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R.J. Batla on Writing Fantasy, Self-Publishing, and Creative Growth

R.J. Batla was one of the first authors I connected with while building my own author platform. Over the years, he has been a genuine encouragement and friend throughout the publishing journey. A lifelong fan of fantasy, worldbuilding, and storytelling, R.J. writes epic fantasy inspired by imagination, family, faith, and adventure. In this interview, we discuss creative growth, self-publishing, writing discipline, and what aspiring authors can learn from the long road of becoming a writer.

Why Great Books Are More Than Just Products

Books are often treated like products, but the best books do far more than fill shelf space or generate sales. A meaningful story can challenge beliefs, shape emotions, create connection, inspire change, and stay with readers for years after the final page. That is why writing books is not simply about producing content. Great books provide an experience — one that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

How Writing Slowly Became Impossible to Ignore

Some creative ideas arrive quietly. At first they seem small — easy to ignore, easy to postpone, easy to dismiss as unrealistic. But the longer they stay with us, the more difficult they become to silence. What begins as curiosity slowly turns into obsession. We think about the idea constantly, research it, revisit it, and eventually share it carefully with someone we trust. For many writers and creators, that is how the process begins. Not with certainty, but with a growing sense that something meaningful needs to be made.

Why Authors Are Not Really Competitors

You’ll often hear writers say authors are not really in competition with one another. At first glance, that can sound naïve. Bookstores have limited shelf space, search engines have limited visibility, and readers only have so much money and attention to give. But readers are rarely satisfied with just one book, one genre, or one author for very long.