Featured Interview With Author James R. Baldwin
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is James Baldwin—though most people just call me Rusty. I was born in Tennessee and raised in Tupelo, Mississippi until I was 13. From there, life took me to Dallas, Texas, where I graduated high school in Denton.
Over the years, I’ve lived in seven different states and even spent some time in Reading, England. These days, I call Atlanta, Georgia home, where I live with my amazing wife and our three wonderful kids. Our oldest is out on her own now, while the two youngest still live at home with us.
We’re definitely a dog-loving family—currently sharing our home with four energetic pups: a Maltipoo, a giant poodle, and two wild but lovable Goldendoodles. They keep us on our toes!
I travel often for work, but my wife and kids manage the house (and the dogs!) like pros while I’m away.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always enjoyed reading books, but I never thought I would write one. Last year, I started writing and released my first book this year.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Clive Cussler, i have read them all. Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are my second favorites
Tell us a little about your latest book?
A few years ago, I became gravely ill. During that difficult time, a co-worker became a source of incredible strength and encouragement. He inspired me to keep going, to fight the battle I was facing, and to never give up. We stayed in constant communication—often talking late into the night. About a year into those conversations, he called to share devastating news: he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. The shock was overwhelming.
While I slowly began to recover, he did not. His condition worsened, and there was nothing we could do to stop it. Around six months later, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion and purpose, and that's when the idea for this book came to me. I had never written a book before, and the task felt daunting. But I knew I had to try. Time was short, and I was determined to finish the manuscript while he was still with us.
I worked day and night to bring it to life. Just days after I finished the book—without him ever knowing I had been writing it—I received the heartbreaking call that John had passed away.
A few days later, I reached out to his wife to let her know about the book and how deeply John had inspired it. It was officially published just 13 days after he passed away.
This book would not exist without John.
After John's funeral, I started on the completion of the second book in the series. The second is the latter half of the first, which made the book too large to release in its current size. And now, I’ve released Book Two in the series, also lovingly dedicated to him. I will also be releasing a third book in the series. And, as you might have guessed, it will also be devoted to John.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
James R. Baldwin Facebook Page
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