We had the good fortune of connecting with Ian James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town in West Virginia, which is a misunderstood state. Films and television often portray it in a less-than-favorable way. That’s why I have made it a large part of my creative identity. The stories I tell are fictional, but I always try to incorporate the characteristics and history of West Virginia that I want people to be aware of.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I primarily focus on telling horror stories. I recently finished and published my web series “Sad’s Hollow” on YouTube. I couldn’t be more proud of it. It has traditional horror elements but also serves as a character-driven drama. It was an amazing experience, and I met wonderful people who helped make the story even more profound.

I have recently found a lot of fulfillment in creating audiobooks that I publish on social media accompanied by still images and art. I often struggle with juggling all of the ideas that I have and the audiobooks have been a way for me to get that creative energy out faster and I’m quite excited about that.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that an artist should create for themselves. If you become overly concerned with minor imperfections or other people’s perceptions you will inevitably burn out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’m a pretty big homebody so I had to have the other half of Baer Street Entertainment help me out with this one and some of it will stretch outside the perimeter:

Westend – take a stroll along the newest spur of the Beltline and end at Wild Heaven Brewery for mulitas from El Tesoro and endless beer on tap.
Decatur – ride the MARTA to downtown Decatur, have brunch at Cafe Lily, then hit up the Dekalb Farmers Market
Marietta – have lunch at Marietta Pizza Co., shop at the boutiques in the town square, then go on a Haunted Ghost Tour of downtown
Virginia Highlands – go antique shopping, enjoy sushi from Ocean Wave, then catch a show at the Fox Theatre
Southside – end at The Brake Pad in College Park where you can get solid bar food & a very strong drink without breaking the bank.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Sarah, has played a crucial role in my creative journey. Without her I would have given up on my creative endeavors long ago. She supports my dreams and does whatever she can to make them a reality, including moving to Atlanta and starting a production company with me.

Website: Baerstreet.com

Instagram: Personal: @IanAllanJames Business: @BaerStreet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091516747538

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BaerStreet

Other: TikTok: @BaerStreetEntertainment

Image Credits
Rebekah Nichilo Austin Jansma Sarah James Tadeo Phillips

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