IAC Author Spotlight: J.D. Harbor
- Mar 30
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Join us for an exclusive interview with debut contemporary romance author J.D. Harbor. We'll explore his journey as a writer, the inspiration behind his stories, and his unique storytelling approach. Gain insights into the publishing process he navigated for his debut novel. J.D. Harbor will share challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned, offering practical advice for aspiring authors. We'll also discuss the impact of contemporary romance and his contributions to the genre. Don't miss this opportunity to understand J.D. Harbor's artistic vision and future projects.
About J.D. Harbor
When did you first start writing?
November 2003
Was there any author or book in particular that inspired you to write? Or a teacher/mentor?
My love for storytelling started during my time as a military photojournalist, but it was reignited years later thanks to a close friend who was starting his own journey into fiction. His excitement reminded me how much I missed sharing stories.
What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success means creating stories that truly connect with readers—stories that make someone feel seen, understood, or simply swept away for a little while. Of course, milestones like strong reviews and steady book sales are validating, but the real reward is when a reader reaches out to say, “This story stayed with me.” If my books can inspire, comfort, or offer a sense of escape, then I consider that the greatest success I could ask for.
What do you do besides writing? Hobbies, passions, work, etc.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually planning our next cruise or enjoying time with my family here in Florida. I live with my wife, our two teens, and our energetic Border Collie who keeps us all on our toes. I also work in creative marketing and design, which lets me stay connected to visual storytelling. I love cooking—especially anything grilled—and I’m passionate about photography, art, and anything that lets me explore creativity from a different perspective.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have a close personal friend who is also a writer, and we frequently discuss our stories, workshop ideas, and offer feedback to one another. They prefer to stay anonymous, but their insight has been invaluable. I also remain connected with many of my fellow military writer colleagues, who serve as great sounding boards, advisors, and editors when I need a fresh perspective. Additionally, I’ve already built strong connections with several authors who will be joining me on the 2026 LoveLit Cruise, and I’m excited to continue growing within that community.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
My high school self wouldn’t believe me for a minute if I told him that one day he’d be publishing books. Back then, writing felt like an assignment—not something I ever imagined turning into a career. But I’d tell him to embrace storytelling earlier, to lean into creativity without worrying about where it leads, and to trust that his unique voice has a place in the world. Also, maybe take better notes—future me would appreciate it!
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
I’d have to go with a sea turtle—calm, steady, and always moving forward, even when the journey is long.
About J.D.'s Writing
What inspires you to write the most?
I’m most inspired by the process of uncovering a character’s emotional truth—what they fear, what they long for, and what they’re not ready to admit, even to themselves. There’s something incredibly rewarding about peeling back those layers and discovering the quiet, vulnerable moments that make them feel real. I don’t just write to tell a story—I write to explore why people do what they do, how love changes them, and what it takes to become the version of themselves they’re meant to be.
What is your favorite thing about writing?
My favorite thing is hearing from a reader who says, “I saw myself in that character.” That kind of connection means everything to me. It’s not just about telling a story—it’s about crafting people who feel real, with emotions, flaws, and growth that resonate. When a reader relates to a character’s journey or sees their own struggles reflected on the page, that’s the moment I know the writing did what it was meant to do.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
For me, it’s the fear that I won’t represent my characters with the care and authenticity they deserve—especially when I’m writing from backgrounds different than my own. One of my goals with the RomantiSea Serenades series is to bring together characters from a wide range of cultural and social experiences, reflecting the diversity you’d find on a real cruise. I’m grateful to have a diverse circle of friends and colleagues who help me shape these characters thoughtfully, but that fear of getting it wrong never fully disappears.
About J.D.'s Books
How many books have you written?
2 published
What are they called? Where can they be found/bought?
My debut novels are Emerald Tide and Sapphire Seas, the first two books in the RomantiSea Serenades series. They’re available wherever books are sold, including online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. I always encourage readers to support their local independent bookstores or request the titles through them. You can also find links and more details on my website: www.jdharbor.com.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
My next release in the RomantiSea Serenades series is already well underway, and beyond that, I’ve developed outlines, character arcs, key scenes, and dialogue drafts for several future installments. With a 15-book series planned, there’s a whole universe in progress—some stories are mapped out in detail, while others exist as scattered moments waiting to be brought to life. It’s safe to say my writing folder is packed with future voyages just waiting to set sail.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
Each book in the RomantiSea Serenades series is written to stand on its own, so readers can jump in at any point and still enjoy a complete love story. That said, there’s a deeper level of connection and emotional reward for those who read the companion novels together—and even more as the series unfolds. Side characters will reappear, storylines will subtly overlap, and readers will get to know the ship, its crew, and the recurring cast in more meaningful ways with each new voyage.
About Publishing
Have you tried to go the traditional route with publishing? How did it go?
I considered the traditional route and did some initial research, but ultimately chose to pursue independent publishing. I liked the flexibility and creative control that indie publishing offers—especially for a series as ambitious and interconnected as RomantiSea Serenades. It’s allowed me to shape the series exactly the way I envisioned it, from companion novel structure to release strategy. It’s been a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding to see it all come to life on my terms.
Why did you decide to self-publish?
I chose to self-publish because it gave me full creative control over my stories, timelines, and the structure of my companion novel format—something that doesn’t always fit neatly into traditional publishing models. With RomantiSea Serenades, I wanted the freedom to build an interconnected world on my own terms and release the books in a way that felt true to the characters and the journey. It’s been an empowering experience to shape every detail and bring my vision to life exactly how I imagined it.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Publishing my first book gave me momentum and motivation—I grew more excited to keep going. I’ve got so many stories mapped out in this series that now I find myself writing with a greater sense of urgency, almost impatient to get the next manuscript out into the world. It’s also helped me better understand my rhythm as a writer and what it takes to move from idea to finished product, which has made me more intentional (and more efficient) with each draft.
What is the hardest challenge as an independently published author?
Marketing—especially consistently putting myself out there—has definitely been the biggest challenge. I come from a background where I was confident telling other people’s stories, but sharing my own has pushed me out of my comfort zone. On top of that, balancing the demands of launching this new passion with my day job has been exhausting at times. That said, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my family, who’ve helped me stay grounded and motivated through every stage of this journey.
Other Books
Who is your favorite author now? What is it you like about them?
Honestly, I’m still getting my feet fully planted in the romance genre—it’s almost the last thing I would’ve imagined myself writing years ago! But inspiration has a funny way of taking the wheel. Now that I’m deep into crafting love stories, I’ve been diving into romance novels with a fresh perspective, not only to enjoy the stories but to learn from them. I’m still discovering what styles and voices resonate with me most, and it’s been a fun, eye-opening journey.
Do you have any favorite books you recommend right now?
One that’s always stuck with me is What Every Body Is Saying by Joe Navarro. I originally picked it up years ago when I was really into playing poker, and it’s one of those books that’s stuck with me far beyond the card table. It’s all about reading nonverbal cues and understanding body language—something that’s been surprisingly helpful as both a writer and a people-watcher. It’s not your typical go-to book for authors, but it definitely sharpened how I observe and write human behavior.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
I honestly don’t keep close tabs on what’s popular or underappreciated in the mainstream, so it’s a tough question to answer. That said, I’d love to give a shoutout to a friend of mine—Maria L.L. DeWillow—who wrote Constellation Eden. I only recently found out she had written a book, and I really enjoyed it. She hasn’t had much publicity behind it, so I’d consider it a hidden gem worth checking out.
What is your favorite childhood book?
I was actually a lot more into comic books growing up than traditional novels. I spent countless hours getting lost in superhero stories—anything from X-Men to Spider-Man. Those comics were my gateway into storytelling, character arcs, and world-building long before I ever imagined becoming a writer myself.
Readers & Advice
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
Honestly, I write for myself and for my characters first. Since I’m still early in my publishing journey, I don’t claim to fully know what readers want yet—but I do know when a story feels honest and fulfilling for the people I’ve created on the page. If I stay true to their journey and tell it with care, I trust that readers will connect with that authenticity. Originality tends to follow when you write with heart and intention.
How do you balance making demands on the reader with taking care of the reader?
I try to honor the reader’s emotional investment by staying true to the characters’ journeys—even when it means letting things get uncomfortable or messy. But I also believe in writing with empathy, which means giving readers the payoff and heart they’re hoping for. I don’t want to spoon-feed every detail, but I do want to guide them through a meaningful experience that feels authentic and earned. It’s about trust—trusting the reader to stay with me, and earning that trust by caring deeply about the story I’m telling.
What advice would you give to others who want to self-publish?
Be true to your goals and the kind of stories you want to tell. Don’t let the fear of not having an established name hold you back—every author starts somewhere. Self-publishing gives you the freedom to share your voice with the world on your own terms. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Do your research, stay open to learning, and most importantly, write the story that matters to you. The readers who need it will find it.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Before you ever write your opening chapter, spend time truly getting to know your characters. Understand who they are, what drives them, what scares them, and what they want most. When you know their emotional core, the story begins to unfold more naturally—because you’re not forcing them into situations that don’t fit, you’re allowing their journey to guide the plot. Character-driven stories resonate most when they come from a place of honesty, and that all starts before you ever type “Chapter One.”
Books by J.D. Harbor
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