, from being a door-to-door salesman to working in construction, and from there, working in the aerospace industry. I consider myself a jack of many trades but a master of none.
What inspired you to craft the world of the Rise of The Dark Whisperer? Was it a gradual process, or did the idea strike you all at once?
When I was doing construction in Arizona, I came up with the concept of this story. The story gradually came to me as I was working or on my commute to and from work. Everywhere I looked, I saw scenes of the story unfold. It made being productive at work quite difficult. I just needed to get this story on paper so I could free up my mind to pursue other endeavors.
What was the most challenging part of writing your book, and how did you overcome it?
I would say the most challenging part of writing this story was the lack of confidence in myself. I would second-guess everything. I frankly started this story multiple times. The only way I was able to finish was by petitioning the aid of friends who have written and published their own works to severely critique my work. Hearing the brutal but honest feedback really enabled me to get it done.
Did you draw inspiration from any particular books, author, or genres while writing your novel?
Looking back, I am amazed at how much inspiration I ascertained from the Harry Potter series and the Percy Jackson series. I strongly believe that if you want to be good at something, you should study how individuals who are far better than you have done it. As my readers dive into this unique but familiar world, they will be transported to a place where they would yearn to live.
What themes or messages are central to your story, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
Rise of the Dark Whisperer focuses on dealing with loneliness and grief. It deals with love and death. It brings to life the reality of mental illness and how we all deal with our own demons in our own right. I know my readers will find the unwavering love and loyalty of family to be the glue that holds people together in unexpected circumstances in this enigmatic tale. Rise of the Dark Whisperer will have you in tears, and on the next page, it’ll have you in fits of laughter. This story will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Did you learn anything unexpected about yourself while writing this book?
With that said, writing this book has laid my faults bare for me to see. At times, it was hard to realize that I’m not as talented as others. Some days I don’t even believe that I’m clever. In the midst of all the negative truths and thoughts, I had one saving grace: that I was persistent. A good track coach of mine once said, “If you have work ethic, you’ll beat natural talent every time.” I believe this is true today, and it will be forever true.
Do you see this story as part of a large series, or do you have other projects in mind for the future?
This story is going to be a five-book series, and then after I’m done, I’ll see how my brain and body feel about what to do next. I might continue striving for a place in the literary world, or I might put the pen down and put on a different hat. The world is spinning, and I’m still young, and there are so many things to try on for size.
For more information please visit https://whispermagic.org/
