Joshua G B introduces readers to a heartfelt and imaginative world in Kudzu Cradle & The Forgotten Creature of the Lowcountry. His path to becoming an author has been anything but ordinary. Growing up in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by marshlands and winding rivers, Joshua developed a deep connection to the Lowcountry that would later shape his storytelling. Before writing, he spent years working in his family’s electrical contracting business, with occasional experiences in the film industry.
Writing came later in his life, influenced by a growing love for books. Discovering popular fantasy stories sparked something within him, encouraging him to explore storytelling for himself. Joshua often reflects on how life’s many experiences, both uplifting and difficult, have given him a broader emotional range. That emotional depth plays a key role in how he builds his characters and narratives. His belief is simple yet powerful. When a writer feels what the character feels, the story becomes more real.
Kudzu Cradle’s Unexpected Journey
The novel centers on Kudzu Cradle, a ten-year-old girl whose life has been marked by change. As a foster child, she has moved through different homes, never staying long enough to feel truly settled. Though she remembers her parents, her present has been shaped by uncertainty. Her belongings are few, yet meaningful, offering small pieces of comfort in an unstable world.
At the beginning of the story, Kudzu finds herself in a rare moment of contentment. She has a safe home, close friends, and a sense that life might finally stay steady. The anticipation of summer fills her thoughts, bringing with it a sense of normalcy she has longed for. That feeling is quickly disrupted when she is told she must leave and spend the summer somewhere unfamiliar.
The emotional impact of this decision is immediate. Kudzu’s disappointment reflects the pain of losing something she had just begun to trust. Yet, within that moment lies the beginning of her transformation. Joshua presents her as a character who carries quiet resilience, even when faced with situations she cannot control.
The Island That Holds More Than Secrets
Kudzu’s destination, Nulle Part Island, is introduced as a place wrapped in mystery. Stories about the island circulate among children, filled with rumors of a haunted hotel, strange sightings, and an unknown creature hidden in the marshes. These tales create a sense of unease, yet they also spark curiosity.
The island itself becomes a central presence in the story. Its atmosphere feels layered, blending the familiar beauty of the Lowcountry with an undercurrent of something unusual. At its heart stands an old hotel owned by Sue Sue, a woman whose presence is both welcoming and enigmatic.
Within this setting, Kudzu begins to meet individuals who shape her experience. Sue Sue offers guidance in subtle ways, while Ms. Blanche carries an air of knowledge that suggests deeper connections to the island’s history. Nostrils, the pig who becomes Kudzu’s companion, introduces moments of lightness that balance the story’s more serious themes.
Joshua’s writing brings the environment to life. The marshes, water, and quiet surroundings feel vivid and immersive. His personal connection to the region adds authenticity, making the setting feel like more than just a backdrop. It becomes an active part of Kudzu’s journey.
As Kudzu spends time on the island, she begins to notice that things are not as they seem. The boundaries of time and reality appear to shift, revealing a world that feels almost dreamlike. What starts as a place of fear gradually transforms into a space of discovery.
A Story of Identity and Inner Strength
Kudzu Cradle & The Forgotten Creature of the Lowcountry unfolds as a coming-of-age story that explores themes of belonging and self-discovery. Kudzu’s journey is not only about uncovering the mysteries of the island but also about understanding her own identity.
Through her experiences, she begins to see that her past does not define her limits. Instead, it becomes part of a larger story that continues to unfold. The relationships she builds and the challenges she faces help her develop a sense of confidence that had been missing from her life.
Joshua’s storytelling reflects his belief in the connection between character and plot. Kudzu’s growth shapes the direction of the narrative, while the events around her influence who she becomes. This interplay creates a story that feels balanced and engaging.
He has described how closely he connected with Kudzu during the writing process, experiencing her emotions as if they were his own. That connection adds a layer of sincerity to the novel, allowing readers to feel invested in her journey.
The book blends Southern charm with elements of fantasy, creating a tone that is both warm and intriguing. Moments of humor sit comfortably alongside scenes of reflection and discovery. The result is a story that feels approachable while still offering depth.
Available on Amazon, this debut novel introduces readers to a world where mystery and emotion come together. Through Kudzu’s story, Joshua presents a narrative that highlights the importance of connection, the search for belonging, and the quiet strength found within.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
My name is Josh Braddy, also known as Joshua G B, the author of a novel entitled “Kudzu Cradle & The Forgotten Creature of the Lowcountry”. I was born and raised in the area where I still reside. I lived in a few other places around the United States, but I always found myself wanting to come back. The marsh and rivers, and the people around me, are as much a part of me as the fingers I use to write this. I worked as an electrician for my family’s business most of my life, except for when I lived elsewhere working on various television shows and movies. I have always been happiest creating or telling stories, and I loved being a part of the filmmaking process. In the present moment, I earn a living as a part-time teacher at a local private school. I love teaching young people, but the most pleasing part is the connection you can gain with students.
Please share your journey with our readers.
This story had been bouncing around inside my head for a ten-year period, but I never seemed to have the mental fortitude to start and finish it. I would write for three weeks or so and then stop. I look back at the time, knowing that it just wasn’t the right moment for me to write Kudzu. I guess I had other things in my life that were taking up my time and energy. But in 2024, after school wrapped up, I made a promise to myself to sit down at the computer and not get up until I got this story out there…It took the next fifteen months to finish a first draft. This was followed by four months of professional editing and formatting. I published the novel last November, but I would classify that as “soft publishing”. I wanted friends and family to read the book first, to possibly give me feedback before sending it out into the world for everyone to read.
I believe the true goal of an artist is the connection you get with a reader or an audience member. If your work touches one person, if it affects one soul or inspires someone, then you’ve accomplished what your work was meant to accomplish. This all sounds great, but it is certainly easier said than done. It bruises the soul when people don’t see your movie or buy your book.
Please tell us about your book.
Kudzu Cradle is a young adult novel about a 10-year-old foster kid who spends her 5th-grade summer months at an abandoned hotel on a nearby mysterious Island. The story takes place in the low-lying rivers and marshes of the Lowcountry. An area that curls up the southeastern US coast from North Florida into the lowlands of South Carolina. A place where I was born and raised, it’s a region that has its fair share of ghost stories, folklore, and local legends that I wanted to blend into Kudzu’s narrative.
The story also happens during the time period when I was the same age as Kudzu. These were moments of my life when I was most happy. Joyful memories of being outside all day: riding bicycles with friends through the woods and forest. Swimming in the creeks and rivers around my house or trudging through the mud chasing fiddler crabs when the tide was low. I remember always wishing to discover anything that was unknown to us… even if this meant exploring those places we weren’t allowed to go. When I set myself to writing “Kudzu Cradle,” I wanted to incorporate these memories and, more importantly, those feelings into the story. It was a labor of love for me, and Kudzu is as real to me as anyone I’ve ever known. I hurt when she hurt, and I laughed when she laughed.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I’ve read that some authors first produce an outline for their story before writing it. I didn’t do that. I had a loose outline in my mind on how the story was going to unfold, but really, I sat down at the computer and allowed it to unfold. This might sound strange for another to read, but it was almost as if the story of Kudzu Cradle didn’t come from me at all. In a way, it was given to me so I could write it down. I saw the story happening in my mind and tried my best to express that on paper. Being that this is my first novel, the first draft was truly a “rough cut” that needed to be refined and fixed so the book would flow properly. I think writing a novel could best be described as: having a block of marble being plopped down in front of you and knowing what it will be when you are finished. At first, you will chop large chunks from the marble with a big hammer. Then, smaller pieces. Soon, the block of marble takes the shape you have always seen in your mind. You refine it, and refine it (this process could last an eternity, I think) until the sculpture is ready to be polished and finished. I have a couple of secret strategies I used during the writing process, but I won’t discuss them here. If someone wants to know these tricks, they can go to the website or email me, and I’ll be happy to discuss them. 😉
In the end, I’ve done my best to prioritize the reasons I wrote this novel to begin with: To keep a promise to myself and finish something I started. To tell the story of Kudzu Cradle and to get it into the hands of as many people as possible.
Thank you so much, Joshua, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
