Today I would like to introduce you to Joe K, author of The Lover and the Madman. His book is touring with MediaGuests.net. Here are the interview questions and answers.
1. Who are you when you’re not writing?
I am just my same old self. But, every once in a great while, I am struck with the idea to write, and at the same time have the drive and the compulsion to carry it out. In my old age I have finally been able to finish most any projects that I start. I know this is all intuitive. God working in my life. I am a never was and a never will be. Of my self I am nothing. This is how my entire book was written. It was all divinely inspired.
2. Do you have a day job as well?
No. I spend my days sponsoring other addicts and alcoholics, hopefully into sobriety.
3. How did you chose the genre you wrote in and where do your ideas come from?
I asked my grandson if he would help me put together a book from a pile of writing that I had done. He looked at it and said, “That’s way too much for one book.” I said, “What should I do?” And, he said, “Why don’t you write a memoir? My reply was, “I will if you will edit it”? And, away we went. I started writing on the first of June and finished on September 1. He left for Oxford on September 15.
4. Can you tell us the challenges in getting your first book published?
I didn’t really have any challenges. The first person I asked gave me the name and number for Saber Publishing and the rest is history.
5. Is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?
I would have it edited and proof read ten more times before I ever took it to my publisher.
6. Have you written a book that you love that you have not been able to publish?
No. A lot of my writing about my pioneer family has been published by the Oregon Trail Society.
7. How do you market your work?
Follow my publisher’s direction.
8. What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?
Presenting to the recovering community, people with interest in the adventure and Eco friendly travel stories, people interested in spiritual tales and journeys, people in the LGBT community who would like to read of my journey into self acceptance, how a gay man has 10 grand kids?
8. What is your favorite chapter to write and why?
The Siren Song – It brought back some of my most cherished memories and was filled with love and humor.
9. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
That I should have had a ghostwriter.
10. What has been the best compliment?
That I was so descriptive.
10.What’s your favorite movie?
Sunset Boulevard
11. Not related to writing, but cake with or without ice cream?
With ice cream.
12. Date night out, or date night in?
Date night in.
13. Thanksgiving or Christmas?
For a recovering alcoholic every day should be Christmas and every night Thanksgiving.
14. Physical copy of a book or eReader?
Physical copy
15. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Please understand that I am not a writer, I am a storyteller. Thank you for taking the time to be interested in my story.
Joe K’s biography
Joe K. shows what beauty there is in loss and what victory there is in surrender. Through his personal experiences Joe shares a peaceful message of faith, hope, and recovery in the twelve steps.
From his idyllic childhood in the ranching and mining towns of the Pacific North West, Joe’s life takes him to the glittering nightclubs of the 1960′s where his career as a performer brought his great success, and where his very personal journey began. From gutters and flophouses of San Francisco to the luxury resorts of South America, Africa, Europe and Asia, Joe shares his exciting journey to spiritual and personal awakening and finding self-acceptance and love.
Today Joe is retired and makes his home in Boise, Idaho where he spends his time with his 2 dogs, large family, and many wonderful friends.
About his Book
Touched by the light in his eyes, the spirit in his heart, and the inspiration of his words, Joe K will take you on an unforgettable adventure. You will laugh when you want to cry, love when you want to hate, and keep going when you want to quit. In time your life is different for knowing him and you don’t even know why.
The Lover and The Madman, is a book of self-discovery and philanthropy, of sexual awakening and globe-trotting. It’s the story of a man who has touched and helped so many, and here he has shared it with us, another gift.
