Thank you so much for stopping by today’s author spotlight with Dylan Joseph. Today we will learn a little bit about Dylan as an author and get a sneak peak into his newest book Sam’s Story. Please leave any questions you might have for the author in the comments section. You can also reach out to Dylan at the links following the interview. I have included affiliate links in the post if you are inspired to buy the book and support the author and my blogging endeavors.

Sam’s Story by Dylan Joseph

Purchase links: Sam’s Story on Amazon

First off, I want to thank Dylan for taking the time to answer these questions for me. Please feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comment section below!

 

About Sam’s Story:

What is the title of your newest or upcoming book?

Sam’s Story

What publisher is this book being published by?

Self-Published

What is the publication date?

1/11/2017

THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Dylan Joseph is a warrior, a healer, and a poet. He has a passion for the Chinese martial arts and meditation. His writing reflects the satisfaction he receives from discovering himself and internal joy. He writes to entertain, to create worlds that inspire, worlds that provoke thought, and worlds that force his readers to live through another’s experience. His goal is to create works that inspire people to live their lives to the fullest and fulfill all their dreams. Dylan is a 26-year-old gay man that grew up on Long Island, New York. He loves most people and certainly the opportunity to live life on planet Earth. Memento Mori. Tempus Fugit. Carpe Diem!

Can you give the readers a brief summary of Sam’s Story?

When Dylan agreed to take a trip with his mom to a South Carolina campground, he wasn’t expecting much—until he met Sam, the lifeguard at the indoor pool. From that moment on, Dylan and Sam are thrust into a roller coaster of self-discovery. For them, even life’s most ordinary moments—brushing one’s teeth, playing a game of basketball, watching the sky—become precious. Sam’s Story is a poetic and heart melting read.

What genre does it fall in?

Young Adult Romance

Will you share a few words about your latest book, other than the usual blurb?

Sam’s Story is really just about love. Not just romantic love but also self-love. I think a lot of people struggle with loving themselves. We do a lot of pretending as humans. Sam’s Story cuts through that and reveals a lot of truth through an honest internal dialogue. It is quirky, funny, and raw. Sam’s Story is the experience of love that we all have touched on some level. It is very relatable, especially for young gay men. It can be intense at times as well.

Give us a little insight into your main characters! Who are they?

Dylan is a good-hearted young man that is discovering himself spiritually. He is curious and definitely thinks too much. These thoughts allow us to understand the story and also better understand ourselves. Dylan really wants to be loved and he wants give love. He cares a lot. This is revealed when he meets Sam. Sam is similar to Dylan but differs in one way. Sam is going through the biggest struggle of his life. Pressures from society are starting to prevent him from fully expressing his romantic desire for other guys. He is thoughtful, soft and does not want to do any harm. Then there is the Mustache. If you want to find out about him… get the book!

Will we be seeing these characters again any time soon? Is this book part of a series?

No

Tell us a little bit about your writing style. When and where is your favorite time/place to write?

My favorite place to write is outside and most enjoyable when it is not planned. I may be going for a walk and the words start coming into my head. It is so fun and magical. Most of my writing takes place at the desk beside my bed in the morning hours. I wake up and practice yoga, meditation or qi gong. Then I make tea and begin writing.

What sort of book do you enjoy reading in your free time? What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

The last book I read was “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose your Mind and Create a New One” by Dr. Joe Dispenza. I really enjoy understanding what it means to be human and the discovery of that. The book shows that we are a series of conditioned mental and emotional patterns. Which is great because that means we have the opportunity to change the things that do not work for our life. Dr. Dispenza gives guided meditation to let go of old mental patterns and to create new patterns. Just like reprogramming a computer!

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? Have you held any interesting jobs while you worked on your books?

I found a passion for writing years ago when I began training Kung fu, Tai Chi and meditation. The arts helped open the creative door. It began with poetry and eventually moved into stories written in free verse. I just fell in love. Throughout my life I have mostly worked in restaurants and with my father refinishing hardwood floors. I went to school for massage therapy in 2009, which is where I met my martial arts teacher. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and working with people. I think that is why I love writing, because it is for people.

What does your writing process look like?

When I first start writing I have absolutely no filter. The story may be coming to me in images or words. So it is best just to get it down. Sometimes there is no story and I just have to write and write and write until something interesting comes out. Then I go back later on and refine it. You know, so people can understand it. Sometimes work just needs to sit for a while until I can understand it. Sam’s Story was written in about three months. It sat for a year and half before I came back for it…. or it came back for me.

Why did you choose to write GLBTQ romance? Why not another genre?

I write in LGBTQ Romance because that is what I know, I am a gay man. It is best to write from experience. I am also just in love with love.

One last questions…totally unrelated to books! I am a passionate foodie. Is there one thing in your pantry that you would be horrified for people to know that you eat?

I do not think I eat anything horrifying.

Thank you so much for answering my questions. I think my readers will enjoy learning more about you! Good luck in your future writing!

Keep in touch with Dylan Joseph:

Find out more about Dylan Joseph by visiting the author’s website. You can also check out their profile on Goodreads or follow Dylan Joseph on Facebook