INTERVIEW WITH JOE KEY

Title: THE RIGHT MAN

Type of work: NOVEL

Length: 42,252 WORDS

GENRE: Fantasy

Where to find Joe's work

Living Waters

SYNOPSIS: A man stands before a group of people and declares that there is no Devil. Later on, he meets the Devil - in person. TIME FRAME: Near Future

What was your first reaction when you found out your book was being published?

Needless to say, I was very excited. I have been writing for a while, and have tried to get my stuff published before - but it didn't happen. I have been working lately with Living Waters, and have found them to be as enthused as I am. I started writing in 1998, and tried to get some stuff published a few years later - but, like I said, it didn't happen. I was coming out of a coffee shop one day, and a flyer from Living Waters was on the windshield of my car. There weren't any other flyers around - so I surmised this might be something different. One thing led to another, and here we are.

Do you think reviews help sell books?

I think they do. There are lots of books out there, and reviews are a way for someone who likes to read to wade through the mountains of works that exist.

What kind of research did you do for your book?

I spent a good deal of time talking with my Sunday school teacher and pastor, regarding the theology. I also extensively researched the federal government to see exactly how it worked - even thought I knew that part pretty well. I did not, and the discoveries of the realities were truly amazing.

What has writing taught you?

Writing has taught me that, no matter what preconceived notions I hold, research tends to enlighten me. It has also taught me much about organizing my thoughts.

What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?

I pretty much like to read everything out there - with the possible exception of Romance novels. It’s not that I dislike Romance novels. I'm just not very interested in them.

How do you write, free-thought, or from an outline?

I almost always, make that always, write from a free-thought perspective. Early on, I would sit down at the computer and the words seemed to come out on their own. Later, I did more thinking about what I would write beforehand, but I never, ever wrote from an outline.

Where can we find your work and what are you working on now?

This is the first time I have ever gotten this far with publishing, so you cannot find my work elsewhere. Right now, I'm working on a piece of contemporary fiction that I've not titled yet.

Do you work on more than one book at a time?

I've written 77 novels, but have never worked on more than one at a time.

Do you ever show people your WIP?

My parents read every chapter of every book I write, usually the day after I write it. My wife has no interest in seeing the work - finished or unfinished. She is from Honduras and her first language is Spanish. Even though she speaks English very well, she doesn't like to read in that Language.

What would you say to an aspiring writer?

Above all, write for yourself - in the way you wish. Don't worry about getting your work in print. That will come - or not. I've been writing a long time, and things came easier once I realized I was writing for the sake of the writing and not for the sake of seeing things in print. Writing is, first and foremost, a form of self-expression. I'm not saying you shouldn't listen to others - but it's better to be true to yourself.

~finis~