JD Arden

Verified Standard (Annual) Account

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

When I’m not writing, you’ll likely find me chasing the quiet joys of life. I have a deep appreciation for art that makes you pause—films that linger in your mind long after the credits roll, or books that make you question everything you thought you knew. I enjoy solitary walks in nature, where the silence is as eloquent as any conversation, and moments of shared laughter with family that remind me why it all matters. I also have a keen interest in human psychology and philosophy—those fields where science meets the unquantifiable. Why do we believe the things we do? What drives us to push forward when the odds seem insurmountable? These questions don’t just fuel my work; they anchor my sense of wonder about the world. If I had to summarize, I’d say my hobbies are simply extensions of the themes I explore in my books—discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary and finding meaning in life’s ever-turning dice.

When and why did you start writing books?

I began writing books about a year ago, but the truth is, the seeds were planted much earlier. The ideas, the questions, and the themes that drive my work have been simmering in my mind for years—sometimes as fleeting thoughts, other times as conversations I’ve had with myself in the quiet hours. Why did I start? Writing was a natural outlet for the ideas that had been knocking at the door for so long. I wanted to create something that cuts through the noise, something sharp, concise, and meaningful. My books aren’t sprawling epics—they’re deliberate, focused explorations of the things that define us: time, fear, luck, silence. I want readers to feel like every sentence matters, like every page holds something they can take with them. I think the real catalyst was realizing that life is too short to wait for “someday.” The thoughts were there, the drive was there, and all I needed was the courage to start. And once I did, there was no turning back—it felt like I’d finally stepped into the thing I was meant to do. Writing gives me a way to make sense of the world and, hopefully, help others do the same.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing isn’t my full-time gig—it’s more like a second life, a parallel thread running alongside everything else I do. By day, I’m a developer and an interpreter. I build systems, solve puzzles, and navigate the intricacies of language. By night, I’m a father and husband, immersed in the beautiful chaos of family life. Writing, for me, is the side thing that gives shape to all of it—a way to capture the fleeting moments and the big questions that weave through my days. I didn’t decide to “tackle writing” as a career so much as I allowed it to become a part of who I am. It’s not about chasing fame or quitting my day job; it’s about having a space to reflect, to explore, and to say something that feels real. Writing sharpens my perspective and keeps me grounded, even in the midst of a busy life. What made me take it seriously was the realization that stories—whether they’re about time, fear, or the whispers of luck—have the power to connect us. I wanted to contribute to that connection, even if it’s in a small way. So, while I wear many hats in this life, writing is the one I reach for when I want to make sense of the world and leave something meaningful behind.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

If I had to choose, I’d say Thirteen is my favorite, and that’s because it’s the one that feels most like me. There’s something deeply personal about its exploration of superstition, chance, and the meaning we assign to patterns in the chaos. It’s not just a book; it’s a reflection of the questions I ask myself constantly: Why do we cling to rituals? What do we fear when we knock on wood or avoid a black cat’s path? And perhaps more importantly, what do those fears say about us? Thirteen is where my voice feels the most authentic—it’s sharp, introspective, and unafraid to poke at the places where logic and belief intersect. It’s a book that doesn’t shy away from the absurdity of superstition, but it also respects the comfort and control we seek in its rituals. Writing it felt like holding up a mirror and laughing a little at what I saw, while still feeling a sense of wonder at how deeply human it all is. It’s the one where I let my curiosity and cynicism play together, and I think that’s why it resonates so much with me. If there’s a piece of writing that feels like it carries my signature most clearly, it’s Thirteen. It’s me, distilled onto the page.

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

Without a doubt, The Carnival Effect was the most challenging to write—and also the most transformative for me as a writer. It wasn’t just a departure from my usual themes; it was an entirely different way of storytelling. Horror demands a particular kind of precision, where every word has to pull its weight in setting the tone, building suspense, and immersing the reader in an atmosphere that feels alive, unpredictable, and deeply unsettling. What stretched me the most was learning to balance the scenery with the emotions. Describing a haunted carnival—the flicker of dim lights, the echo of distant laughter, the way the air itself feels heavy with secrets—was a new kind of challenge. It wasn’t just about painting a picture; it was about creating a space that felt real enough to walk into, but unsettling enough that you’d hesitate to take the first step. And then there were the characters. In horror, their emotions are the reader’s lifeline. I had to push myself to convey fear, tension, and vulnerability in ways that felt raw and authentic. Every scream, every whispered word, every heartbeat mattered. It forced me to dig deeper into the human psyche, to explore not just what scares us, but why. The Carnival Effect was exhausting, in the best way. It pulled me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to wield language differently—how to make silence deafening, how to let shadows speak. It’s the book that taught me what I’m capable of when I lean into the unknown, and for that, it holds a special place in my journey as a writer.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I wouldn’t say I have a favorite author in the traditional sense, but if I had to choose a singular influence, it would be Charles Darwin and On the Origin of Species. Not because it was easy to read or digest—it isn’t—but because it embodies the kind of intellectual courage I deeply admire. To paraphrase the famous Kennedy quote, it wasn’t done because it was easy, but because it was hard. Darwin’s work isn’t just a scientific text; it’s a masterclass in curiosity, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of understanding. It’s a book that doesn’t shy away from complexity, and in doing so, it invites the reader into a dialogue with the unknown. It’s as much about asking questions as it is about answering them—a quality I strive to bring into my own writing. What makes On the Origin of Species so fascinating isn’t just the groundbreaking ideas about evolution and natural selection, but the way it challenges you to think. It’s a book that forces you to confront the intricate interconnectedness of life and the seemingly invisible threads that bind it all together. It’s dense, yes, but also incredibly rewarding—like piecing together a puzzle whose edges stretch beyond what we can see. For me, Darwin isn’t just a scientist—he’s a storyteller of reality, weaving a narrative so compelling that it reshapes how we see the world and our place within it. That’s the kind of legacy every writer dreams of leaving behind.

What book are you reading right now?

At the moment, I’m not reading anything in the traditional sense of being engrossed in a single book. I suppose you could call me an opportunistic reader—I jump in and out of anything that catches my fancy. It could be a philosophy essay one day, a snippet of scientific theory the next, or even revisiting a page from a book I’ve already read but see differently now. It might sound almost rude to say “none,” but the truth is, I let curiosity guide me. Sometimes it’s a few pages of Nietzsche, other times it’s an article about quantum mechanics or a short story that captures a fleeting emotion. My reading habits are less about finishing books and more about seeking moments of clarity, wonder, or perspective—wherever they happen to be. I think reading doesn’t always have to be linear or goal-oriented. It’s like wandering through a forest instead of walking a trail—you’re bound to stumble upon something extraordinary, even if it’s not what you initially set out to find. That’s how I read: scattered, serendipitous, but always looking for something to spark the next idea.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My inspiration comes from the most powerful tool I have: my mind. What could be better than that? The mind is limitless—it can explore places that don’t exist, imagine things yet to come, and connect dots no one else sees. It’s a realm where reality and possibility blur, where questions unfold into stories, and where the mundane transforms Sometimes, inspiration strikes in the quiet moments—watching the way light filters through a window or hearing an offhand comment that sticks in my brain like a splinter. Other times, it’s more deliberate.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I try to keep it simple. I’m usually spending time with my family—playing with my daughter, chatting with my wife, or just enjoying a meal together. There’s something grounding about those everyday moments that helps me reset after a busy When I’m not with them, I’m often tinkering with little projects or catching up on shows or movies. Nothing too highbrow—sometimes it’s just comfort viewing or something fun that doesn’t require too much thinking. I’ll also sneak in some reading or writing if the mood strikes, but nothing formal—more like jotting down thoughts Honestly, I’m happiest when the day is laid-back—no big plans, maybe a walk or a coffee, just going with the flow. Life’s busy enough, so in my downtime, I’m all about keeping it easy and enjoying life.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Right now, I don’t have any new books in the works, and I’m okay with that. As an indie author, the challenge isn’t just about writing more—it’s about ensuring the books I’ve already written get the attention they need. I’ve poured so much into those stories, and I believe they have more to offer. Rushing out something new just to stay busy doesn’t feel right to me. Writing is about quality, not quantity, and I’d rather wait for inspiration to strike than create something that doesn't really work just for the sake of it. At the moment, my focus is on giving my current books the spotlight they’ve earned. They deserve to be read, to resonate, and to find their audience. When the next idea comes, I’ll embrace it wholeheartedly