New Jersey has long been home to thinkers, writers, and storytellers who reflect the pulse of the state while shaping conversations far beyond its borders. Among today’s most compelling creative figures is Calvin Barry Schwartz, a New Jersey-based author, educator, journalist, and media host whose work bridges literature, mentorship, and community storytelling. As 2026 unfolds, Schwartz continues to build a dynamic body of work rooted in curiosity, purpose, and a deep commitment to the institutions and people that define the Garden State.
At the center of this recent wave is There’s a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit, a novel that leans into bold emotional truth while maintaining a streak of wry humor. Rather than offering a conventional narrative, Schwartz builds a story that unfolds across decades of experience, memory, and reflection. The novel wrestles with questions of selfhood, purpose, and transformation, inviting readers to examine how identity shifts over time and how meaning is constructed through both triumphs and setbacks. Its distinctive voice, equal parts candid and contemplative, marks it as a book that resists easy categorization, instead positioning itself as a meditation on what it means to live fully and consciously.
Complementing that inner exploration is 10 Things I Learned from the Billionaire: A Business Fable, co-written with Kae Wagner and released at the end of 2025. Where Tortoise turns inward, Billionaire looks outward, distilling decades of mentorship and real-world observation into ten guiding principles for leadership, growth, and strategic thinking. The book is structured as a modern fable, translating complex business insights into accessible lessons that speak to entrepreneurs, executives, students, and dreamers alike. Its narrative style keeps it engaging while grounding its ideas in practical reality, emphasizing clarity of vision, resilience, ethical decision-making, and long-term relationship building. Together, the two books create a deliberate balance between spirit and success, introspection and execution, imagination and discipline.
This dual release has not emerged in isolation. Schwartz’s literary roots reach back to Newark, New Jersey, where his earlier novel Vichy Water earned recognition for capturing the texture and tension of hometown life. Set against the backdrop of his native city, that work established his reputation for weaving place into story, turning real streets and communities into emotional landscapes that resonate far beyond their geographic boundaries. Newark’s influence remains a quiet undercurrent in all his writing, reinforcing a sense of authenticity and grounding that readers instinctively recognize.
What makes Schwartz’s current moment particularly compelling is the range of audiences his work now reaches. Fiction readers drawn to psychologically rich narratives find depth in Tortoise. Professionals and students seeking direction gravitate toward Billionaire. Longtime New Jersey literature enthusiasts appreciate the continued evolution of a homegrown voice who never abandoned his roots. His books invite reflection while also offering tangible tools for growth, a rare combination in today’s publishing landscape.
New Jersey has always produced writers unafraid to challenge form and expectation, and Schwartz’s expanding catalog fits that lineage. His stories question how people define themselves, how ambition is shaped, and how reinvention is possible at any point along life’s timeline. That thematic consistency gives his body of work cohesion even as each title explores different genres and audiences.
For readers eager to follow the Garden State’s vibrant literary scene, Schwartz’s latest releases are part of a broader wave of writing talent emerging from New Jersey’s towns and cities. Additional author features, reviews, and literary spotlights can be found through Explore New Jersey’s books and literature coverage, a growing resource for readers who want to stay connected to the state’s creative pulse.
As early 2026 continues to unfold, Calvin Barry Schwartz’s pair of late-2025 releases stands as a statement of artistic range and narrative courage. One book asks readers to confront their inner evolution, the other challenges them to build their external success with intention. Together, they reflect a writer unafraid to explore the full spectrum of human aspiration, from the quiet work of the soul to the public pursuit of achievement, all while carrying New Jersey’s literary spirit onto a broader stage.
Schwartz’s connection to Rutgers University anchors much of his professional and personal identity. A proud Rutgers alumnus, he later returned to the university as a lecturer, guiding students through courses in career exploration, communication, and professional development. His involvement on campus extends well beyond the classroom. He actively mentors students, participates in university initiatives, supports athletics programs, and contributes to advisory committees connected to health and medical advancement. His ongoing presence at Rutgers reflects a sustained investment in education, leadership, and student opportunity.
That same commitment to storytelling and insight drives his literary work. Drawing inspiration from New Jersey’s social fabric and cultural rhythm, Schwartz crafts narratives that feel both deeply personal and widely relatable. His writing explores self-discovery, ambition, transformation, and connection, often reflecting the emotional textures of community life and institutional experience. Like many of the state’s celebrated literary voices, his sense of place informs his perspective, grounding his themes in authenticity.
In late 2025, Schwartz released two distinctly different yet thematically connected books that have drawn significant attention into early 2026. There’s a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit presents a metaphysical narrative centered on identity and inner exploration, inviting readers into a contemplative journey of meaning and self-awareness. In contrast, 10 Things I Learned from the Billionaire: A Business Fable, co-written with Kae Wagner, transforms years of real-world mentorship under a global business leader into a concise and engaging guide to leadership, strategic thinking, and professional growth. Together, these works highlight Schwartz’s versatility as a writer equally comfortable in fiction, philosophy, and practical instruction.
Beyond publishing, Schwartz’s media career has focused on elevating local voices and documenting the lived experiences of New Jersey communities. His work with NJ Discover positioned him as a journalist, producer, and host dedicated to human-interest storytelling across Central Jersey. His reporting has explored social challenges, environmental issues, community advocacy, and personal triumph, reinforcing the idea that meaningful stories exist close to home.
That philosophy carries into his global podcast, Conversations with Calvin; WE the SpecIEs, a far-reaching interview platform that has featured hundreds of guests from around the world. While international in scope, the program frequently highlights New Jersey-based guests, including students, athletes, educators, and community leaders, continuing his long-standing mission of giving people space to share their experiences and ideas.
A lesser-known literary detail underscores just how deeply Rutgers and New Jersey are embedded in his creative imagination. His earlier novel Vichy Water reportedly references Rutgers repeatedly, signaling a longstanding habit of weaving real institutional and regional identity into fictional storytelling.
Schwartz’s growing portfolio of books, interviews, lectures, and media projects paints the picture of a creator driven by exploration and connection. His work speaks to readers, listeners, and students seeking guidance, insight, and inspiration through real stories and thoughtful dialogue. For those who follow New Jersey’s evolving literary and cultural landscape, his contributions continue to shape the conversation. Readers interested in discovering more writers and literary happenings across the state can explore additional coverage through Explore New Jersey’s books and literary features.
In a state known for its strong voices and distinctive character, Calvin Barry Schwartz stands out as a storyteller who bridges imagination with experience, education with creativity, and community with global reach. His journey remains an unfolding narrative—one that continues to expand New Jersey’s cultural footprint while reminding audiences that curiosity and purpose are lifelong pursuits.
