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Meet Grimm Catholic Writer J.C. Hopes

Meet Grimm Catholic Writer J.C. Hopes

Last updated on: October 13, 2026 at 12:20 am by Mark Wilson

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Meet Grimm Catholic Writer J.C. Hopes 2026-10-13T00:20:47-05:00 Mark Wilson

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If you were ever worried that there was no clean pulp fiction in libraries and bookstores today, well there is some hope in J.C. Hopes. He is another author dedicated to his Catholic faith and to writing good fiction. Each and every writer in the Meet the Writers series is dedicated to craft and Catholicism. It’s inspiring to read about fellow Catholics pursuing their God-given gifts. Learn about a great children’s book author as you…

Meet Grimm Catholic Writer J.C. Hopes

Tell something interesting about yourself.

They say do what you’re good at. I’m not really good at anything except writing prose fiction. I figured that was the purpose God gave me in the world so I’m trying to fulfill it. One interesting thing is that I have lived in many places in the world. I only came back to the U.S. to take care of my parents.

What makes a good Catholic writer?

Fiction only has value because of the Truth reflected within it. A good Catholic writer should lead the reader to Christ by the virtue of the story itself, not by hitting them over the head with messaging. If God is Truth, and your story contains Truth, then the reader should be able to come to those conclusions without being told what to think. You know what they say about making horses drink water.

What do you like about being a Catholic/Christian Writer?

It allows me to shave time off in Purgatory by being useful.

What is the Main focus of your particular Writing or what do you like to write about?

Everything I write is a book I wish already existed. So I’m just having to supply the hard part myself. I focus on pulpy genre fiction like urban fantasy, and I aim to combine 2 things which have apparently hitherto only been done rarely: “clean fantasy” + quality fiction. How many great novels have been marred by that one sex scene or blasphemy? On the other hand, how many heavy-handed “inspirational” Christian fiction that treats the reader like a child? From a Catholic point of view, I want to supply quality clean fantasy that doesn’t skimp out on the bite that makes genre fiction truly entertaining.

How does your Catholic Faith influence your writing?

All my books are very firmly grounded in Thomistic metaphysics. From philosophical discussions to the nuances of folklore creatures and relics, my books have enough to satiate scholastic nerds everywhere. I also really like writing about family relationships and the difficulties families have in keeping the faith when the modern world pushes in. Reading Austen and Tolkien over and over again is fine, but I think we need books that speak to contemporary struggles in the Catholic community.

What’s your favorite article/Post/book/story you have written?

Of those published, Agency Grimm. It’s nerdy, chic, badass, and epic, and has a fair bit of absurd humor. It checks off all the boxes.

What is your favorite topic/subject to write about?

Speculative fiction, though I gravitate towards psychology, relationships, and semi-modern historical settings like the 1920s. These settings are just far enough to feel exotic and just near enough to be understandable. Horse-drawn carts and telephones existing at the same time has a certain magic to it.

Favorite scripture verse.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

What Are you currently working on?

Rumors say the second installment of Agency Grimm is currently in the works, though I know nothing of this.

Name a favorite saint or Catholic or some other figure who inspires you in your life.

St. Francis of Assisi. His overflowing love for people and the natural world inspires me to treat others with the love that God gave us rather than judgment. I also really like animals.

October 12, October 6, 2006 – A website based on Carlo Acutis notes was unveiled on the Feast of St. Francis, only days before his death. This interview is being published on the Feast of St. Carlo Acutis.

C.S. Lewis also inspires me. The man was a powerhouse of a writer and hit all the genres because he was dedicated to spreading Christianity in any way that people of the modern would accept. He didn’t always succeed, but he worked tirelessly and often hit the mark.

Who is your favorite Living Writer?

Eoin Colfer has done more to inspire kids to be precocious child masterminds than any other in history. He deserves credit for that and defining the “quirky” side of urban fantasy. Other than that, the list is very slim.

‘Artemis Fowl’ Animated Series Greenlit At Disney — NYCC

If you could have lunch with any deceased writer, who would it be, what would you eat and what would you talk about?

I’d have apple pie with Ray Bradbury and talk about his adventures in his hometown growing up.

Bradbury in 1975 -photo by Alan Light

Name a favorite movie/tv show or music you find worth sharing with others.

The 2022 film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. This is a work of high art next to the Godfather and is a masterclass in the redemption arc. Perrito is my favorite.

Can you see one of your books being made into a movie or tv series? Who would you want to star or direct?

Honestly, no. Agency Grimm is way too Catholic and Hollywood would hate it. The producers would most likely start going up in smoke.

Favorite Historical event.

Typically when nothing happens, as usually only terrible or tumultuous times make it to the history books. However, if I had to pick one, I would say the reconquest of Jerusalem in 1099.

Taking of Jerusalem by the Crusaders, 15th July 1099 painting by Émile Signol (1847), Palace of Versailles

This interview was published on October 12, 2026

The day these other Historical Trivia events happened

1492 – Christopher Columbus‘s first expedition makes landfall on San Salvador Island in the Caribbean. (Julian calendar). This post is being published on Columbs Day 2026.

1692 – The Salem witch trials are ended by a letter from Province of Massachusetts Bay Governor William Phips.

1792 – The first celebration of Columbus Day is held in New York City.

First Landing of Columbus on the Shores of the New World. Painting by Dióscoro Puebla (1862)

1892 – The Pledge of Allegiance is first recited by students in many US public schools.

Schoolchildren in 1899 reciting the Pledge of Allegiance

1928 – An iron lung respirator is used for the first time at Boston Children’s Hospital.

L0001309 Two types of 20th century respirator.
Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome
http://wellcomeimages.org London County Council Cuirass Respirator (Figure A).

1994 – The Magellan spacecraft burns up in the atmosphere of Venus.

Magellan with its Star 48B solid rocket motor undergoing final checks at the Kennedy Space Center

What else do you want people to know about anything.

Folklore can be fun, and I’m about to prove it to you.

For more info about the series, check out my website here: grimmsdetectiveagency.com

Leave this world a better place than you found it, and don’t add to the difficulties in anyone’s lives.

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