Author John Gary Long has released the first inspirational book in a planned series. I recently spoke with him about Hope’s Sunrise.
Tell me about your latest book.
Hope’s Sunrise is an inspirational love story set within Houston’s vibrant city life. It follows Dr. Hope Castillo, a brilliant psychologist and advocate for young women, who is forced to confront a devastating betrayal from her past when her sister reemerges, married to a charismatic but deeply flawed pastor. As Hope navigates family secrets and her own wounds, she finds an unexpected second chance at love with Justin Thompson, a widowed father whose quiet strength helps her realize that even after the darkest night, the sunrise brings hope and healing.
How long did it take you to write it?
I worked on the manuscript off and on for a year before taking a six-year break. I started again in earnest about a year ago. In between, life was a whirlwind of a 30-year corporate executive career and the rewarding work of raising our two children with my wife, Lisa. Like any busy parent, my time was dedicated to my son’s schoolwork, basketball tournaments and training and my daughter’s journey as a thespian—filled with auditions, rehearsals, and dance and voice lessons. A significant part of that season was dedicated to preparing both of our children for college, and we are incredibly proud that they both attended Howard University. Stepping back into the story now, with one child in college and the other recently graduated, feels like the perfect now-or-never moment to finally pursue this lifelong dream.
Which character could you relate to the most and why?
I relate deeply to Justin Thompson, though our specific battles differ. Like Justin, I try to be a good man who encounters the profound difficulties and struggles that are part of the journey for all men and fathers. I share his driving desire for my son to be better and have an even better life than I have had. While Justin’s flaws—including his battle with alcoholism and crushing guilt—are his own, we both share the fortune of having had good examples of parenting and unconditional love from our own parents to guide us. I wanted to build a hero defined by his character and his relentless effort to change for his family, rather than just by his professional credentials.
How are you celebrating the book’s release?
I am hosting a public launch event in Houston on February 1 to celebrate with my family, friends, and church community.
Who is your author best friend (either in your head or in real life)?
In my head, my author best friend is Brandon Massey. Although he specializes in thriller, horror, and suspense genres, different from the inspirational fiction of Hope’s Sunrise—I am deeply drawn to how he uses the supernatural and thriller elements to study the human condition. I admire his ability to craft compelling characters within contemporary African American life and his success as an independent publisher through Dark Corner Publishing.
What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve received?
The most valuable realization I had was that “tomorrow is not promised,” which pushed me to finally step out of the corporate executive lane and into my dream of writing. Professionally, I treat writing with the same rigor as my 30-year corporate career: a novel is a professional commitment to the reader that demands you show up every day, regardless of whether “inspiration” strikes.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I recently immersed myself in The Best Man: Unfinished Business. My wife and I have been on this journey with these characters since the original The Best Man movie. Malcolm D. Lee created such fun, profound, and enjoyable characters, and it has been great to see their evolution over the years.
What books are you excited to read?
I am very excited to read The Laws of Depravity by Eriq La Salle. I had the pleasure of listening to him speak at the African American Book Festival this past fall in Houston. He is such a successful actor, director, and producer who prides himself on being a storyteller above all else. Seeing him succeed as an author is truly inspirational to me as I embark on my own writing career.
What’s next for you?
Hope’s Sunrise is actually the first in a planned series of three books. I am currently writing the follow-up novel, continuing my mission to tell stories at the intersection of love, family, and resilience.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I want readers to walk away knowing that suffering is not a definition; it is preparation. Whether you are battling the stigma of mental health or the reality of addiction, seeking help—whether through therapy or a support group like AA—is not a sign of failure, but an act of courage and an acceptance of grace. My goal is to remind readers that new beginnings are always possible.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction link to purchase your copy of Hope’s Sunrise by John Gary Long.
To learn more about John Gary Long, author and founder of FearNot Media, visit his website or connect with him on Instagram.
Website: www.JohnGaryLong.com
Instagram: instagram.com/johngarylong1