E.J Holt was born and raised in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, he is a true sports fan and Philadelphian, claiming the Eagles as his favorite football team. He regularly writes for CrockerReport.com covering College and NFL football. Mr. Holt penned his first reality-based novel “Who Are You Really?” in 2020 and published it through his company Level Up Publishing LLC the following year. He is an avid writer and established his company to publish literary works that dig deeper into the urban fiction genre. His mission is to extend beyond the commonplace stories of romance and drug dealing in order to show a more multifaceted side of African American culture and literature. 
1.) Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a first-time novelist. I started off in sports writing. I worked in cable for 10 years which gave me exposure to all different types of people. Thirty-nine years old. Laid back. I make it a point to smile and laugh every day because I believe life is meant to be enjoyed.
2.) Tell us the title of your book and what it’s about.
Who Are You Really? – It’s the story of a ruthless couple with a passion for human nature who start a psychological study. During that study, they get a peek into the lives of people on and offline, which leads to jaw-dropping results.
3.) What was the inspiration for this book?
My inspiration for the book was honestly my own interactions on social media and my own personal interests in human psychology.
4.) What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
Ending it. I had a lot of different directions I could take and there is still room for character development. But if I had kept up, I’d still be writing. LOL.
5.) You stated that you are dedicated to showing a more multifaceted of African American culture. Please elaborate.
I want to show that urban fiction is more than drugs, gangs, and sex. I believe I can expand the urban fiction genre to cover so many more aspects of storytelling. Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Comedy, etc. I plan on changing the genre.
6.) What was the most intriguing part of writing Who Are You,  Really? 
The characters. I really had to laugh at myself with some of the crazy characters I made up.
 
7.) Describe your novel in one line. 
You really don’t know who you’re talking to online.
8.) Why did you choose to self-publish your novel?
My good friend, Jay Cerrone, put the idea of pride in ownership in my head. I really like the idea of having my own publishing company and I can put out the content that I want at my own pace. Being my own boss suits me.
9.) Where can readers purchase your book? 
Readers can purchase my book at www.leveluppublishingco.com or if they’re in the Philadelphia area they can DM me on IG @leveluppublishingphillyllc and I can deliver their books. 
10.) Where can our readers find you on social media?
Who Are You, Really, E.J. Holt

Audra Russell

Audra Russell

Audra Russell is a blogger, freelance writer, and published author. She holds two undergraduate degrees in journalism as well as a Master of Science degree in Education. She also completed the Wesleyan University online Creative Writing Specialization course series.

She is an avid reader and writer’s advocate. Her passion for promoting the works of up-and-coming authors inspired her to create her podcast, Between the Reads, as well as her website, Read It Black to Me. Her debut novel, BLOOD LAND, was published on August 29, 2020, as her fiftieth birthday gift to herself. She lives in Maryland with her husband of more than 20 years, her 3 amazing children, a 12-year-old perpetual puppy, two dueling cats, and her lone surviving chicken of 8 years who she affectionately renamed Gloria (she will survive!)