Interview with Author, Producer and Celebrity Publicist William J. Bruce III

February 02, 2026

Interview with Author, Producer and Celebrity Publicist William J. Bruce III

Photographer: Daniel Addo

(Braids courtesy of Nicole Sarfo)

by Mick Michaels

Cosmick View: Hello, William, and welcome to The Cosmick View! Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.

William J. Bruce III: Thank you Mick, I really appreciate this interview.

CV: When did you realize you wanted to be an author? Was there a specific idea for a story or more of an inspirational push into a new direction?

WJB: So I first wanted to be an author when I was in the eighth grade. We had a teacher, Mrs. Maynes who taught a sort of Montessori style in our public school. She laid out what we needed to accomplish that particular term/year. This allowed us to learn how to gravitate to what we enjoyed and helped us to pace the term out. She even allowed us to work anywhere we wanted to in the school, even the teachers lounge. By doing this I learnt that I really enjoyed the idea of being a writer.

Regarding your second question, let’s say there was a specific idea that came out of an inspirational push. Back in 2017-2018 Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, and Dolores O'Riordan had all died within like an eight month window of each other, and as a fan, each had played a huge role in my heart. I had listened to their music and followed their careers. It had reminded me of back in the 90’s of when Tupac and Biggie had passed, it just left a gap.

So I started writing Hate (working title) about a music promoter who finds out about the mysterious death of a friend. It was really me trying to come to terms with the loss of these artists who had died. And a way for me to live out my rock n’ roll dream.

CV: As an author, what does an exclusive writing identity style look like to you, and what do you feel distinguishes your style from your peers?

WJB: Well, I can’t speak for others, but I will say this, my book comes with real emotion. I have a friend who used to act professionally who talked about method acting. It’s where an actor goes through great measures to get into character, things like starving yourself like Adrien Brody did to prepare for his role in the The Pianist, or Heath Ledger staying in character for the film The Dark Knight. I tried my own version of that as there was a scene that I was struggling to write…that might hopefully set me apart from my peers.

CV: Also, being a celebrity publicist and producer, do you feel your writings reflect much of your professional experience and if so, do you feel this gives your stories more edge to be able to connect to a wider audience?

WJB: The writing for Hate, really reflects my professional life, but from a personal perspective. Even though I followed the careers of Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, and Dolores O'Riordan I never had the privilege of knowing them or working in that arena. When they died I remember thinking, what if they were someone that I worked with? I’ve made many friends out here and sometimes I get concerned if I haven’t heard from someone for a bit.

CV: Tell us a little more about your latest title, "Hate."

WJB: Hate follows music promoter Irvin as he learns about the death of a close friend, and begins to uncover the mystery surrounding it. Just whatever you do, don’t read this book backwards, I don’t want to create a panic.

CV Are there any autobiographical similarities with the book's main character Irvin and yourself?

WJB: Absolutely, Irvin and I are very similar...maybe too similar.

CV: Many critics believe books have fallen out of public favor...its connection with the masses is lost. Is that really the case on some level, or have books found themselves simply competing for attention in a sea of over stimuli?

WJB: I don’t personally see books as fallen out of public favor. I think the issue is market saturation, everybody and their mom has written a book today. Everyone who’s retired today has written a book from former musicians and athletes to politicians. I would compare it to the education system; back in our parents' generation only certain people made it through university whereas today everyone has a degree…except me.

CV: As a producer and writer, is AI something the artistic industry should be fearful of, or should it be embraced as another tool to help creativity prosper?

WJB: AI pisses me off quite frankly. There are people who have worked hard to learn their craft only to have someone else throw their work into some AI software and say, “hey make me a song about yada yada yada that sounds like something so and so would write”, and three seconds later they call themselves a song writer. It scares me as it’s really still in a learning stage right now learning how we all write.

CV: In addition to the new book, what more can we expect to see coming from you in 2026 and beyond?

WJB: Well, I know I have a friend who is working on a film. I've helped him by looking over the script and giving suggestions, but that still looks like a way off at this point. I also have a couple of old recordings of some interviews that I did for a show that I am hoping to put out. One of them (The Dodies) I booked through Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal. We did the recording and Ron even introduced them, but then COVID happened. But they are really cool guys, so regardless, check them out!

CV: Thanks again, William, for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.

WJB: Thank you again Mick, the pleasure is all mine!

Check out William at:
Official: https://www.williamjbruceiii.com

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.