Interview With Author Joseph Di Lella
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a creative writer and teacher, I love to educate others in and outside the classroom. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at UC San Diego; a master’s degree in Sociology from San Diego State University and a doctoral degree in Bilingual Education at Claremont Graduate University. I have published over 125 poems and short stories in addition to six non-fiction books. You may know me from my four volume series called, The Tao of Star Trek: Finding Your Inner self Through Outer Space, or another called, Star Trek Storytelling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Graduate School Blues was inspired by my experience in graduate school. So many of my friends failed to complete their degree that I wanted to honor their efforts by helping others find a way to complete their advanced degrees. I hope this book will help countless others attain a M.A. or Ph.D.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing unusual in my writing habits except that I try to write 2-5 hours a day when I am in a good groove.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury is perhaps the most influential writer of my times. I saw him speak a half dozen times and never left the venue without a new way of looking at the writer’s life. Also, Dean Wesley Smith, an author who has published over 25 million copies is a dear friend who has mentored me over the years, too.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on non-fiction book on basketball, based on interviews and letters I have had with famous collegiate and professional coaches, players, announcers, et. al throughout the past 25 years. I am also writing one last Star Trek non-fiction book!!!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hard question – Kindlepreneur is a great place o find the best free or paid promotion sites on the internet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! Do not self-sensor – ever!!!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Embrace your imagination and believe that the words your speak are important for others to listen to in life.
What are you reading now?
The Right to Write by Julia Cameron
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing . . . what else is there?
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Tough question: The Prophet by Gibran, The Alchemist by Coelho, and any book by Mark Twain or Ray Bradbury.