We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ezekiel Kincaid . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ezekiel below.
Hi Ezekiel , so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
As a pastor and ordained minister who writes horror, I get a lot of haters. Especially when I first started. I had life long friends turn their back on me, question my faith, and tell me I was doing the devils work. These types of attacks went on for years. it got so bad I eventually had to result to blocking numbers and people on social media. The amount of relationships lost simply over writing fiction and doing something I love was staggering. And hurtful. I questioned myself a lot over the years and almost quit several times. I did some hefty soul searching during this season along with intense praying. The two words that kept coming to mind were “focus” and “persevere”.
It’s easy to spend our emotional and spiritual energy trying to combat the hate, lies, and gossip that goes on when we are trying to pursue our dreams or our calling. The problem with this is it shifts our focus from our goal. One of the things I learned through all the betrayal was to keep my focus on my writing and let God handle the rest. Persevering through all the negativity and keeping my eyes fixed on my dreams are the two things that have helped me succeed. Any time you want to accomplish something great with your life, there will be immense obstacles to face. Don’t let it stop you. Sometimes mountains are moved one stone at a time.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As an ordained minister, I’ve spent twenty plus years working as a pastor and chaplain. I’ve served in churches, prisons, hospitals, addiction centers, and juvenile facilities. I’ve also been a paranormal investigator for as long as I have been a minister. All of the experiences I have garnered over the years bleed into my writing. From the human condition all the way to unexplained supernatural and paranormal phenomena– They find their way into my books in some way, shape, or form. As a dark fiction author, I write horror, fantasy, and a little bit of science fiction. I have also been featured on numerous horror and paranormal shows, talking about my work, my experiences as a pastor and paranormal investigator, and how all these things mesh together. I currently have seven books published, along with numerous short stories. I write a monthly series for Godless called Southern Discomfort, which features a different horror story I have written each month. I have also written for several magazines, including the upcoming Memento Mori Ink from Crystal Lake Entertainment.
One of the ongoing horror series I have out was inspired by an urban legend in my hometown of Central, Louisiana. It is my Theodosia/Tetromet Universe. The books in this world centers around an ancient cult and their ongoing spread of evil. The latest book in the universe is called Tetromet Tapes. It takes place in Central, Louisiana in 1990, and follows a groups of twelve year old boys. The friends find some old VHS tapes in their creepy old neighbors trashcan. The boys view the tapes and find themselves caught up in a dark adventure of trying to find out more about the old man and the ancient Tetromet cult.
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?
First, you have to be determined to be an author. It is a hard field to break into and even more difficult to continue in. You will have your work rejected way more than accepted by publishers and agents. It is easy to get discouraged and want to quit. You have to believe in yourself, your work, and be mentally tough. There are going to be days when you question why you are even trying. You have to love to write because it’s who you are, not because you want to make a name for yourself. If that is your goal, you won’t make it. Write because you want to write. I know for myself it is in my blood. I’m miserable if I don’t write, and when I do, I have a great sense of fulfillment. Whether what I write will ever get published is irrelevant. I write because woe to me if I don’t.
Second, getting a writing mentor has helped me tremendously. I have had people invest in me, teach me, correct me, and guide me. The mentoring I received (and still receive) by more seasoned writers has been invaluable. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the folks who invested their time and talents into me. So, if you are a writer and don’t have a mentor yet, I highly encourage you to seek out one.
Third, theological knowledge. Horror and religion have a long history together. From Bram Stoker’s Dracula to The Exorcist, religion and horror find their paths crossing in many ways. My three degrees in theology have been indispensable in helping me craft supernatural and paranormal horror. Now grant it, you don’t have to know theology to write horror, especially if you don’t write or dabble in religious horror. However, if you do, I would encourage you to pick up some theology books by well respected scholars. There is so much that is discussed and talked about in academic circles that don’t make it into churches, mosques, or synagogues. The wealth of information and fascinating discussions are a gold mind for authors.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I am where I am in my career because of two important ladies in my life. First is my fiance. She has believed in me and supported me since day one. She has been a source of encouragement and strength, always helping me stay focused and persevere even when I want to quit. Second is my writing mentor, Lisa Vasquez. She is the one who discovered me and published my first horror novel, Johnny Walker Ranger: Demon Slayer, under Stitched Smile Publications. Lisa has been a constant friend and mentor, helping me grow as a writer. and equipping me with the tools I need to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theparanormalpastor.square.site/
- Instagram: @EzekielKincaid
- Twitter: @EzekielKincaid
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessionalParanormalResearch
- Other: WordPress: https://ezekielkincaid.wordpress.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ezekiel-Kincaid/author/B08GZQ55PQ?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Godless: https://godless.com/collections/vendors?q=Ezekiel%20Kincaid
Image Credits
Cover art for Tetromet Tapes by Ash Ericmore and D&T Publishing Cover art for The Dawning, The Gathering, and The Mourning by Raven Tale Publishing Cover art for Johnny Walker Ranger: Demon Slayer Vol 1 and 2 by Lisa Vasquez and Stitched Smile Publications Cover art for Darius Fischer by Jeffery Kosh and Grinning Skull Press Southern Discomfort Logo designed by KK Bootsie
