Introducing Jason ElRite

Jason ElRite was born and raised in the small town of Houghton, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. After graduating from Michigan State University, Jason began his professional journey as a public school teacher. In a career spanning over six grade levels, five decades and three states, he has taught English, US history, yearbook, journalism, drama, video production, stagecraft, and a class he co-created that combines English and world history in one unified block. Along the way, he married Kim, the love of his life, and with her raised two sons, Jack and Daniel.

His personal writing odyssey began with an online blog Balcony Dads, that he co-wrote with Alvin Anthony. Jason then began to focus on his first novel The Goliath.

Jason currently resides in Carmel, Indiana, and enjoys spending time with his family, walking his dog Franklin, and, naturally, writing.

For the author, the journey to writing The Goliath was almost as long as the one taken by the protagonists in the book. It all started when Jason and his blog-writing partner Alvin Anthony were sitting in a parking lot discussing novel ideas while waiting for a play. Jason talked about wanting to incorporate a time travel element, while Alvin was thinking of a magical train. With Alvin's permission, Jason latched onto the train idea. A seed was planted that continued to grow in Jason's mind. He began drafting and finished the first twenty-four pages, which made it the longest thing he had ever written. Then, tragedy struck. While performing a computer update, Jason thought he had lost access to what he had written. It was only through an unrelated email search six years later that Jason became reacquainted with his work.

Newly reunited, Jason was eager to continue but just seemed to need a little push. It came in the form of an Eli Lilly Teacher Creativity Project grant that he applied for and received in the winter of 2024. This very generous grant allowed him and his editor (and wife) to personally visit the central locations that appear in the book. The trip was amazing, and Jason returned to the states motivated more than ever. He resumed with the pledge to write something every single day until he finished the rough draft, which he did with the exception of two instances. Numerous writing sessions with Alvin also helped to keep him going, and finally the first draft was complete. Then came the revision process. Sharing a copy of his manuscript with one of his students, along with notes from his editor, provided him with valuable feedback. Throughout the process, characters were developed, plot points were shifted, and dialogue was tightened.

At last, it was time to publish. After a plethora of advice, YouTube videos, and blind luck, Jason was able to upload his novel to both Amazon and IngramSpark for readers to find. He hopes those who choose to take a ride on the Goliath get as much enjoyment out of it as he did laying the tracks.