Ess-Jee Rautenbach

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

Hi, I’m Ess-Jee Rautenbach, an emerging voice in the fantasy genre. My love for storytelling and exploring the human spirit infuses my work with depth and wonder. With over a decade of experience in life coaching, I stand as a beacon of guidance for those seeking to navigate life’s complexities. My journey through fitness management, pastoral counseling, and life coaching has equipped me with a unique set of skills to uplift individuals in their quest for personal and professional fulfillment. My Hobbies and Interests Storytelling: Crafting intricate fantasy worlds and compelling narratives is my passion, and it’s evident in my Avatars of Destiny series. Life Coaching: Helping others achieve their personal and professional goals is a significant part of my life. Fitness: With a background in fitness management, I enjoy staying active and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Reading: As an avid reader, I draw inspiration from both fantasy realms and scientific wonders. Exploration: Whether it’s exploring new ideas, cultures, or physical landscapes, I love discovering new perspectives and experiences. My work bridges the gap between fantastical adventures and real-world wisdom, offering readers both an escape and valuable life lessons. My stories

When and why did you start writing books?

I began writing books in 2012 with the original goal of offering hope to others.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I was an untapped talent, hidden for years, and I wanted to develop it further.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Thorne

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The book that stretched me the most as a writer was definitely my first fantasy book. While I’m very comfortable writing self-help books, thanks to my background as a life coach, diving into the fantasy genre was a new and exciting challenge for me. I wanted to give the fantasy genre a go and explore my untapped talent, which had been hidden for years. This experience pushed me to develop my storytelling skills and create a world that readers could immerse themselves in.

Who is your favourite author and book?

My favorite authors are J.R.R. Tolkien, who wrote *The Lord of the Rings*, and C.S. Lewis, author of *The Chronicles of Narnia*.

What book are you reading right now?

God of the Underdogs was written by Matt Keller1. The book tells Keller’s own story of being an underdog, as well as the stories of underdog heroes in Scripture.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I draw inspiration for my books from a variety of sources. My background in life coaching, fitness management, and pastoral counseling plays a significant role in shaping my narratives. The human spirit’s resilience and the complexities of personal growth are themes that deeply influence my writing. Additionally, I find inspiration in both fantasy realms and scientific wonders. The rich, immersive worlds created by authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis have always fascinated me. I aim to blend these fantastical elements with real-world wisdom, much like the Nexus Key in my Avatars of Destiny series1. Drawing from my experiences and the stories that have captivated me, I strive to create engaging and meaningful adventures that resonate with readers on multiple levels.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy playing games, lifting weights at the gym, and relaxing with my wife, family, and friends.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes