By: J.E. Franklin

J.E. Franklin’s journey as an author is as heartfelt as the stories he brings to life. After spending over 30 years in the manufacturing industry, Franklin turned to his lifelong interest in creative writing. His inspiration came from a deeply personal place: his late wife. She had a talent for crafting, and one Christmas, she made a small handmade ornament unlike any other. Along with the ornament came a simple request. She asked Franklin to write a short background story to go with the character she had created. He agreed, thinking it would be a small favor, just a paragraph or two. Yet once he began, the words kept flowing, and the story grew beyond what either of them imagined. That one moment planted the seed of a new chapter in his life, a chapter rooted in creativity, memory, and the bond they shared.

What began as a tribute to his wife’s creation soon blossomed into a full book. Franklin realized that storytelling gave him not only joy but also a meaningful sense of purpose. He discovered that writing was a way to stay present, keep his mind active, and pour his energy into something lasting. For him, writing is not about chasing a particular style or adhering to strict rules. He allows his imagination to guide him, shaping stories from daydreams, observations, and the gentle wonder of ordinary life.

Franklin describes his writing process as more organic and fluid. He doesn’t focus on a specific style or theme; instead, he lets his imagination guide him. Many of his ideas come from simple observations or daydreams, which he shapes into stories filled with meaning. With his Christmas tale, Franklin hopes to remind children, and adults, that the true essence of the holiday could be about family, friends, and helping others, rather than focusing solely on gifts.

Among his literary influences, Franklin mentions Stephen King as one of his significant inspirations, though he enjoys exploring various genres. His writing routine is simple and seasonal, often dedicating time between November and March to craft his stories. However, the journey to publishing was not without challenges. His initial attempts to publish traditionally were unsuccessful, and he faced setbacks when a laptop malfunction caused the loss of parts of his manuscript and original illustrations. With patience, focus, and resilience, Franklin pieced the book back together and eventually saw it published.

For Franklin, writing is more than just storytelling; it’s a way to stay focused, challenged, and creative during retirement. The responses from readers have been moving, with one friend even moved to tears after reading his work. These moments reaffirm the possible impact his writing can have. He envisions his legacy as creating stories that could be remembered for generations, with plans already underway for a series of Christmas-themed children’s books.

When it comes to overcoming writer’s block, Franklin takes a practical approach by working on different sections until inspiration returns. He acknowledges that self-doubt is inevitable but believes in working through it in a methodical manner. His advice to aspiring authors is simple yet powerful: “Take your time, have a goal, and work towards that goal.”

During his publishing journey, Franklin faced difficulties with publishers and his laptop’s malfunction, which led to the loss of a lot of work and important illustrations. While it was a setback, Franklin didn’t lose hope and built his work back piece by piece. Though he leaves the marketing side of publishing to professionals, Franklin recognizes the importance of social media and online platforms in connecting with readers. His book is available through his official website as well as major platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple.

For those interested in exploring Franklin’s work and following his journey, check out his website: booksbyjefranklin.com. His dedication to storytelling, rooted in love, resilience, and creativity, makes his work a gift for readers young and old alike. Stay tuned for his upcoming Christmas book, which may offer more heartwarming stories.