#113 – In this episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary journey of Joe Hilliard, also known as J.V. Hilliard, who transitioned from a DC lobbyist specializing in defense and technology to a renowned fantasy fiction author. Raised in the foothills of Pittsburgh, Joe’s path to becoming a fantasy author is as unique and compelling as the stories he writes. With a 20-year career in politics, Joe’s real-life experiences in diplomacy, war, and lobbying have significantly enriched his epic fantasy narratives.
Joe’s passion for fantasy worlds is rooted in his childhood, fueled by his love for Dungeons & Dragons and the creative influence of his paralyzed uncle. The COVID-19 lockdown provided Joe the opportunity to turn his lifelong dream of writing a novel into reality. The conversation reveals how Joe’s structured, regimented career in DC was unexpectedly beneficial in his transition to the creative freedom of writing. His journey from writing a standalone novel to developing a full-blown fantasy series highlights the meticulous planning and world-building required to create cohesive and engaging epic fantasy stories. 
One of the most intriguing aspects of Joe’s writing process is his emphasis on planning the story’s ending first. This approach, combined with detailed outlines, helps him prevent writer’s block and ensures that his storytelling remains consistent across multiple books. Joe’s transition from a single novel to a series was supported by professional editors and a professor, who provided invaluable feedback and guidance. The positive reception of his initial work encouraged Joe to expand his series, eventually leading to adaptations in video games and graphic novels.
Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he discusses his various ventures, including owning magazines and adapting his book series into augmented and virtual reality video games. The challenges and excitement of translating his stories into different mediums are explored, shedding light on the creative process and the importance of collaboration. Joe’s insights into building an author’s brand and audience underscore the significance of treating a writing career as a startup business, highlighting the long-term benefits of persistence and networking.
The episode also delves into the thrill of spontaneous travel and the joy of discovering new places and experiences. Joe’s risk tolerance and entrepreneurial ventures, such as owning a lobbying shop and a speculative fiction magazine, are discussed in detail. An exciting project in the works is an augmented reality and virtual reality video game adaptation of his book series, set to launch in 2026 in collaboration with Melderverse and Niantic, the creators of Pokemon Go. These experiences illustrate different definitions of adventure and the personal growth that comes from taking risks.
Translating a linear book narrative into nonlinear mediums like video games and graphic novels presents unique challenges and opportunities. Joe shares his experience of collaborating with game designers and graphic novel artists, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the essence of the original plot and characters while allowing for creative flexibility. The transformation of detailed narrative descriptions into visual elements in graphic novels is particularly fascinating, highlighting the difficulty of condensing rich, descriptive prose into compelling illustrations.
Envisioning his books as movies is another aspect of Joe’s creative process. Informal casting sessions with his wife and friends have led to exciting discussions about potential actors for his characters. The publishing journey is also touched upon, including the challenges faced and the aspiration to achieve greater recognition, such as making it to the New York Times bestseller list. The community involvement in visualizing a potential film adaptation of his book adds another layer of excitement to Joe’s journey.
Building an author’s brand and audience is a critical aspect of Joe’s approach to his writing career. Treating it as a startup business, he discusses the challenges of standing out in a saturated market with millions of indie authors. The advantages of being traditionally published, such as having a publisher with marketing expertise, are highlighted. Persistence, attending small book signings, and leveraging every opportunity to grow a readership are emphasized as key strategies for long-term success.
In summary, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into Joe Hilliard’s transformation from a DC lobbyist to a fantasy fiction maestro. His journey is a testament to the power of combining real-world experiences with creative storytelling, and his insights into the writing process, entrepreneurial ventures, and building an author’s brand are invaluable for anyone fascinated by the intersection of real-world experience and fantasy fiction.