Welcome to Authors & Allies: A Mind on Fire Summer Series – Where Stories Meet Strategy! Today, we’re sitting down with Dr. Joel Hamilton, the brilliant mind behind the Mud Crab Kingdom series, Black Brilliance, and Oh, Sweet Plague of Mine (check out his full collection on Amazon). Joel’s a storyteller who’s traded the rigidity of research for the freedom of self-publishing, crafting YA tales that blend identity, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. Grab a coffee—or a taco, since that’s Joel’s vibe—and let’s get into this!
Interview with Dr. Joel Hamilton
Willy: Joel, you’ve transitioned from the structured world of research to the open landscape of self-publishing. What inspired that shift, and how has it shaped your narrative voice?
Joel Hamilton: “The world of research is one of rigidity, rules, and can be taxing. Your work is heavily scrutinized by publishers and your voice and/or opinion can be silenced based on your organization. It can feel like you are being ordered around. ‘You say jump I say how high.’ Self-publishing was an inviting alternative. It allows for creativity and freedom. Although I value the insights of my editors and graphic designers, the final say is always mine. Getting to make the rules in my writing process, stories, and developing my writing ‘voice’ has been a wonderful experience. An unexpected joy of self-publishing is working with my graphic designers until I get that, ‘…That’s my book,’ moment.”
Willy: That’s a great way to put it! Was there a defining moment that sparked your passion for writing and set you on this path?
Joel: “I always did things to make my father proud (good grades, multiple degrees, awards, etc.). When he passed away, the first thing I wanted to do for myself was start self-publishing. I wanted to make a story all about my journey through life. That is what sparked Mud Crab Kingdom to be born.”
Willy: That’s deeply personal. With your research background, how do you blend analytical rigor with creative storytelling?
Joel Hamilton: “I choose creative storytelling over everything. I purposefully write fiction to allow me to bend the rules of reality. I try not to stretch the imagination to the point where it becomes ridiculous. The only things I try to be precise with are elements of the environment (native animals, weather, etc.). The most rigid I ever got was writing Black Brilliance. This was because there was lots of science and music in the book, which needed to be accurate.”
Willy: Speaking of your work, Mud Crab Kingdom dives into identity and transformation. What inspired it, and how does it reflect your personal philosophy?
Joel Hamilton: “I wanted to signify my journey becoming a ‘successful’ gay, African American man without any blueprint on how to do so. In the book African Americans are referred to as Mud Skins due to their skin color and also because they are seen as lowly as crabs shifting through the mud.
Also, at pivotal moments of emotional growth Marcious molts, like a crab. This signifies how he changes, for better or worse. Going from being seen as lowly as a crab to being a king is quite a transition. In my own journey I made mistakes, had to get creative, got help from others, and my mental health suffered a great deal. So, I tried to incorporate all those experiences and feelings into this book. It was unknowingly therapeutic for me. I let the thoughts flow and did not realize all the emotion I put in until I was editing.”
Willy: That’s powerful symbolism. How do you see storytelling as a tool for tackling diversity and societal challenges?
Joel: “I purposefully used alternative phrasing in Mud Crab Kingdom (e.g. copper meaning a racial slur, mud skin meaning black, different meaning gay, etc.). My books are YA and at times, phrases like racism don’t really hit home, at least they did not for me. So, I wanted concepts that were very simple and easy to grasp. The ‘lightbulb’ moment will come to them when they are emotionally ready. That may be instantly, or it may come with age. For example, in the movie A Bug’s Life, it highlighted how the ants were enslaved people, and the grasshoppers were the enslavers. Kids, myself included, did not realize this at the time. However, as an adult looking back, I now see those themes.”
Interview with Dr. Joel Hamilton continued:
Willy: Subtle yet impactful! What strategies do you use to overcome creative blocks and keep your voice authentic?
Joel: “Although I have room to grow in this area, I think having patience is key. Whenever I try to force myself to write the result is something I feel disconnected to. I also try to do things that relax me (hang with friends, gardening, etc.). When my mind is full of thoughts and stress my writing normally suffers. When I am able to clear my mind and find peace, the creative thoughts normally flow. I also seem to get a creative boost after networking with other authors and going to festivals/conferences. So, I would encourage authors to branch out and connect. It may provide the boost you need to get past writer’s block.”
If you’re ready to be seen, heard, and celebrated—this is your moment for an author spotlight.
Willy: Networking’s a cool twist! You’ve connected with diverse groups at VA outreach events. How do you ensure your stories resonate while staying true to your perspective?
Joel: “I know it may seem like an odd perspective, but I try not to cater to all audiences. I make it clear that my books are for two groups of people: those who come from disadvantaged populations and those looking to understand the experiences of disadvantaged populations. I write from my own experience, which has positives and negatives. For example, my editor has said that my male characters are well developed while my female characters can use more work. I can accept this, as I do not know the female experience well enough to construct one as a female might. Unintentionally, most of my stories are ‘male heavy.’”
Willy: That’s a bold stance. How do you balance professional responsibilities with creative expression, especially with heavy themes?
Joel Hamilton: “It can be taxing at times. Yes, writing about cultural struggles can be therapeutic. However, due to our society, at times it feels like I am constantly immersed in negative race-related themes. Sometimes I need an escape. Also, not that it has stopped me from writing, but sometimes I commonly hear in my community say, ‘Oh, great. Another slavery story. Oh, great. Another black struggle story [in a sarcastic, exhausted tone].’ The market can be oversaturated at these times, it can promote fatigue. That is why BIPOC stories with happy endings, comedy, love, and other positive things are greatly welcomed. We need good to break up the bad.”
Willy: Totally get that need for balance. What’s one piece of advice you’d give emerging writers?
Joel Hamilton: “I was able to network at the 2024 Louisville Book Festival. One of the writers gave me some great advice. She said that not everything you write needs to be published. Looking back, there is one book in particular (Oh, Sweet Plague of Mine) I felt guilted into publishing. I put in all the work to write it, edit, and get the cover done. Even though it was not my best work, I felt it was a waste to not publish it. I wish I had heard her advice earlier. Sometimes, writing for yourself is good enough.”
Willy: Wise words! Looking ahead, what themes or projects are you excited to explore next?
Joel: “I am working on two new stories. One features a positive love story. It was warm, innocent, and simple. My stories often contain violence, adventure, and trauma. So, this is an odd but refreshing twist. Although, I am finding myself getting a bit bored editing it at times. I am not sure how far it will go. My other story is taking the ‘ugly’ side of being Black (ashy) and turning it into something admirable/a superpower. It might rival Mud Crab Kingdom for my favorite story yet!”
Willy: Dr. Joel Hamilton, thanks for keeping it real and raw! Readers, explore Mud Crab Kingdom, Black Brilliance, and more on Joel’s Amazon page—you’re in for a treat. Stay tuned for more Authors & Allies chats that spark your mind and soul!
More Books by Dr. Joel Hamilton
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