We’re back in another round of indie writers’ summer. During the final weeks of hot weather, take a quick break from the huge blockbusters coming to the theatre. Indie author Summer is still here, and it’s all about introducing you and your author, fresh voices, and bold books you might not see on the window displays of the Big Box Store. I was absolutely delighted to be able to talk to RJ Joseph in this week’s interview. So let’s talk about it!
Rhonda Jackson Garcia, also known as RJ Joseph, is a recipient of the Bram Stoker Award, a Texas-based academic and creative writer and professor. Her writing regularly focuses on the intersection of gender and race in fear in the genre of romance and popular culture. She has published works at various respected venues, including the 2020 Halloween issue of Southwest Review. Hill House Streaming: An Unforgettable Netflix Series Essay. RJ has contributed to several anthology; Hell does not have women ghostly sadness and Monster livestock. RJ also has a blog with his name Gives the essence of horror. I’m in the middle of the present Hell doesn’t get angry like a woman And that’s some of the most impactful and well-written horrors I’ve read.
Abby Wolf: Tell us about the first glimpse in your previous life that you felt “yes, I want to write stories and pursue publication.”
RJ Joseph: I learned as a young man that what I did best was telling stories and working with words. Even outside of fiction, I preferred to write my own thoughts rather than speaking them out loud. Thankfully, I grew up as a book reader. There, I knew that being a writer was a real thing I could do.
AW: How has your writing evolved since you first started publishing?
RJ: The biggest evolution of my writing since publication has embraced and truly leaned towards my unique writing voice. When I first started writing, I was challenged to find my voice. Once I found it, I often tried to camouflage it so that it could be more appealing or more public. The voice didn’t have it! The more I tried to mask it, the more difficult it became to hear. Now, I think my writing voice is my most valuable asset.
AW: What is your biggest writing fear?
RJ: ah. I have a lot. The two stand out at this moment. One is to dilute or reduce the work perspective to pursue a larger audience at any time, or become more commercial (an elusive barometer that many published authors face at once). The next biggest thing is probably that I don’t have the time to write everything I want to write. Life is full of so many inspiration and I have a page of ideas that I want to engage in. I hope there’s time to visit with most of them.
AW: Describe memorable interactions with readers about one of your books or stories.
RJ: When my horror story collection first appeared, I had many black women tell me that my characters made them feel at home because I recognized my characters as myself or as other women in my life. This visibility is important, especially in the horror genre, as stories centered around the perspective of black women are not widely available. It’s important not only for me and other black women, but for this genre. Horror has come in so many flavors and I was honored to see readers impressed by what I brought to the party.
AW: What is your favorite book and what is your favorite quote from it?
RJ: My favorite book is Beloved Toni Morrison. It’s full of memorable quotes, but the most profound one is a guide to how I try to live my life. To release oneself is to assert that the ownership of the liberated self is another.
AW: Are there any other artistic efforts or hobbies besides writing?
RJ: I often joke that I can only work with words artistically. I’m not kidding. I really don’t sing, paint, or be creative. I like to make wreaths and I think it’s pretty good. My artistic struggle is very clear on the bottom.
AW: How can I connect with my readers and build a community in the world of indie publishing?
RJ: My biggest connection with readers in the indie horror community is being a huge reader, myself. Anyone who has met me at an event was probably asked, “What are you reading?” Or “What did you do/do you want to buy?” I don’t try to incorporate those questions into sales. You can also read those works because you really want to know what other horror fans are reading. Yes, I want to sell my work, but I’m terrified as a fan first and then become a writer. I read this genre widely, so if you know someone enjoys reading, you can usually recommend it to other authors’ works. My credibility in that positioning gives me the opportunity to discuss my job from time to time. And even if it wasn’t, I still give great recommendations and get a great addition to the mountains that have become my reading.
AW: What is one aspect beyond sales that marks “success” for you?
RJ: For me, my success as a writer is to have a positive impact on my readers and other writers. When another writer says he was inspired by his writing journey through my work and presence, I feel like I’m doing what I’m trying to do. I was successful when readers told other readers about my work and used my work in classrooms and library/bookstore presentations.
AW: What was the first book that moved you emotionally and left it behind?
RJ: I know why a caged bird sings Maya Angelou was the first time I really realized how important an agency is, even about things as basic as our words and what we do with them. I was in a painful relationship with the young Maya and felt empowered by my agency when I learned that I could choose how much I wanted to be public and how much I wanted to keep for myself.
AW: Do you like to drink while writing?
RJ: I am very Texan in my preference. The sweet iced tea is just a mix of just the right amount of lemonade and a dash of maybe honey-flavored whiskey.
AW: Is there anything else you would like to share?
RJ: Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today! I’ll soon have a few things coming out. The first is the Pandi Press’s November book box novel curated by Brian Keene. I’m really excited to read the two books in this box. The first is from Keene, and the second is a set of novels by me, Haley Piper, Laurel Hightower and Gemma Amor. Next is the short stories and personal essays included in Spooky, plucked, crazy poison soup: nostalgic horrorwill be released on Brigid’s Gate Press in December. We know that editors Wendy Darimple and Grace R. Reynolds put together some fun times.
As always, I am so grateful for the opportunity to pry the hearts of indie and small press. Stay tuned for next week’s episode of #indieauthorsummer!
Do you have strong thoughts about this piece you need to share? Or is there something else you want to talk to with your fellow fundamentals? Heading to our community A server to join the conversation!
Source: The Fandomentals – www.thefandomentals.com
