An Interview with E.J. Kellett: Author of The Victory Perspective

E.J. Kellett is a Dystopian Fantasy Author on a mission to challenge perceptions. Kellett’s novel The Victory Perspective is a compelling story that sheds a new light on the traditional creation story. The first installment in the epic tale of creation, The Victory Perspective showcases a mind-bending plot with ominous overtones. A prime example of E.J. Kellett’s dark-tinged storytelling.

Tell us about your book.

The Victory Perspective takes the well-known creation story from the bible and turns it on its head. It is written as the “other side” of the story and explores many confronting themes about religion and humanity.

Why did you want to write a book?

I have always been interested in religion as a subject, where stories come from and why we believe the things we believe. I am also interested in the concept of the perspectives of victory, that the winner tells the story. What we consider to be “history” may only be one side. These two themes culminated in this story.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

I predominantly write for myself. I like to get a book out there so others can share the story, but I am not writing to gain fame or money. I just want to tell a story in a format that appeals to me. Self-publishing is a much better fit for how, and what, I write.

What tools or companies did you use, and what experience did you have?

I used Kindle Direct Publishing for a kindle and paperback versions. I found their interface very easy to use. I also have a paperback and hardback with IngramSpark which I find useful as KDP don’t offer their paperbacks for sale in all Amazon regions (including my own). I have found both companies straight forward to deal with. I had no issues with either.

Would you self-publish again?

Yes. Although the work that comes after the writing is hard and not where I feel naturally “comfortable,” it is very rewarding to have carriage of the whole project.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

The marketing aspect. I have found building a readership base very hard. Because I wrote my book for myself, and not with a particular readership in mind, the book does not fit neatly into a genre or category. I find this hard to market.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

I do not write full-time, so I steal moments where I can. I find it depends on what stage I am working on. If I am researching and planning, I can work ad hoc quite well around work and other commitments. But when I am writing the actual words, I need to immerse myself, so I might take a week off and write as much as I can. Getting the job done is all about balance. This is not my ‘career’ so I get to do it for fun. That way, I want to do it.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

My partner has read this book so many times. I really valued the feedback. It was quite hard to let it go and show someone for the first time, no matter how close they are! I then had a handful of very close family and friends read it for feedback. The most fun part was that they had no idea what it was about. One of my friends wrote notes on how he felt at the end of every chapter, they are great to read back. Seeing how someone’s emotions built as the story unfolded was really valuable.

What’s next for you as an author?

The Victory Perspective Volume 2 is in the works. The next installment will carry the characters forward. It will also introduce more familiar stories told from a new angle.