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I am very excited to share my interview with Joseph A. Schiller, author of Upon the Arrival of Dawn, a science-fiction page turner with a riveting story, complex narrative, and an amazing artistry.
Joseph A. Schiller is a high school social studies teacher in Houston, TX USA, where he lives with his wife and three sons. Upon the Arrival of Dawn is his debut novel. In addition Joseph has had two short stories and two poems published in anthologies.
I hope you will enjoy my interview with Joseph!
Selected Reviews of Upon the Arrival of Dawn
“As a fan of independent authors, I was excited to read Joseph Schiller’s latest novel. I was immediately struck by how the story took off from the start and never let up. The pages almost compel the reader to turn them, as the story is both entertaining and interesting. Great for fans of mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and superheroes, Upon the Arrival of Dawn is a true page turner that all audiences will enjoy from cover to cover!” – Julia M. Brock
“This was such a well-developed and engaging story. The author did a brilliant job of crafting a unique and imaginative narrative. The balance between the “terrestrial and non-terrestrial planes) was a great way of capturing a unique setting. The almost cinematic and artistic style of writing the author utilized here made the story feel almost dreamlike, and an added depth of morality and themes of existence itself conjured up similar imagery as Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman”. The heart of the narrative was very character driven, which was ironic given the main characters represented celestial beings who had forgone a true sense of self before the events of the narrative. The evolution of Azrael in particular was great to see, as the cosmic battles and mythos the author developed for him balanced well with the more personal growth the character saw, especially when meeting the Earthbound Johanna.” – Anthony Avina
“It was a very enjoyable reading. It’s a great and original story. Loved it!” – Cinthy Veintimilla
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Tell us your story. What inspired you to become an author?
My love for writing began when I was in the 7th grade (13 years old) in a creative writing class in school. My teacher was so supportive of our growth, confidence, and personal exploration. I’ve been writing ever since.
What inspired you to write this novel?
I honestly cannot remember what initially sparked the interest in this story. However, I do remember that the beginnings of the story started with a visual I had for a scene, which later became part of Chapter 3. I’m fascinated by mythologies of ancient cultures both from a perspective of story telling and from a historical perspectives. This definitely influences my own story telling.
Please tell us more about Upon the Arrival of Dawn.
As I want to avoid giving away any spoilers, here’s a synopsis of the book:
A darkness grows, threatening the delicate fabric of the Universe. An ominous cloud spreads, bringing an increasing imbalance across the Cosmos. Essences bent on wickedness and ultimate destruction are violently stripping the Energy of Life from innocent terrestrial creatures, bringing Existence to the very brink of collapse.
Only one Celestial essence boldly accepts the calling to seek out the source of the encroaching evil and restore Harmony once again to Existence. Azrael, humble servant of Eternity, offspring of Existence, will stop at nothing to protect the Universe, mortal and immortal alike.
Describe a typical writing day.
Besides all of the rigors of parenthood and of my day job, I do make sure that I spend a little time everyday writing on new projects or promoting published work. I normally write during my planning time at work, or after my youngest son is in bad at night. Not every day is the same, though. Some days my focus is entirely related to promotions, while on others I’m deep in thought and ideas are flowing. I let the moment guide me.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Cycling, cooking, reading, tennis, painting.
What was the most challenging thing about writing this book?
I learned that if I write or do something every day with writing projects, even if it is just a little, I make a lot more steady progress. The first eight years of this project was very hit and miss, on and off, before I finally understood this important principle. It’s much easier to keep a project going creatively, than constantly restarting one.
Which part of the book is your favorite?
I’m very proud of how my story begins and of the twist ending.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
I try to close my eyes and visualize things from the perspective of my characters. How would they feel or think, what would they see, or how would they perceive their experiences?
What do you think makes a good story?
Authenticity and honesty.
How do you do research for your books?
I ready everything I possibly can online or in hard form from sources related to the context of my story telling. I usually take copious notes and jot ideas down while doing so. Creativity and imagination can go a long way, but I found that research helps take me to the next level.
Tell us more about the publishing process behind the book. Have you reached out to anyone?
I have, and would recommend all authors, apply for participation in podcasts, radio shows, or to be featured on blogs. There are hundreds or such programs and opportunities small or large. I knew that I was going to be the only person that was going to champion my book, so I’ve worked tirelessly to do so.
Additionally, there are hundreds of opportunities to apply for awards. I’ve applied to more than I can count. I was blessed to have my book cover win a “Best Book Cover 2022” award.
What are some tools you used to write this book from start to end?
Grammarly is so helpful.
Microsoft Word’s internal editing has also improved significantly.
What authors inspired you into becoming an author yourself, if any?
Michael Crichton
C.S. Lewis
Edgar Allen Poe
and Irvine Welsh.
What are your future plans and where can our readers find you?
I’m finishing up the manuscript for a non-fiction historical investigation between Judaism and Shintoism. That book should be ready for publication this summer.
My next fiction novel, a fantasy/sci-fi hybrid, based on the ancient Greek mathematician, philosopher, and mystic Pythagoras, is coming along, and should be ready for publication next year during the summer.
I have two short stories and two poems being published this month and over the next two by a monthly anthology publication, A New Ulster.
To stay in touch with Joseph, be sure to check out his website and follow him on Facebook!
In addition, Joseph has done various interviews on YouTube, Medium and other platforms:
Peter Okonkwo – P English Literature Podcast
Rune Nielsen – Blog
Cynthia Morgan – Medium
Have you enjoyed this Q&A with Joseph? Let me know in the comments below! ❤️