Interview Joe Goulet

by

Catherine Greenfeder

Congratulations on your upcoming book Austin Miller and the Secrets of Whitmer.

1) First of all, the title of your book is quite intriguing. Why did you choose that title?

Actually it originally had a different title. It was called Between The Worlds. I changed the title after I learned that my favorite sci-fi movie, War Of The Worlds, was being remade. I was afraid people would think they were one and the same.

2) I know that it has to do with man’s first landing on Mars and encounters with extraterrestrials. Can you tell a little more about the plot, main conflict, and characters?

There are three main species, Humans, Tobians, and Purrians. Unknown to Austin Miller, the latter two aren’t what they appear to be. The following might sum things up. “Austin Miller looked upon the alien war lord. Being the first human upon Mars was overshadowed by the shocking discovery of extraterrestrial life. The aliens so expertly masked their true intent. Capable of interplanetary flight, they thought themselves superior. Resistance was unthinkable. But then, they had never met Austin Miller.

3) What inspired you to write this book?

I really like sci-fi. Austin Miller might end up in a series of books. I’m toying with the idea.

4) How long did it take you to write this book?

Probably a year, but it’s hard to say since I don’t work on any one project all the time from start to finish. I jump from one project to another, as thoughts come to mind.

5) Do you have a set writing schedule? If so, what is it? Or do you write when the muse strikes?

I used to try and write a thousand words a day, but it seems that ever since I bought my house last year, and an increase of hours at work, I haven’t as much time to do what I enjoy doing the most, writing. Now I do most of my writing on the weekends. I shut myself away in my office and don’t come out for hours.

6) How did you plan for your book? Did it require a lot of research?

The book starts out on Mars, so I had to research Mars. Then I had to research NASA. Then I researched space in general. I researched a bunch of states (certain geographical areas of those states). All in all, yes, there was a great deal of research done for this book. But it wasn’t anything new for me. I like to be very descriptive in my writing, so with each book comes hours of research.

7) What do you like to read? What books or authors inspire you?

I like to read sci-fi, but I also like the tireless works of Dickens and Twain.

8) Have events in your life shaped the types of stories you tell? If so, how?

Yes. I think that every author uses life’s experiences in their writing to some degree, whether it is interesting characters that come to mind, or events that have burnt lasting impressions on them. I believe that the more colorful life a person leads, the more creative they will be in their writing. As for me, I remember my parents a lot in my writing. From dad’s working hard, to mom’s baking cherry pies. I think there’s something in every book that is based on a thing or two that my family members and I have done. For example, I might have a character baking a cherry pie. (Cherry pies are to die for, by the way).

9) Are you working on a new writing project? If so, what is it about?

I have about four projects that I’m working on at this time. The next novel I plan to have published is about King Tut. The story starts out in ancient Egypt and ends in modern day Milwaukee.

10) What advice could you offer an unpublished writer?

Write, write, write. Remember the old saying, where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you believe in your writing, there’s a way and a place to get it published. And if you get a rejection slip along the way, don’t give up.