Joseph J. Lee
Inspirations came from nightmares in my youth that were turned into a short story in college.
1. Tell us about yourself and your most current project/s?
I’m a Bay Area horror author and write stories designed to trap characters—and readers—under pressure. My debut novel, The Forest of the Forsaken, centers on a small town hiding something ancient, where nightmares don’t stay in your head and escape isn’t really an option.
Currently, I’m working on Book 2 in The Forsaken Series (title to be revealed), continuing the descent into the world I’ve only begun to expose. Alongside that, a standalone project is taking shape—something different, but no less unforgiving. As for what comes next… we’ll see what the future decides to drag into the light.
2. Where did the inspiration/idea come for this project?
Inspirations came from nightmares in my youth that were turned into a short story in college.
3. What does the writing process look like for you?
I start with an idea that spreads into 4 Acts. After that I expand on an outline per Act slowly making my way through each act moving towards a climax or finale.
4. How do you handle writer’s block?
I get away from my work and get out of the house. Reading helps too.
5. How do you feed your creativity when feeling drained?
I get a lot of my ideas in sleep, so I read a good Stephen King or Dean Koontz book and rest.
6. What advice would you give writers who feel stuck or uninspired?
Don’t force yourself to write. Find something you love that is away from writing. Take time to reset your brain, but absorb your surroundings you find inspiration in the strangest places, so be ready.
7. Have you ever thought about giving up writing? If so, what pulled you back?
I did give up on writing for about 20 years. Life dragged me away, but finally I am content with my life and now can revisit the passion I neglected for too long.
8. How do you keep your voice or ideas fresh over time?
That is hard, but my personal experiences in life help keep my ideas original then I use those ideas to connect with readers by being descriptive and painting my world in words.
9. What do you wish more people understood about the creative process?
Time is different for each of us. Rushing will not create a masterpiece. Instead let the story come to you and take as much as you need.
10. What is the most honest thing you’ve ever written - and did it scare you?
Honestly! My proposal speech to my now spouse. I tried to make each word memorable, but I think I tried too hard when I didn’t need to. Hell yea it scared me!
Where can my audience find you and your work?
My book “The Forest of the Forsaken” can be found at Amazon, Apple Books, Kindle, Barnes/Noble and Kobo.