As part of the Indie Author Highlight, I’m happy to introduce you to Joseph A. Schiller, author of the fantasy novel Upon the Arrival of Dawn. Joseph A. Schiller is a high school social studies teacher in Houston, TX USA, where he lives with his wife and three sons. Joseph has previously had several poems and short stories published in curated anthologies as well as his debut speculative fantasy novel, Upon the Arrival of Dawn. He is currently working on getting a non-fiction historical investigation, a graphic novel, and the Spanish language edition of his fantasy ready for publication.
Joseph, welcome to the Indie Author Highlight! Please tell me a little about your book.
A darkness grows, threatening the delicate fabric of the Universe. An ominous cloud spreads, bringing an increasing imbalance across the Cosmos. Essences bent on wickedness and ultimate destruction are violently stripping the Energy of Life from innocent terrestrial creatures, bringing Existence to the very brink of collapse. Only one Celestial essence boldly accepts the calling to seek out the source of the encroaching evil and restore Harmony once again to Existence. Azrael, humble servant of Eternity, offspring of Existence, will stop at nothing to protect the Universe, mortal and immortal alike.
I love the line art on the cover. Does it have any particular meaning or symbolism?
My story deals with the true nature of reality and existence. The cover, the Flammarion Engraving, depicts Copernicus breaking through the proverbial glass dome around the earth to reveal the truth of our solar system. A natural fit.
How many books/novellas/short stories have you published already?
3 short stories and 1 novel. Upon the Arrival of Dawn is actually my first novel . . . Up till this book, I exclusively wrote short stories and poetry. Nevertheless, most of my short-format work is dark and grim (think Ray Bradbury or E.A. Poe).
Congratulations on your first novel! Writing short stories and novels are two different processes, aren’t they? I find them to have different challenges, but one is not necessarily easier than the other.
What project are you hoping to work on next?
I’m nearing the publication of a historical investigation about the possible connections between Judaism and Shintoism, a graphic novel that teases what it would be like if a group of old-age former superheroes stayed together in a retirement home, and the Spanish-language edition of my fantasy novel, Al Llegar del Amanecer. When those projects have launched, I’ll return to work on a sci-fi/fantasy hybrid based on the mythology of the ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician, and esoteric, Pythagoras.
I love how your chosen profession is reflected in your story ideas. You must have a lot of passion for what you do! Why do you write?
I consider myself a voracious reader first. I love a good story. I think writing is a natural extension of that.
I could not agree more. Reading gives me such joy, and I can only hope my writing gives that same feeling to others. Who is your favorite author? Your favorite book? Who are some other indie authors you recommend people check out?
Favorite: Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park
Indies: James Tiptree, Jr. (Alice Sheldon)
Crichton is one of my top favorites as well. I have most of his books. And so folks get to know you even better, what are your favorite movies?
Anything Monte Python-esque. I like dark humor that requires thinking.
Writing Advice
How have you changed as a writer since you first began writing?
Absolutely!!! I think it would be nearly impossible to avoid changing. I’m more confident, self-aware, energetic, driven, motivated, inspired, and full of more ideas than ever before.
What was the hardest lesson you had to learn in publishing a book?
Patience with the process and myself. Sometimes we get so over-anxious and we sometimes fall into the trap of wanting everything to happen immediately. Slow it down. Do it right.
That’s great advice, and some of the hardest to hear. I know a lot of writers feed off the energy from finishing something, and they so desperately want to keep pushing forward. But you’re right. Not everything can or should happen immediately, but in its own time. What advice would you give to a new writer?
Write for yourself first and foremost. The only person that needs to enjoy your stories is you. If others do too, then icing on the cake. If you are writing for money, you will be supremely disappointed.
How do you approach planning a new story? Do you develop outlines, timelines, journal notes, character profiles, etc.? Do you free write? Somewhere in between?
For all of my work, I start with a basic premise, maybe a paragraph. From there, I begin to pull that premise apart into an ever-growing outline. With a detailed outline, I go back in and back-fill the rest. My overall approach is methodical and structured.
What are some of the most useful tools you’ve found that make writing/publishing easier?
I was introduced to Upwork.com for finding an editor and someone to layout/format my work. Without the inexpensive freelance services I found from that site, I don’t know if I could have afforded to publish. Dream.ai and Midjourney AI were also helpful in creating promotional images for my website, banners, etc. (promotional uses only).
I found my editor on Upwork.com as well, and he was truly excellent. I like the safety of the system, holding funds for both parties to ensure a good product is delivered.
How do you balance writing with the rest of life? Any tips?
I’m a highly ambitious person with everything I set out to do. I map out and backward plan as much as I can using specific daily tasks to help me along the way. It helps that my wife is also equally as ambitious and supportive of my own dreams. We help drive each other.
I love and appreciate that you mentioned your spouse. Writing is such a serious time dedication, it truly is a group effort in the sense of adjusting schedules, setting time aside, and celebrating little wins like “editing 5,000 words” or “getting an email back from a librarian.” Having someone backing you is huge, and I’m glad to hear it. Who inspires you to write? Who inspires your style?
I definitely think I inspire myself first, but my wife does as well. In terms of what inspires my style, that is definitely the authors C.S. Lewis and E.A. Poe.
Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your experience as a writer.
Readers, if you want to check out Joseph’s work, feel free to follow him at these links: