Books

Upon the Arrival of Dawn

An Interview with Author Joseph A. Schiller

Image provided by author and used by permission

Joseph A. Schiller is a high school Social Studies teacher in Houston, TX USA, where he lives with his wife and three boys. Upon the Arrival of Dawn is his first published work. He recently chatted with me about writing and his journey to publication.

What do you love most about Writing?

• I have always felt more comfortable expressing myself, even in school, through writing. Writing allows me to communicate that fits my rhythm and pace. Writing also provides an opportunity for exploration of ideas while still giving the writer the safety and flexibility to revise, rather than be confined to anything finite or limiting.

How did you get your start writing?

• The first time I fell in love with prose was in a creative writing class in the 7th grade. I don’t remember the teacher, but I remember having the full support to write whatever inspired me with absolutely no judgment. Building confidence in my written voice was the best thing that could have happened to me, and I will be forever grateful for that experience.

What Inspired you to write your book?

• I’ve always had a fascination with the mythology of early cultures. In the case of this particular story, the myths behind the Judeo-Christian-Islamic angels of death inspired me. While I personally do not believe in such stories, at least not in the religious sense, I do find something magical about them as stories.

Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?

• Absolutely. I really try to place myself in the proverbial shoes of my characters and imagine what they feel, think, experience, and see. I let the characters drive the story 100%.

Are you a painstaking plotter or are you a discovery writer?

• Yes, painstaking definitely describes me. I’m probably more methodical about my approach. That comes from being a little OCD and type A about things. This might be a blessing and curse at the same time for the writing process. There are moments when I think this personality trait stifles me creatively, and others when I appreciate how regimented it keeps me.