We recently connected with Edward Grant and have shared our conversation below.
Edward, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
My creativity is its own entity. It won’t allow itself to die. When my ideas are born in my mind. They won’t stop clawing at the surface of my head until their release into the real world. When that happens, another idea is born and the cycle continues.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an Author, Writer, and Photographer based in New Jersey.
My writing consist of short stories and screenplays in Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Suspense, and Mystery. My short story was first published in 2016 by Volume Press and was apart of the Alfar Anthology Short Stories paperback a year later. Then in April 2023 I decided to self published my book “The Lost Forest.” A short filmed was created based on the film. In September 2024, it won the best short horror film at the Austin Micro Film Festival.
Photography is another passion of mine, that I have been doing for 14 years, but decided to do it professionally for 8 years now. My photography consists of different styles of Portraiture. My work has been published in magazines, websites, and art galleries such as Gmaro Magazine, 500px and photo vogue Italia.
I’m currently working on a short screenplay to be film sometime in the future. I’m also looking to collaborate with other creatives for photoshoots and also potentially pitching photo projects to local media outlets.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most important qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that were most of impactful in my journey is having a drive, being a student of the craft, and carving out your own lane. My advice to develop skill is to go out there practice. It’s the best way to hone, make mistakes and learn from them. Another advice is sometimes you have to create opportunities for yourself. If you can’t find a publication to publish your work, publish it yourself. If you have trouble getting hired by someone for photo projects create your own photo projects and keep continuing to do it. It’s a good way honed your skill to develop and execute a creative plan. It’s also good way to build up your portfolio.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert played a huge role in my development. I read this book in 2018 while simultaneously rewriting my 2023 novella “The Lost Forest”. It helped rethink and open my eyes about the creative writing, pursuing goals and perfectionism. It retaught about how your creative endeavors shouldn’t be led by success or idealism. The fear of rejection or fear itself shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your creative pursuit. It also taught me relying solely on your talents can only take you so far. Persistence and consistency plays a huge factor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Edwardlgrant.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/eddieakoi
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@eddiedoubled?si=rQA5r9vtLbcaNf04
Image Credits
Ramon Nunez
Valerie Pugh
George Arnaldo
Christopher Gonzalez
Tatianna Harris
Freakquencee
Christopher Gallardo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
