I had a great conversation with J.S. Nathaniel on The Relatable Voice Podcast. J.S. is incredibly easy to talk to, and it was a truly amazing interview. He’s truly talented. J.S. is both a poet and a dark fiction author who writes gothic and dystopian stories, exploring themes of emotional resilience and identity through powerful storytelling. His latest book, Dominion of the Divine, is out now.
Hello J.S, welcome to BrandEducation! Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore emotion, resilience, and the quiet moments that shape who we become. Writing has been both a creative outlet and a way for me to better understand people, relationships, and the human experience. My untitled poem embodies this philosophy:
The light did not send you back to control or correct
It whispered you into flesh so that you could touch gravity with compassion
To know the weight of betrayal, and still choose forgiveness
To feel the fire of rage, and not burn
To carry loneliness through the marrow, and still sing
Because pain is not the opposite of divinity, it is its invitation
Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
I’m originally from Denver, Colorado. I spent a great deal of time exploring the mountains that surround the city, and that landscape heavily influenced my post-apocalyptic novel Everything Spontaneous in the Land of Doll Parts. I moved to Alberta, Canada last year.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? (If you have any!)
Spending time with my daughters is hugely important to me, so when I’m not reading or writing, I surround myself with loved ones. I find that everyday life, whether through music, nature, or quiet moments of reflection, provides endless inspiration.
Can you share a bit about your journey and how you got to where you are today?
My journey hasn’t been a straight line. Like many creatives, I carried stories with me long before I had the courage to put them on the page. Over time, writing became less about perfection and more about honesty, and that shift is what ultimately led me to publish my work.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Thoughtful, resilient, and curious.
What inspires you in your work and life?
I was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to keep four boys fed and a roof over our heads. I’m deeply inspired by the working class; people who struggle every day to keep their families afloat, and by the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. I’m especially drawn to stories of growth, healing, and self-discovery in those pivotal moments when hope feels almost dreamlike. I’m fascinated by who we become after the dust settles.
Share something that our audience might not know about you.
Many people don’t know that I doubted myself for a long time before sharing my work publicly. Writing taught me that fear often shows up right before growth.
How did you get started in writing?
I began writing in junior high, mostly short stories and plays. I spent a lot of time in class daydreaming about characters, scenes, and incredible worlds I hadn’t yet discovered, worlds far removed from my reality. Eventually, those fragments grew into something bigger, and I realized I wanted to share my voice with others.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your book Dominion of the Divine and the story behind it?
The book was inspired by personal experiences and emotional truths I felt many people could relate to. It came from a desire to explore how we navigate change, loss, and hope, and how we often rediscover ourselves in the process.
Are you working on any new projects or ideas that you’d like to share?
I’m currently writing Cristal Bones, along with future books that continue to focus on emotional storytelling and character-driven narratives.
What are your goals and aspirations moving forward?
Growth as a writer is paramount to me, going deeper not only in craft, but in connection. My goal is to reach readers who see themselves in my work and to create stories that stay with people long after the final page.
Where can our listeners connect with you online?
Website: https://jsnathaniel.link/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jsnathanielauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsnathanielauthor
Listen to J.S interview below.