Interview With Author Joseph Tamone
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Joe. I first published in 2018. I was signed to a science fiction publisher in San Diego that no longer exists. Since then, I started my own publishing house called Philanthropy Publishing, and have published six books under my own banner.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called Synesthesia. It’s a horror story about the complexities of mental illness, and it’s inspired by my own experiences with mental illness.
I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder when I was 32, and I can’t begin to describe how lonely it is knowing that no matter how much you explain how your mind works, nobody is ever going to understand you. So I wrote everything down that goes on inside my own head.
I don’t struggle with mental illness. I have it by the reins, but I’m hoping that with this book, what I write about mental illness resonates with others who are struggling, and shows them that just because they’re sick, it doesn’t mean their lives are over. That sometimes we all need a little help.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write quickly. I wrote Whatever Happened to Maryanna in two weeks and I wrote Synesthesia in four weeks. I’m told it typically takes six months to a few years to write a book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Dark Tower by Stephen King was what first got me interested in writing my own stories. That isn’t really what inspired my writing though. I take influence from classic literature, and also from poetry.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing the fourth book in my series. It’s called The Proud & The Terrible, and it’s the fourth book in my Philanthropy series.
I’m also in the process of writing two books releasing next year called Tutto il Mondo and The Albatross.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not very good at promotion, so I’m still trying to figure that out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stephen King said it best. Don’t write it right. Just write it, and then make it right later.
Write a manuscript, find an editor/book coach, and send the manuscript to them when you get done writing it. Don’t waste time going through and editing it yourself. Have a round of professional editing done, and then go through and fix what needs fixing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never breathe in volcanic ash. That is advice that I live by every single day of my life.
What are you reading now?
I may write fiction, but I prefer reading nonfiction. If I’m spending the time to invest in a book, I want to learn useful information. I’m reading a book called Nero by Anthony Everitt. It’s about Roman Emperor Nero.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have another book releasing later in 2024, as well as two releases in 2025. I have more projects that are being storyboarded, and those would be released either next year or the following.
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?
I’d probably take books about being stranded on a desert island, just so that I have a couple of references. Mysterious Island by Jules Verne, Lord of the Flies, The Island by Victoria Hislop.
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