Featured Interview With Author Joseph Lewis
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
After 49 years in education, Joseph Lewis has retired as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator. Born and raised in Wisconsin in a musical family of ten, he has been on stage singing and acting since fourth grade. In his profession as a principal, he opted each year to sing a song to his graduating seniors in place of a commencement address. Years later, kids and parents would recall how much “their song” meant to them.
Lewis now resides in Virginia with his wife, Kim. Together, they have three wonderful children: Wil (deceased 2014), Hannah, and Emily, and one grandson, Mason.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
After school, I had to wait for my dad to pick me up after his workday ended. I waited at the library, and it was there I fell in love with books. I'd wander the stacks until a cover and description jumped out at me and I'd read it cover to cover. This began in sixth or seventh grade. My first short story was published in 1987, and my first book was published in 2014. A bit of a gap between the reading and writing, but it all came together nicely.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am drawn to thriller-crime-mystery as both a reader and writer. My "go to" writers are David Baldacci, John Stanford, and James Patterson. Lately, I've been reading Joan Livingston and her Isabel Long Mystery Series (I highly recommend), Cam Torrens, and Brian Kaufman. When I browse through channels looking for something to watch, my wife will typically say, "Do we have to watch something with bullets flying and car crashes?" I smile and move along. Then after finding something interesting, I'll go to a different room to watch it. My writing comes from me asking, "What if….", which is typical of other authors. I try to fit it into the context of the day, real life, so to speak. I want my writing relatable and familiar to the reader. There is an authentic feel to my books rooted in reality.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Because two of my characters are Navajo, I've done hours and hours of research to make sure there is accuracy in my books. I watch a podcast by Shane Brown, where is father, Wally, a Navajo elder, talks about the culture and spirituality of the Dine' (Navajo people). He has a one episode that dealt specifically with Black Yéʼii, which translates to The Evil One. While there are many Yéʼii, there is one the Navajo never speak of by name or even by description. That is the title of my newest book, Black Yéʼii. The story of Black Yéʼii comes from the ending of my 2018 novel, Caught in a Web, where law enforcement fabricated the story behind the death of four MS-13 gang members. They did this to keep several individuals safe. But a secret is only good if it is kept. Someone talked, and now, MS-13 is back in town and two people are dead. Cops have to find them before two others, central to my books, are murdered in gruesome, typical MS-13 fashion.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
To discover a new awesome author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and you want to find new readers come submit your book to our Awesome Book Promotion service.