Today we’d like to introduce you to James Foley.
Hi James, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a corporate ex-pat turned fiction writer, with a business career that spanned more than 35 years. Throughout those decades, I was always writing—just not the kinds of pieces I truly wanted to write. Now I write crime thrillers. They’re a lot more fun than business writing.
After leaving the corporate world, I moved to the beach in South Florida and fulfilled a lifelong dream. For seven years, I volunteered at a sea turtle hospital and became deeply involved with local environmental organizations. Some of that work took place late at night, scouting for nesting sea turtles. The beach is spectacular in the middle of the night—mysterious, serene, and just a little spooky. Those nights under the stars inspired my debut novel, Treasure Coast, a crime thriller set against the backdrop of Florida’s natural beauty. The packages of cocaine that washed up on the beach lent their own kind of inspiration.
Three years ago, I relocated to San Diego, where I discovered a vibrant and supportive writing community. Attending the San Diego Writers Festival and a local writers conference connected me with other authors and industry professionals who’ve made a tremendous impact on my work. Writing books isn’t a solitary exercise, it takes a village, and we have a terrific one here in San Diego.
Treasure Coast was published in February 2025. My second book, Blue Ridge, is a sequel that and takes place in the mountains of western North Carolina. Presently, I’m working on the third and final book in the series which I’ve set on magical Catalina Island. I’ve also completed a manuscript titled, An American Boyfriend, a very twisty thriller that takes place in San Diego and across the border in Rosarito.
Treasure Coast is available on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, and at a variety of independent bookstores—you can even spot it in shops at the San Diego airport.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a new fiction author comes with a unique set of challenges that can make breaking into the literary world feel overwhelming. Without an established name or readership, it’s incredibly difficult to gain the attention of publishers, agents, and readers. The publishing industry is highly competitive, and new voices, like mine, are easily drowned out. I had to be tenacious and I had to learn a lot. Simply put, it’s been anything but easy.
Building credibility as an author takes time, and I’ve had to juggle writing manuscripts with marketing, social media and other necessities. One of the most difficult parts has been the lack of immediate recognition which leads to self-doubt, making it hard to stay motivated through rejections and slow sales.
It’s not enough to be passionate about writing. Gaining traction as a new fiction author requires persistence, resilience, and a willingness to learn the business side of books. Traditional publishing is also a very slow process. You have to be patient —something that doesn’t come easily to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My books are commercial fiction—written to entertain, hook you fast, and keep you up way too late turning pages. Think twisty thrillers with wide appeal—the kind you devour in one sitting and regret when you’re late for work the next morning. But for me, great stories don’t stop at entertainment. The books I love to read—and the ones I strive to write—carry something more: deeper meaning, layered sub-themes, and messages that linger. That’s what sets me apart. I believe stories have the power to shift perspectives, spark conversations, and inspire real change. Now more than ever, writers have a responsibility to use their voices—to provoke, to challenge, and to ignite meaningful dialogue. When you write something that does that, well it’s very special.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Like so many other sectors of business today, the publishing industry has consolidated. Today there just five major players—often referred to as the “Big Five Publishers.” For new writers, this means opportunities to break in through traditional channels are slim and competition is more intense than ever. The industry is evolving though, with digital platforms, self-publishing, and social media reshaping how stories reach readers. I’m traditionally published with an indie publisher. That provides me with some advantages I wouldn’t have if I’d self-published but most of the responsibilities for marketing, branding, and building a platform still fall on me.
Having heard all this, you might ask if there is any good news for new writers. While this may be one of the toughest times to get a book traditionally published, it’s also one of the best times to have a story optioned for television or film. I’m excited to say, there’s been some early interest in Treasure Coast, so fingers crossed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://james-foley.com
- Instagram: @jamesfoleyauthor
- Facebook: james foley-author
