This week, I have the pleasure of speaking with author Samuel R.W. Clark. Samuel is both a student and a writer, whose life is a unique blend of discipline and creativity. While pursuing a degree in Exercise Science, he is also building imaginative worlds filled with themes of leadership, love, and legacy.
His latest release, The Eternal Tide, the fourth book in the Secrets of Hawaii series, is out now at Amazon.
Hello Samuel, welcome to BrandEducation! For listeners meeting you for the first time, could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about who you are?
My name is Samuel R.W. Clark. I’m a writer, a student, and someone who genuinely believes that stories have the power to shape how we see love, leadership, and legacy. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science while building my career as an author.
My life is a blend of discipline and creativity — workouts and anatomy textbooks during the day, fictional kingdoms and emotional plot twists at night.
Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
I’m from the United States and currently live in Maine. There’s something about the stillness of Maine — especially in winter — that gives you space to think deeply. That quiet environment has definitely influenced the reflective tone in my writing.
What does a typical day look like for you while balancing school, fitness, and writing?
My days are a balance between structure and creativity. I spend much of my time studying for my Exercise Science degree, training, and maintaining a disciplined fitness routine. Fitness is important to me not just physically, but mentally — it keeps me grounded and focused.
When the academic work is done, I shift into writing mode, developing characters, outlining story arcs, and building the worlds behind my books.
Let’s go back to the beginning—when did storytelling first become important in your life?
Writing didn’t start as a career plan — it began as an outlet. When I was younger, I was bullied and often felt small and unheard. Writing became a safe place for me. It allowed me to process my emotions, build worlds where strength and loyalty mattered, and create characters who stood tall even when life was difficult.
In many ways, storytelling gave me confidence before I had it in real life.
How did that personal outlet eventually grow into a serious pursuit?
Over time, what began as a private creative escape turned into something much bigger. Balancing school, work, relationships, and writing taught me resilience. There were long nights and moments of doubt, but I kept showing up.
The same discipline I apply in academics and fitness is the discipline I apply to writing. That consistency — and the decision not to let my past define me — is what brought me to where I am today.
Many of your stories explore themes like loyalty, leadership, and legacy. Why do those themes resonate so strongly with you?
I’m inspired by growth — personal growth, emotional growth, and generational growth. I’m fascinated by how people evolve under pressure.
Family is also a major inspiration for me — both the family we’re born into and the family we choose. That theme appears consistently in my life and in my writing.
Your background includes being an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. How did those experiences influence your work?
I’m extremely detail-oriented, and my experiences in Scouting shaped that mindset. Becoming an Eagle Scout and being part of the Order of the Arrow taught me discipline, leadership, service, and the importance of preparation.
Whether it’s fitness programming, academic work, or planning the timelines for my books, I track everything. Even my fictional worlds are mapped out with family trees, political systems, and detailed timelines. The same mindset that helped me earn Eagle Scout is the mindset I bring to writing — commitment, organization, and seeing things through to completion.
Your series Secrets of Hawaii was inspired by a visit to the islands. What sparked that story?
The inspiration began when I visited Hawaii. The islands left a lasting impression on me — the culture, the ocean, and the deep sense of history and connection.
Many moments in the series are inspired by real memories from my life. Hawaii became more than a setting; it became the heart of the series — a symbol of memory, legacy, and the idea that where we come from shapes who we become.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
If I have spare time, I’m usually working out, refining story ideas, or designing visual concepts for my books.
I also enjoy building detailed worlds in different ways. Right now, I’m actually building a LEGO city. I love creating structures, planning layouts, and watching a miniature world come together piece by piece. In many ways, it’s similar to writing — you start with a foundation and slowly build something bigger than you imagined.
What are you currently working on?
The Secrets of Hawaii series is a completed six-book saga. Book 4, The Eternal Tide, is scheduled for release in Summer 2026. Book 5 is currently in editing, and Book 6 will soon enter the editing stage as well.
I’m also developing another project titled The Shape of Pressure, which explores resilience, expectations, and how pressure shapes identity. Both projects reflect my ongoing interest in leadership, responsibility, and personal transformation.
What do you hope readers take away from your stories?
I hope readers walk away with a deeper appreciation for loyalty, resilience, and devotion. I want them to see that strength and vulnerability can coexist, and that leadership often comes with sacrifice.
If my stories help someone feel understood or inspire them to grow through challenges, then I’ve accomplished something meaningful.
Where can our listeners connect with you online?
The best place to learn more about my work and upcoming projects is my website:
Listen to Samuel’s interview on The Relatable Voice podcast below.