INTERVIEWS

Interview of Joel Goulet by fellow Wing's author Joan Hall Hovey--October, 2003

Joel, how and when did you begin writing?

I started writing while in high school but didn't really get serious with it until a few years ago. I guess I just started writing down ideas and one thing led to another. I can get carried away at times. For example, my second novel, SILVER FOX, was suppose to be a short story. I just kept adding things here and there and it ended up being too long for a short story so I had to keep it going until it was long enough to be a novel.

Tell us about your book.

.CLANDESTINE RENDEZVOUS is a novel written in first person. It's about a reporter that sets out to find out what happened to a prison inmate who suddenly vanished from a Tennessee prison. Along the way the reporter finds out several government agencies are following him. Two assassins make several attempts to do away with the reporter. Nothing seems to make sense to the reporter all the while he's asking himself, what's so important about the missing inmate as to draw the attention of the government and the killers? Of course, as with any novel, the answer comes at the end of an intriguing adventure through the South.

I notice you write in various genres; do you have a favorite?

I would have to say my favorite is sci-fi.

What type of writing schedule do you have?

I try to write up to a thousand words a day. Since I work nights I don't always have time to reach that goal. I manage to do my most extended amount of writing on Sundays.

For you, what is the best and worst part of writing the book?

The best part is writing the last page. The worst part would have to be doing the rewrites. I also find it hard to write a hundred word blurb, decribing the novel in only a hundred words.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I can't really say for sure since I usually work on several projects at once. I write on one story until I start running out of gas and then switch to another story. The only one I can say for sure was SILVER FOX. It took just over 90 days to write.

Tell us your publishing experience.

I have two novels published by Publish America. My third and forth novels will be published by Wings.

What can we find you doing when you're not penning wonderful stories?

I have a very energetic yellow lab that likes taking walks. I think he takes me instead of the other way around. I also like watching movies and bowling. I'm also a hard-line Packer fan.

Who were your favorite writers growing up? Who are they now?

Dickens and Twain as I was growing up. Today I'd have to say J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Where might fans and readers contact you and will they be able to buy your books when it is released?

I can be contacted through my web site at www.joelgoulet.com. There is information on the site about purchasing the books.

Where do you hope to be in terms of your writing career in five years?

Within 5 years I hope to be able to quite my job and do what I really want to do the most, write full time. I have so many ideas for stories but so little time right now to work on them. Besides writing novels I have also written the screenplays for most of the novels I have written or am currently working on.

What made you decide to become a writer?

I’ve always had a wild imagination. I like the ability to be able to create my own little world.

What do you like the most about writing mysteries?

I can create some really twisted plots. Nothing seems to be off limits. I like putting a surprise right at the end of my stories.

Who was your biggest influence to make you become a writer?

My parents.

Where did you get the idea to write this book?

You know, to be honest, I don’t know. I actually wrote this story many years ago and it was lying buried in a desk drawer. I took a look at it, spiced it up a bit, added a few twists and sent it to the publisher.

Can you tell us a little about the book?

The story is about a car and it’s driver. The guy is a bit of a nut case with a twisted urgency to seek revenge upon the local police. All I’ll say is, not all is as it appears to be. I think people will find there is an unexpected ending.

Do you plot out your book or do you move by the seat of your pants?

A little of both. A lot of my stories I actually write the screen plays for before the actual book. I use them like an outline, filling in descriptions and such..

If a reviewer compared your writing to someone, who would it be and why?

Boy I don’t know. I’d hate to think there is anyone else out there that writes like me. LOL. Some of my stuff is really off the wall. I’ve been told that’s what makes my writing interesting.

Now, for some personal stuff, have you ever suffered from writer block,

if so, how do you handle it?

Yes I have. When that happens I switch to working on another story. I’ve got three other stories started. When something starts to get old or I get stuck, I switch. Then I come back with fresh thoughts.

How do you unwind after a long day of work and writing?

I like to watch TV or take a walk with my dog.

What is your all time favorite read?

There’s no single favorite. I like the old Dickens and Twain stuff. A little bit of Louis L’Amour like The Haunted Mesa. If I had to pick one story, that might be it.

Are there any major plans for yourself in the near future?

I hope to continue writing. I recently bought a house and would like to do some remodeling on it like add a new office. I’ve got it all planned out. Finding the time to do it is tough.

I saw in the previous interview that you have a yellow lab, what is her

or his name and where did you get the name?

His name is Nube, short for new beginning. I had a female lab named Squeaky before him. She developed cancer and I had to put her down. It was a rough time for me. I found Nube at an animal shelter. He got a new lease on life and I got a new companion. New beginnings for both of us. He’s a wonderful dog.

How do you come up the name of your characters?

I open the phone book at random and pick a last name that sounds interesting. Then I add a first name that I like. The exception is if there is a character of a certain ethnic background. Then I have to do a bit of name research.

Interview done by fellow Wing's author Tamia Dawn Osburn, dealing with THUNDERING VENGEANCE April, 2005

Interview done by fellow Wings author Catherin Greenfeder, dealing with AUSTIN MILLER AND THE SECRET OF WHITMER Jan. 2006

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.

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. AAustin 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. Resistence was unthinkable. But then, they had never met Austin Miller.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 hard working, 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)

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.

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.