Meet Hector Miray | Author/Creator

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

Hi Hector, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
For me, it’s been a bible verse. “Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart. For God, not for man.” – Colossians 3:23. The idea to me that gauge of your efforts in every scenario should be to put your whole heart into, and that regardless of how it turns out, that’s the success. That being able to truly say you gave something your best is a safeguard from the traps of success or of failure. I think there also comes a freedom in knowing you are doing it for something and someone greater than yourself, because if you let you efforts and actions just be swayed by the opinions of people, then you can often lose what makes what you do unique or special.

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 write a book series called “Faith & Fandom.” It’s a book series of geeky devotionals and Bible studies. The goal is to help people of faith that are also into geeky and pop culture things to be able to continue to grow, or if there are geeky people who are curious about faith to have a place to explore and connect. This also spills into other formats, podcasts, stickers, shirts, candles, panels, etc, but all with the same heart. I walk through comicons with hundreds of other vendors and artists and never see anything like what I do, and i’ve seen thousands of people through the years love it and get really excited. They connect with it, and often times are grateful what I do exists. So i’m excited to be able to be the piece they were looking for. I love being able just to help people be seen, heard, and connected. I got where I am by being consistent and faithful to what I’m doing, sometimes without great success or results. I travel often to set up my booth across the country never knowing how it will result, but showing up and continually creating has helped me build a good platform. That and some grace. It’s not easy and I’ve wanted to quit almost as quickly as I began, but the responses and rewards have been so good. I also face plenty of negativity and aggression. I want the legacy of my art to be that it was done to help people connect, hope, be loved, and grow.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Coffee at Rude Awakening Coffee Shop in Fayetteville NC for a flight of coffee. Archway Burgers in Fayetteville NC for the best and most creative burger i’ve had. Then play Pokemon Go downtown Fayetteville and explore the city. Dragon’s Lair in Fayetteville NC for some comic books.On the way home, grab some Superior Donuts in Fayetteville/Hope Mills for the best pastries in the area. Wings at Arnold’s Restaurant in Lumberton for their Wings Wednesday special. A day chilling at Ocean Isle Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout to the people that have encouraged my writing and creativity through the years. Whether that be by purchasing my books, stopping by my booth to tell me what I do matters, sharing and promoting via social media, or by simply showing me kindness. Because my work is usually online, or behind a booth at comic cons, I don’t always get feedback, or enough positive feedback, so all of it is treasured. I know what I create is a niche within a niche within a niche. I know it’s not for everyone. So i’m grateful for those who let me know it’s appreciated. This is to you.

Website: www.faithandfandom.org

Instagram: @faithandfandom

Twitter: @faithandfandom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/faithandfandom

Podcast: faithandfandom.podbean.com