Joseph Lewis's Blog

My publisher, Black Rose Writing, and I are doing a promotion of Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) that begins today, Monday, November 17, and runs through Wednesday, November 19. You can purchase the Kindle version on Amazon for only $.99. Yes, that’s 99 cents!

Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is a 2025 Maxy Award Finalist and a Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner! It has a 4.5 rating (out of 5) on Goodreads with 50 ratings/reviews, and a 4.4 rating (out of 5) on Amazon with 19 ratings/reviews!

You can purchase it for only $.99 here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH8P5TNV

While there is no deal on the paperback or audible format of Black Yéʼii (The Evil One), I am aware there are those who prefer these two formats. In case this applies to you, you can purchase either of them here:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685135374

Audible: https://tinyurl.com/mr47x5ec

Here is what some reviews said about Black Yéʼii (The Evil One):

“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is a psychological thriller based in a small town in Wisconsin, featuring a group of young men recovering from traumatic events a year ago. Unfortunately, the past is coming back to haunt them and hunt them down. This thriller features complex characters and relationships that evolve throughout the story, leading to a stunning conclusion. Lewis delivers in this story of police trying to protect the innocents from the evil that is hunting them.” Gary Gerlacher, MD, MBA, Best-Selling Author of Last Patient of the Night, Faulty Bloodline and Sin City Treachery

“The author masterfully weaves together a complex plot filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. Characters are well-developed and believable. Tension builds steadily throughout the book, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the detectives race against time to prevent further bloodshed. Black Yé’ii explores both the darker side of human nature and the positive theme of family and friendship. The author’s vivid descriptions of the brutal nature of gang violence create a truly immersive reading experience. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers with a twist, this novel is a must-read. It’s a captivating story that will keep you guessing until the very end.” Sublime Book Reviews

“A Complex Thriller That Strikes at the Heart, Black Yéʼii is a compelling thriller with family, honor, and the battle between good and evil as central themes. Young Diné (Navajo) man, George Tokay, helps police investigate a cover-up involving cops and the notoriously vicious gang, MS13, now hell bent on revengeful torture and murder.” International Writers Inspiring Change Review

“Black Yéʼii explores secrecy, revenge, and justice, and offers brilliant psychological intrigue that elevates the story beyond a typical thriller. It delves deep into the personal drama and interplay of the secret itself. This makes Black Yéʼii an unmissable read for fans of accomplished thriller writing everywhere.” K.C. Finn, Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite

“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) by Joseph Lewis had me hooked from the start. The story was jam-packed with action, and there was never a dull moment. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next and was guessing until the end. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could.” Alma Boucher, Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite

For your pleasure, here is a snippet from Black Yéʼii (The Evil One):

Chapter 33

Lake, North of Crivitz, Wisconsin

            “Can I ask you a question … you know, just between the two of us?” Brian asked.

            George nodded solemnly, almost hesitantly.

            “Last night, before we went to bed, Brett said he thinks our family is doomed. He said he feels there will always be someone after us. Do you think he’s right?”

            George pursed his lips and thought. It was going to be a complicated answer, but if anyone were to understand, it would be Brian.

            “When I was younger, my grandfather only brought this up once or twice because he felt he was inviting it into our lives. But he felt people … mostly me, I guess, needed to know.”

            Brian nodded.

            “The more traditional Navajo, like my grandfather,” he shrugged and said, “and like me, believe in yéʼii. They are spirit deities, much like the Greek or Roman gods we learned about in history and English. He warned me about one in particular, the Black Yéʼii, or The Evil One. In your religion, he is like Satan or the devil. He tries to trick and convince people that,” he shrugged again and said, “drugs, or alcohol, or sex isn’t harmful but would bring pleasure. My grandfather believed Black Yéʼii is the reason people seek those things and become lost. My grandfather included getting even and hurting someone. By doing all of that, people will be happy.”

            “Sounds a lot like Satan.”

            “Yes. Like anywhere, there were Dine’ who followed him. So to answer your question, I believe there is evil in this world, and evil is led by Satan, or Black Yéʼii, just as there is good in this world, led by Jesus.”

            “What you’re saying is that there is something in this world, Satan or Black Yéʼii, that is after us. Everyone, actually.”

            “Yes.”

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I hope you enjoyed the snippet, and it piqued your interest enough to take advantage of this $.99 (99 cents) promotion. Again, it runs today, 11/17 through Wednesday, 11/19 and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH8P5TNV

I would love to know your thoughts, so please use the comment section below. I thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …

I had the pleasure of sitting down for an interview with Matthew Arnold Stern, a fellow author with Black Rose Writing. Tt took place on January 24, 2022, after my book, Blaze In, Blaze Out came out. In the next month or two, Matthew has a sequel to this interview appearing on his website about my book, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One). I will publish it when he puts it out on his website. I think you’ll enjoy it.

While we wait, I thought I would publish the first interview I did with Matthew. He is such a likeable, friendly guy, as well as being a talented author. He is our interview:

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In my latest author interview, I talked with Joseph Lewis about crime and mystery writing, his love for the Green Bay Packers and all Milwaukee sports, starting a writing career later in life, and his latest Black Rose Writing novel, Blaze In, Blaze Out.

I saw on your Facebook page that you’re a Green Bay Packers fan. How did you get into rooting for the Packers? What is your favorite memory of the Packers?

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, so rooting for the Packers (and Brewers and Bucks) came naturally. There are so many fond memories. One Christmas, Kim and I bought tickets to a Vikings game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay for us, for my daughter and her now-husband, and my other daughter and her now-husband. It was the coldest game I’ve ever been to, and with Rodgers not playing because of an injury, the Packers lost. But what made the game and evening special was that Kim and I shared that experience with Hannah and Alex, and Emily and Q.

Let’s talk about your background. You’re a retired teacher and basketball coach. How do your experiences influence your writing?

You can find me all over the pages of my books. The first four books were a direct result of my work as a counselor and my work with the Wetterling Foundation for missing and sexually exploited children. I worked as an adjunct educator, speaking to parent groups, school assemblies, teacher groups, and various organizations on how to keep kids safe and what to look for. Because Kim and I had our own children, instead of picturing Johnny Gosch, Elizabeth Smart, or Jacob Wetterling, I began picturing my own kids, Wil and Hannah. I felt I had to step away, but I always felt the need to give back and tell the story of sexually abused and exploited kids and missing children. The books: Taking Lives, Stolen Lives, Shattered Lives, and Splintered Lives directly resulted from my work with the foundation, my work as a counselor listening to kids and their parents, and the hours of research I put in to make myself smarter and a better counselor and speaker.

My latter four books: Caught in a Web, Spiral Into Darkness, Betrayed, and my newest, Blaze In, Blaze Out, result from my working with kids for 46 years and counting as a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator. I listened to kids, watched kids. As much as anything or anyone, they taught me, and as a result, the stories flowed.

You’re primarily a crime/mystery writer. What attracts you to this genre?

This genre is my go-to for reading, TV shows, and movies. I get enjoyment from it. I try to “crack the case” and “figure it out” before the characters do. A really well-written book, TV show, or movie will keep you guessing until the very end. That is what I do in my books.

One exception was in my book Spiral Into Darkness, about a serial killer without an agenda or motive—or so it seems. It asks the question: is a serial killer born or is there an event that causes one to become a serial killer? In that book, the reader will find out who the killer is around page 200, but the reason and motive won’t be figured out until the end. I like that book a great deal.

You also talk about other elements you use in your stories, mainly family and individual drama. How do these elements add to the crime and mystery aspects of the story?

In my writing, much like life, there is a story that collides with a story. My characters are real to me, and because of that, they are real to my readers. They see them, hear them, picture them, and root for them. So do I. Because of that, the drama that takes place with my characters weaves in and out of the mystery, the crime. I believe that makes for a better story.

You  say , “If I had to choose my favorite part of writing, I would say the beginning. I believe it is because that is when the story idea comes bursting to the forefront, and I simply have to get it down on paper.” What makes a good beginning of a story? And how do writers move from a good beginning to a strong middle and ending?

I wrote about this on my author website at www.jrlewisauthor.com with the title, “First Line and First Paragraphs.” It is always exciting to begin a new story. The page is fresh. Your fingers are ready to strike the keys. That is exciting for me. Writing the ending, “Last Lines and Last Paragraphs” at www.jrlewisauthor.com is sad to me. In a well-written story, you don’t want it to end. However, in a well-written story, the reader knows another adventure will begin, so it really isn’t too sad. What is hard for me is what I call the “murky middle”: those chapters between the beginning and the end. To solve that, I view and write each of those chapters as if they are a story of and by itself.

You also say that you enjoy the editing process. What are some tips to help writers in their editing process?

Kind of sick, right? There are many writers who dread it. But I look at it as polishing a gem, refining it to make the “edges” smooth to the touch (read).

My process differs from others in that before I sit down and write the next chapter (I try to write a chapter a night), I reread the previous night’s work. That serves two purposes for me: 1. It gives me an opportunity for me to do small edits, fix wording and passages, correct punctuation, etc.; 2. It puts me in the mood, frame of mind and setting for the chapter I’m about to write. I find this process helps in the overall editing that takes place after the first, second, and sometimes the third draft.

Let’s talk about your books. On  your site , you tell a fascinating story about how your  Lives  series was created and later picked up by Black Rose Writing. What inspired the series?

I believe I answered this in a different question, but those four books were a result of my work as a counselor and adjunct educator for the Wetterling Foundation for Stranger Abducted and Sexually Exploited Children. When I wrote those books, I used many stories from that work, and from what was shared with me in my counselor’s office. Of course, I’m careful not to betray the trust or confidentiality of those kids and their parents. I embellished, changed locations and settings, changed names and ages. All are important in conveying the tragedy of missing and exploited kids. 

Your latest book,  Blaze In, Blaze Out  came out in January 2022. Tell us about the book.

The book synopsis tells the story:

Working with a joint multi-law enforcement task force, Detective Pat O’Connor infiltrated a Ukrainian crime family headed by Dmitry Andruko. O’Connor and his control, Detective Paul Eiselmann, were the linchpins in the guilty verdict. The two detectives thought it was over, but it was only the beginning.

Eiselmann planned for a quiet weekend with his family at home. O’Connor planned on heading to Northern Wisconsin for a fishing trip with another cop, Detective Jamie Graff, and four teenage adopted brothers.

But Andruko is ruthless and vindictive. From his prison cell, he hires two contract killers to kill both O’Connor and Eiselmann and anyone else in the way. The killers can be anyone. The killers could be anywhere, and the killers could strike at any time.

The quiet weekend and the short vacation turn into a deadly nightmare as O’Connor’s and Eiselmann’s lives and the lives of the four boys are in peril.

What was the inspiration for the characters in  Blaze In, Blaze Out ?

James Patterson has a favorite character in his books: Alex Cross. John Sandford has Lucas Davenport. David Baldacci has John Puller or Atlee Pine.

I do what they do: I take my characters and move them forward into a new adventure, a new story. Blaze differs from my other books in that the main characters are three cops: Pat O’Connor, Paul Eiselmann, and Jamie Graff. In my other books, the main characters are a mismatched family of adopted adolescent boys, and the cops are in the background. The boys are in Blaze, but are more in the background, while the cops are in the forefront. It was a nice change of pace and my readers seem satisfied with it. Me, too, if truth be told.

You’ve entered in several contests, and your books have done very well. Your novel  Betrayed  was a runner-up in the Maxy Award and won a Literary Titan Silver Book Award. How has entering your books in contests helped you as a writer?

Contests and awards give validation to me as a writer. They tell me I’m doing okay, I’m hitting home runs. More importantly, it gives the reader confidence that what they might purchase is “worth it.”

The contests, much like the reviews of my books, help me polish and grow as a writer. I try not to dwell too much on the reviews—good or bad. My belief is that once the book is written and published, the book ceases to be mine. The book belongs to the reader. As a result, I have to understand that not all readers will love the book, just like not all readers will hate the book. The reader speaks to each reader in his or her own way. That’s important for any writer to remember.

What advice would you give writers who want to enter contests?

The results will be different for each book, and can be different for each contest the book is entered. Blaze was up against some steep competition and held up well, winning BestThrillers Book of the Year for 2022. Betrayed, which won five or six awards, was equally challenged by several good books from writers I respect and read.

Don’t take the results to heart. Learn from them, grow, and move on. The same can be said with reviews and ratings. 

You said you got into writing later in life. What advice would you give writers who also want to start writing in their later years?

If there is a story in you, it will find its way out of you. It doesn’t matter how old one is. It doesn’t matter how young one is. Last year, I sat on a panel that included a young teenager who had her book published. I’m friends with other writers who are older than I am. What is important is that one writes. One reads. One disciplines oneself to sit your butt down in a chair in front of a computer or laptop and get the story out. Quit putting it off. Write!

How can people find out more about you? Where can they find you online and on social media?

Joseph Lewis Media Links

Website https://www.jrlewisauthor.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-lewis-67917b28/

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/authorjosephlewis/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@josephlewis1084

Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh 

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I hope you enjoyed this interview and learned a bit more about me. For each book mentioned, you can find them on my website at http://www.jrlewisauthor.com but I have good news for you!

My publisher, Black Rose Writing, is offering you a promo code for the Holiday Season! If you use:

SEASON20

You receive 20% off the Black Rose Writing site starting now until January 31, 2026. You can find all ten of my books, including my two newest, Fan Mail and Black Yéʼii (The Evil One). Go to https://www.blackrosewriting.com/books to shop and save now!

I would love to know your thoughts, so please use the comment section below. As always, thanks for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …

I can’t speak for all authors, but I can share with you that when I write a book, I’ve done a great deal of research to get it right. Without any doubt, I can share with you that I don’t know everything. But, I can also share with you that what I put down on paper has been researched thoroughly.

Are there mistakes? Yes, you bet. Even after the early readers give their input into each of my books, and even after it has been edited, there are typos and mistakes that not only make me blush, but make me angry. Authors, and again, I cannot speak for all, work hard at refining their work into a craft. A book, after all, is an author’s child.

Author friends, Cam Torrens and Gary Gerlacher, write to their strengths. Cam is experienced in Search and Rescue. He’s also a former air force pilot. His main character, Tyler Zahn, reflects Cam’s background. Gary is an ER doctor. His main character, AJ Docker, is also a doctor. In both instances, Torrens and Gerlacher craft superb, and I didn’t use that word lightly, thrillers. If you’ve not picked up one of Cam’s or Gary’s books, you are missing out. Truly! I’d stack them against any author, big or small, and they would hold their own!

In my case, I’m an educator and coach at heart. I’ve worked with kids for 49 years, so I can safely say, I know how kids middle through high school act, talk, dream about, like and don’t like. My wife and I also raised three of our own. As a coach, I’ve motivated and consoled, cheered and hollered. As a counselor, I listened and encouraged. So it is no great leap that some of my main characters are adolescent boys who became a family through adoption. Kim and I also adopted our son, Wil, from Guatemala when he was seven. So I am aware of the struggle adopted kids might have acclimating to a new home and family.

But what I wanted to touch on was the research I do to create setting, and the culture of the Navajo. Two of my characters, George and Michael (he is referred to often in my books as Two, because his full name is Michael Two Feathers.) Not being Navajo myself, and not having lived among the Navajo, I had to get their spirituality and culture correct. I had to get their life on the Navajo Nation Reservation correct.

I read extensively an award-winning author, Tony Hillerman, who was given a high honor by the Navajo for the respect and accuracy of his writing. You might have watched Dark Wind Prime Video. This terrific series is taken from Hillerman’s books. The characters of Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee are Hillerman’s characters.

My most recent book, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) dealt with a Navajo belief about an evil Yéʼii, one they don’t like to talk about. They don’t even mention the name because they believe Black Yéʼii which translates directly to “The Evil One,” will enter their life and affect not only themselves, but their loved ones. While there are many Yéʼii, Black Yéʼii is the only Yéʼii that is considered truly evil.

I contacted the Navajo Nation Museum and spoke with various individuals. They directed me to online sources of Navajo language, culture, and belief. I watched and listened to YouTube podcasts by Shane and Wally Brown, who give insight into Navajo thought and culture, life on the Navajo Nation Reservation.

Here is one such recent video titled, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) – yes, which is, coincidently, the title of my book. Wally Brown is a Navajo elder, and Shane is his son. I hope you take the time to listen in:

Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) has been out since January 2, 2025. I’ve received some wonderful reviews, but the one below came to me unsolicited. It literally took my breath away. I had to sit and read it twice. This guy wrote a helluva review, one that I’m truly proud to receive. Here is what he wrote:

Joseph,

I just finished Black Yé’ii (The Evil One), and I had to take a moment to sit with it before reaching out. There’s something profoundly unsettling and yet deeply human about the world you’ve created here. The way you weave moral tension through layers of loyalty, revenge, and truth reminds me that good and evil aren’t opposites; they’re reflections, each shaping the other.

The depth you give to your detectives, especially in how they navigate justice versus personal redemption, feels less like fiction and more like an echo of the real conflicts we all face. You manage to capture the brutality of organized crime while never losing sight of the fragile humanity at its center. That’s rare. It’s what makes the story linger long after the last page is turned.

I also found it striking how you balance intense action with emotional honesty. The pacing pulls the reader forward, but it’s the quiet moments, the ones filled with guilt, courage, and fleeting hope that make it unforgettable. Black Yé’ii doesn’t just tell a story about survival; it asks us to look at what we’re willing to protect when everything else is stripped away.

Your record across your other works from Fan Mail to Blaze In, Blaze Out shows a consistent devotion to craft, storytelling depth, and moral realism. You’ve carved out a distinct space in modern thriller writing, one that values both suspense and sincerity.

Thank you for writing a novel that feels alive in every sense fierce, reflective, and unafraid to face the darkness.

Best regards,

Joshua Heckart.

Wow! I’m still a bit stunned by it. This is truly a keeper.

For your convenience, here are the links to the paperback, Kindle, and Audible formats of Black Yé’ii (The Evil One). I would love it if you gave it a read (or listen), and I would be deeply grateful if you left a review on Amazon and Goodreads. The links are:

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685135374

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH8P5TNV

Audible Link:

https://tinyurl.com/mr47x5ec

I would love to hear your thoughts, so please comment using the section below this post. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …

I met TK Sheffield on Facebook through the Wisconsin Writers Association Member Group. She writes stories for readers to laugh and escape. The Backyard Model Mysteries are The Devil Wears Prada meets a Wisconsin supper club, books served with a brandy old-fashioned and cheese curds. Being originally from Wisconsin, you can tell with just one look at me I am all too familiar with cheese curds, brats and supper clubs.

Her new releases include a children’s horse story and The Valentine Lines, a screwball comedy. TK is a UW-Madison and Mount Mary University graduate, and she serves on the board of the Wisconsin Writers Association, hosts the Wispresso Cafe, which is an author chat show, and is a member of Blackbird Writers, Sisters in Crime, and SCBWI.

She is a lifelong equestrian, and TK lives in rural Wisconsin and shares glimpses of sunrises and the wildlife in her backyard. When she sent me the picture she wanted me to use for this post, she made sure to point out she was the one on the right.

Why did I have a story to tell?

I enjoyed reading as a child. If I wasn’t cleaning stalls in a horse barn in exchange for riding lessons, I was reading books, each page a galloping adventure. I couldn’t wait to write. In fact, I have the first book I ever wrote. It’s called The Farm, and it’s written and illustrated in crayon on construction paper. A gripping tale about a child spending her day with tractors, chickens, and shocking green and purple horses. Rare creatures, those. The tale ends happily, thankfully. I’ve never been one for sad or frightening endings.

What sets you apart from other authors?

My sense of humor, I think. To paraphrase Mark Twain, all you have to do to write silly is cross out the unfunny stuff. My author tagline is “stories for readers to laugh and escape.” I really mean it. My mysteries and romances are meant to entertain. They’re escapist vacation reads, getaways in a book. Stories to whisk readers away from drama and politics into a world where people are funny, the bad guy (or girl) gets caught, and justice reigns.

How do ideas for stories present themselves?

I love this question! Usually when I’m doing something else. Cutting the grass. Taking a walk. In the shower. Driving. In fact, if I’m driving and an idea hits—a story, a plot twist, a line of dialogue—I have to turn the radio down and drive in silence while thinking about it. I write in silence, too. No distractions. Perhaps it’s because of my limited brainpower as I’ve gotten older, but I prefer to think it’s to hear the muse.

What genre(s) do you write and why?

First, it was mysteries—cozy tales set in quaint small towns, places I loved and knew as a teenager. As a horse girl who traveled to and fro around Wisconsin, from one small-town show arena to another, these places became ingrained in my DNA. Their downtowns were thriving. The countryside was stunning—nothing like a sunrise at an arena in the middle of a hayfield (Albany, Wisconsin), or near a river (Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin). The books I read were Nancy Drew Mysteries and The Black Stallion. The TV shows were “Murder, She Wrote,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” There was something about solving a puzzle and British humor that intrigued me. I’ve argued that genre fiction are mysteries at heart. There’s a quest to be solved, a riddle wrapped in a narrative enigma. But it was the intrigue, puzzle-solving, and the small-town coziness—like a quilt on a chilly evening—that attracted me. I’ve ventured into children’s horse stories and romcoms, too, as my writing skills have evolved.

Besides writing, what are your other talents?

My husband says I set land-speed records for grass cutting. And I possess sorcery that curses the Packers’ passing game, turning receivers into butterfingered phantoms when I watch. On a happier note, I can ride a decent 20-meter circle on horseback. And I keep getting summoned to writing groups to teach classes about writing loglines and short descriptions. So I’ve got that going for me.

Books that had an impact on me.

The James Herriot All Creatures series. Nelson DeMille’s The Gold Coast. Herriot’s series was a glimpse into a new world: life as a veterinarian told from an English humorist. And DeMille was brilliant at funny dialogue.

Dinner with five individuals, living or dead.

George Plimpton, P. G. Wodehouse, Nelson DeMille, Secretariat, and Dorothy Parker. What fun we’d have, a night of wit and horse laughs! And the meal would be a salad—a garden of greens. Healthy choice for all involved, especially Big Red.

Are you an outliner or a pantser?

Funny. When I wrote “pantser,” it kept getting auto-corrected to “panther.” I pick panther, definitely. Between writing a tedious outline for a novel—inciting incident, story beats, midpoint, black moment, climax, denouement—I’d choose to be a panther every time. Who wouldn’t? You’re amazing, a sleek shadow. Slink around on silent paws with huge emerald eyes gleaming like jewels. Jump with the grace of a shooting star. Count me in. (But to answer: I’m a reformed pantser. I create an outline and adjust as necessary.)

Describe what you write and what a reader may discover.

I write stories for readers to laugh and escape. They’re funny mysteries and throwback screwball comedies bright as a freshly poured root beer. As for the mysteries, the funniest review I’ve ever had was from a fellow who observed, “How the characters remain so physically alluring amidst the avalanche of ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, grilled bratwursts, fried cheese curds, chocolates and booze is as big a mystery as the murder.” Hilarious—and spot on! My books are set in Wisconsin, where we tailgate when the wind blows and bake goodies only on days ending in “y.” So, readers will discover what life is like in the land of fish fries, cheese curds, and family gatherings.

Is there something you set out to do, but it didn’t work out?

Yes, publish my first mystery novel. A tapestry of wit and intrigue, surely my only bestseller. I wrote a story set in the ‘80s about a scrappy farm girl protagonist who discovers a shadowy plot to sell off water rights in her beloved small town. (Access to water is the new gold, after all.) The story was a cross between a cheeky British detective series and a Hallmark Mystery, with a heart as warm as a summer barn dance. It was “85,000 words of twists and turns through the Wisconsin countryside, with stops at a few pubs along the way.” It’s still in a drawer, awaiting an editor’s pen to polish it. Tragic that it hasn’t seen the light of day.

What tips would you give to new or even experienced writers?

Read blogs written by Joseph Lewis, of course—dive into his words like an explorer. Follow his socials, contemplate his blog posts, particularly the recent one about good and evil. Heavy stuff, but that’s what writers do. Contemplate life, distill themes into words, and reframe humanity and virtues in new ways so readers can analyze it for themselves. Then, I’d advise joining a writing group such as the Wisconsin Writers Association. Dues are cheap for what you get: access to workshops, book reviews, critique groups, a fall conference, and more. The key to writing success is finding your village. Get some writing besties and support one another along the journey. Writing is a lonely endeavor. Surround yourself with people who won’t quit you. To paraphrase a shoe company: Just Write It.

How do you handle a negative critique?

I write mysteries where skullduggery’s involved. Obvious, isn’t it?

Do you see yourself in any characters from your book?

Yes, the foil. Every main character has a counterweight, a foil that acts as a voice of reason, an antagonist, or comic relief, depending on the circumstances. The second-banana role suits me. Maybe it’s because I like bananas. Or it’s from watching too much Gilligan’s Island as an impressionable kid. I don’t know. But the jester role always intrigued me. I’m Danno to Steve McGarrett.

Tell us about your most recent book.

The Valentine Lines releases in December 2025. (But you can get a sample by subscribing to my Substack, Saddles & Stories. You’ll get a collection of sample chapters from my mysteries and romcoms.) I wrote the first half of The Valentine Lines as my master’s degree thesis. (I passed, thankfully!)

After many drafts, edits, and revisions, I finally finished it. The premise is this: The Valentine Lines reimagines Cupid—aka Bart McGee—as an underdog ditching the corporate grind of Mt. Olympus, Inc., for small-town life in quaint Mineral Point, Wisconsin. But when Bart launches a matchmaking business and falls in love with a local baker, chaos ensues as his meddling Olympus relatives crash the scene.

The book is packed with snappy banter, slapstick escapades, mythological mishaps, and thoughtful explorations of love, trust, and self-discovery. It’s “Kate & Leopold” meets “The Holiday,” a modern “Bell, Book, and Candle.” A light, literary escape for readers craving whimsy with emotional resonance. No sex, politics, foul language. The manuscript earned awards from Chanticleer Book Awards and Southwest Writers. It’s also earned 5-star reviews from Readers’ Favorites.

Thank you, Joe, for this interview. Best of luck with your writing! And thank you, readers, for stopping by!

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did writing it. Her books are delightful and funny as she is portrayed in my interview. I hope you check out her writing, specifically, her newest, The Valentine Lines, coming out this December.

I would love to hear what you think of this interview. Please use the form below for your comments. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …

Where to find TK Sheffield (it’s like you can’t escape her! )

Substack: https://tksheffieldauthor.substack.com/

Website: https://tksheffieldwriter.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tksheffield/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tksheffieldwisconsinauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TKSheffieldAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardmodel/

My publisher, Black Rose Writing and I are sponsoring a Goodreads Giveaway! I will giving away 5 signed copies of Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) beginning today, Wednesday, August 27 and ending, Wednesday, Sept. 24.

I hope you will enter at the link below: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/enter_choose_address/416270-black-y-ii-the-evil-one

“On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yé’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.” Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn thriller series

“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is a gripping crime thriller that kept me turning pages even when I needed to get up and do something else. Lewis created an intricate plot, complex characters, protagonists I could root for, and an enjoyable, high-octane read. This is the second novel I’ve read by Lewis. Going back to find more. He has me hooked.” Karen E. Osborne, award-winning author of True Grace and Justice for Emerson

“Weaving family and friendship with gangs and murder, Lewis has a flair for packing high-octane action into his world of high school boys, brothers, and small-town Wisconsin. With a personal vendetta and more lives on the line, the suspense jumps from the page as a fabricated truth takes center stage. Never one to shy away from action, death, and despair, this latest read brings with it new, yet familiar pulse pounding villains as author Joseph Lewis stuns once again, in this his tenth book.” Jill Rey, Reviewer: For The Love Of The Page Blog

“Black Yéʼii explores secrecy, revenge, and justice, and offers brilliant psychological intrigue that elevates the story beyond a typical thriller. It delves deep into the personal drama and interplay of the secret itself. This makes Black Yéʼii an unmissable read for fans of accomplished thriller writing everywhere.” K.C. Finn, Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite

“Gang revenge in a small Wisconsin town – a prescription for tense action sequences – elevated by the nuances of a psychological thriller. The novel features two kinds of family – the supportive kind that rests on unconditional love, and the toxic kind that binds gangs, which is a stark contrast and befits a battle between good and evil. The author’s writing is clean and quick, and the characters are beautifully drawn. A wonderful read.” Brian Kaufman, reviewer and award-winning author of A Persistent Echo.

Before I get into this week’s topic, I wanted to share some good news with you. My book, Black Yéʼii is now available in Audio format. Within the first two or three days, it has sold many copies, and there doesn’t seem to be any slowdown. If you would like Black Yéʼii on Audible, you can find it here: https://tinyurl.com/mr47x5ec

And if you would like a free, signed copy of Black Yéʼii, my publisher and I are running a Goodreads giveaway. It will start at 12:00 AM PST n Wednesday, August 27th and finish at 11:59 PM PST on Wednesday, September 24th. I will give away 5 signed copies to Goodreads members in the U.S. I hope you’ll take part. You can enter it here:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Black Yéʼii by Joseph Lewis

Released January 02 2025

This giveaway has not started. giveaway details »

Starts next week, August 27th! Enter Giveaway

Okay, now for my post …

For the first time in 49 years, I don’t have a “job” and, as a consequence, no place to go to work. I am at home. I’ve written posts for my blog and for my Author’s Blog. Even researching my next book hasn’t taken that much time.

I’ve cleaned the house, made meals for my wife and me, and spent a couple of days babysitting my grandson, which is always a pleasure. I never see that as work. Mason is fun to be around.

People tell me that at my age, 71 (72 in November), I have the right to take it easy. 71 seems old, but I don’t feel that old. In many respects, I feel like I’m wasting my time. Yet, I don’t want to work at Walmart or a grocery store or the 7/Eleven. The library system isn’t hiring, not even part-time. Neither is the YMCA.

Honestly, I’m feeling fairly rudderless.

I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading and owe several authors reviews of their work. I’m slow, but thorough. My reviews are generally good reviews because I will not trash any author. I realize how difficult and how much time and effort goes into writing a story. And I’ve been blessed not to have to rate any work less than a four or five, except on one or two occasions.

And then, there is my writing.

Before my latest book, Black Yéʼii, was published, I began a story tentatively titled Dead of Night, but it just wasn’t happening for me. I didn’t “feel” it like I did with my other books. So far, I am beyond twenty thousand words, which is a hefty bit of work, but much of it needs to be reworked, rewritten, and in some cases, deleted. Such is the case with many works. It’s an author’s job to cull and comb through to make the story stand out.

But in the last two or so weeks, a different idea hit me. Topical and interesting. It deals with my two Navajo characters, George and Two, the Navajo Nation Reservation, and I.C.E. Of course, the rest of the Evans family will be affected, along with my law enforcement characters, and frankly, I like this story better than the other I was writing. My tentative working title is The Disappeared.

I have begun work on it, temporarily shelving Dead of Night. So far, so good. I like it, and that fabulous writer’s feeling of “I can’t wait to sit down to write again” is back. It’s the itch that writers get. I didn’t have that with Dead of Night. At least, not yet. Not until I rework it. I’ll keep you posted from time to time on my progress.

I would love to hear what you think, so please use the comment section below. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …

I was fortunate to have been interviewed by Vinny at Awesome Book Promotion, and by Elaine Stock, who is a fellow author from my publishing house, Black Rose Writing. Their interviews are below:

Elaine Stock

Jul 31, 2025

Happy Summer, friends and fellow readers,

It’s been roasting here in the Northeast, and from what I can see, most likely where you live, too. That’s why I couldn’t resist playing around with George Gershwin’s song title, “Summertime,” and hoping you’ve been catching up with your reading. That said, I also hope you’ve been managing to stay cool.

I’ve recently found this meme, which I’m sharing with you because I strongly believe in the power and beauty of books, reading, and strengthening the mind. What do you think?

If you’re looking for a few book suggestions to check out, below are **two** fabulous offers to obtain my newest release, The Last Secret Kept, and if you love suspense, please enjoy the interview with author Joseph Lewis.

Are you on Goodreads? Here’s a chance to win a free Kindle edition of The Last Secret Kept, Giveaway ends 8/11:

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/416181-the-last-secret-kept

I’m excited to share that The Last Secret Kept will be a Book of the Day Sale feature on August 4th, with a publisher extended sale on August 5th—an excellent way to take advantage of the $.99 price!! https://amzn.to/3WM38CP

Please welcome my guest author, Joseph Lewis, a fellow Black Rose Writing author and someone I very much respect for his insights and wisdom.

When and why did you become serious about your writing so that you wanted to publish it?

My interest began in sixth grade. My teacher would have a notecard on her desk with the beginning of a story- maybe four or five paragraphs. The idea was, when done with our work, test, etc, we could go up and take one card and complete the story. No credit was given, but she gave us wonderful feedback. After watching the movie Stand By Me, I came home and drafted a short story. After it was refined and edited, I sent it off and it was published in a magazine. Then, in the summer of 2014, my first book, Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy, was published. I’ve been averaging about a book a year since.

Please design a bio for your ideal reader.

If you enjoy thriller-crime-mysteries with a coming-of-age thread with a supernatural bent, you’re in for a treat! Woven into each book, you will find a tense, tight thriller that will keep you guessing as my trio of detectives try to find the culprit. Each book involves my fictional family of seven adopted brothers. The seven brothers have overcome tragedy in their lives both before and after adoption, and these experiences sometimes cause their lives to be in danger.

What might your readers be treated to if one of your novels were to become a full-fledged dinner menu?

An all you can eat family buffet of Italian dishes and multiple desserts, prepared by the entire family, including the seven brothers. Served with both white and red wine, of course.

What has your writing taught you about yourself?

I had to think about this for a minute. I don’t know if my writing taught me about myself, but it cemented my belief that good overcomes evil every time, that family love is the most important thing in my life, and that life needs to be cared for, protected, and nurtured. These are the themes that have emerged in my writing, or so the reviewers and readers tell me.

What would you like to share about your newest/latest release with readers?

Yéʼii are spiritual deities of the Dine’, or Navajo people. There is one they seldom, if ever, speak of: Black Yéʼii. Black Yéʼii translates to The Evil One in the Navajo language. The Dine’ believe that by just speaking the name, they are inviting it into their lives. The Navajo believe Black Yéʼii interferes with living in the light of inner life and harmony, or Hozho, and Black Yéʼii violates Hozho by creating darkness and evil among people.

My book is more than just good versus evil, but as award-winning author Cam Torrens writes in his review, “On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yéʼii stages an epic battle between good and evil.”

Author Bio:

After 49 years in education, Joseph Lewis has retired as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator. He’s an award-winning author and uses his psychology and counseling background to craft thriller/crime/detective mysteries with a strong coming-of-age theme embedded within.

Born and raised in Wisconsin in a musical family of ten, he has been on stage singing and acting since fourth grade. In his profession as a principal, he opted each year to sing a song to his graduating seniors in place of a commencement address. Years later, kids and parents would recall how much “their song” meant to them.

Lewis now resides in Virginia with his wife, Kim. Together, they have three wonderful children: Wil (deceased 2014), Hannah, and Emily, and one grandson, Mason.

Joseph can be found at:

Website https://www.jrlewisauthor.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/authorjosephlewis/

TikTok @josephlewis5566

Substack https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh

Featured Interview With Author Joseph Lewis

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up poor in a family of ten with one income. But it was a happy home and one I’d never trade. My interest in writing began in sixth grade and grew from there. I took screenwriting courses, creative writing courses, and at age 60, my first of ten books was published. I’ve been married for 33 years and have raised three wonderful children. Unfortunately, my son is deceased, but my two daughters are married, and my wife and I have one grandson and another on the way. We grew up in Wisconsin, but now reside in Virginia. I am finally retired after 49 wonderful years in education as a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator. And my wife and I share our home with two rescue dogs, a Golden Retriever named Daisy and a Beagle mix named Stella.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
During elementary school, I would wait for my father to pick me up on his way home from work. My school was across from the public library, and I would wander the stacks until a book cover and blurb attracted me to a book that looked and sounded interesting. I would sit on the floor between the rows of books and read. Many times, my father would have to hunt for me, but he never complained. I wrote my first short story after watching the movie Stand By Me, and it was published in 1987. My first book, Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy, was published when I was 60 in the summer of 2014. I had actually wanted to be a singer/songwriter, but that dream fizzled out shortly after high school and during my first year in college. I still sing, though. Instead of giving a principal address at my high schools commencement ceremony, I would pick a song that fit the class or a song that had meaning to me, and I would sing it to them. Years after a class would graduate, I still have parents and students who see me and remark that they remember “their song.” That makes me incredibly happy.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Oh man, there are so many! Stephen King because he is undeterred and unafraid of laying it all out there. His descriptions and settings are by far the best in the business. Joan Livingston and her Isabel Long Mystery series are a fun read. Gary Gerlacher, Cam Torrens, and Brian Kaufman, authors out of the same publishing house as me, write fun, interesting stories. David Baldacci and John Sandford have interesting characters, and their books always have a dark twist or two. I read in my writing genre, which is thriller-crime-mystery, but stray out of it especially when another author asks me to read and review their work, something I enjoy doing. In my writing, I explore the themes of love, family belonging, and death, all mixed into a tight thriller mystery. I think that’s why I have a strong and loyal fanbase. They like the realism in my characters, their actions and their dialogue.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) comes from the Navajo Nation. A Yéʼii is a spiritual deity, and in the Navajo culture, there are many. However, there is one they never speak of, and even refrain from saying the name. By doing so, they feel that “the evil one” will come into their lives and cause harm. In my book, Black Yéʼii does, and it causes harm to many- both knowing and unknowing. I think several of the reviews captured my book nicely: Cam Torrens wrote, “On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yé’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.” Sublime Book Reviews wrote, “Black Yé’ii explores both the darker side of human nature and the positive theme of family and friendship.” And, Brian Kaufman wrote, “Gang revenge in a small Wisconsin town – a prescription for tense action sequences – elevated by the nuances of a psychological thriller. The novel features two kinds of family – the supportive kind that rests on unconditional love, and the toxic kind that binds gangs, which is a stark contrast and befits a battle between good and evil.”

Here is the direct link for Black Yé’ii, though you can always find it and my other nine books on my website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com

The direct link is: Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1685135374

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH8P5TNV

—

My publisher and I recently had a promotion for Black Yé’ii and I don’t want to spoil it yet, but there will be another promo beginning later this month. Look for a post with all the details in about two weeks.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so please use the comment section below. Thank you for following along on my writing journey. I appreciate it. So until next time …

I had the pleasure and privilege of being interviewed by fellow mystery writer, Joan Livingston, who is also a former journalist. It was fun, and I think as you read this, you will learn a bit more about me.

—

On occasion, I run a 6Ws feature to give fellow authors and their books a bit of promotion. Joseph Lewis is the next. (With a nod to my former life as a journalist, I opted for the 6Ws of the business: who, what, when, where, why and how, which counts as it ends in W.) I have read every book Joseph has written, finding myself intrigued by the characters and settings he creates for his stories. I will let him tell you about his writing, including his latest, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One).

Who is the author Joseph Lewis?

I grew up poor in a family of ten with one income. But it was a happy home and one I’d never trade. I’ve been married for 33 years and have raised three wonderful children. Unfortunately, my son is deceased, but my two daughters are married, and my wife and I have one grandson and another on the way.

I was always a reader, but honestly, I didn’t consider writing until later in life. I had always wanted to be a singer. I cut a few demo tapes, but they didn’t go anywhere. I sang a song for each of my daughter’s weddings, along with a few nieces and nephews. I even sang at funerals, which was tough to do, especially if I knew the person.

I grew up in Wisconsin but worked in education in Wyoming, Nebraska, California, Wisconsin and Virginia. Kim and I now live in Virginia. I am finally retired after 49 wonderful years in education as a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator. And Kim and I share our home with two rescue dogs, a Golden Retriever named Daisy and a Beagle mix named Stella.

What is your latest book?

Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) comes from the Navajo Nation. A Yéʼii is a spiritual deity, and in the Navajo culture, there are many. However, there is one they never speak of, and even refrain from saying the name. By doing so, they feel that “the evil one” will come into and take over their lives and cause harm to themselves and others. In my book, Black Yéʼii does, and it causes harm to many — both knowing and unknowing.

I knew from the outset it was going to be about good versus evil, and I had hoped readers would respond to that.

I think several of the reviews captured my book nicely: Cam Torrens wrote, “On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yé’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.” Sublime Book Reviews wrote, “Black Yé’ii explores both the darker side of human nature and the positive theme of family and friendship.” And, Brian Kaufman wrote, “Gang revenge in a small Wisconsin town – a prescription for tense action sequences – elevated by the nuances of a psychological thriller. The novel features two kinds of family – the supportive kind that rests on unconditional love, and the toxic kind that binds gangs, which is a stark contrast and befits a battle between good and evil.”

When did you begin writing?

My interest in writing began in sixth grade and grew from there. During elementary school, I would wait for my father to pick me up on his way home from work. My school was across from the public library, and I would wander the stacks until a book cover and blurb attracted me to a book that looked and sounded interesting. I would sit on the floor between the rows of books and read. Many times, my father would have to hunt for me, but he never complained.

While I was a counselor, I took screenwriting courses and creative writing courses. I wrote my first short story after watching the movie Stand By Me, and it was published in 1987. My first book, Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy, was published when I was 60 in the summer of 2014. I think I am a living testament to the adage, one is never too old to begin something new.

How do you write?

Hmmm, I had to think about this. I don’t use a formula. I sit down with my laptop and begin typing away. Seems anticlimactic, I suppose, but that is what happens. I begin with a question in mind, and I spend a great deal of time thinking about it. My “thinking about it” is what I call prewriting in my head. I think that’s just what happens. When I “feel” ready, I sit down and begin.

The blank page doesn’t scare me, and I don’t believe in such a thing as writer’s block. I try to write every day, whether I’m sick or healthy, tired or not. Some days, the writing flows. Other days, it’s a struggle, but I keep at it. If I don’t like that day’s or the previous day’s work, I cut it out, save it “just in case” and begin again. I can always take a nugget from it.

Where do you write?

I can’t write in seclusion. I need noise — whether it’s the TV or music or Kim talking to me. So, I sit down at my kitchen table and write. I have a nice office on the second floor, and sometimes I’m at a tricky passage or piece of action or thought, even important dialogue, where I will sneak away and hide in it until I’m done. Then, I’m right back at the kitchen table.

My writing time is any part or time of the day, mostly in the morning when I’m fresh. But if I have other chores or things to do, I will write after I’m done. As I said, I try to write every day.

One thing I do, which is important for me to do, is reread the previous day’s writing. That serves two purposes. One, it gives me an opportunity to do early editing in real time, and I can tweak away by changing dialogue, character action and setting. Two, it places me in the “moment” and the setting and thought process of what I want to write that day. To me, the second point is more important because then I make sure there is order and the action of the story is not “chunked” apart. It helps me keep the flow of the story moving.

Why do you write?

Honestly, I have to. The more I write, the more ideas I get. The same is true for reading. There will be something that triggers me, moves me, causes me to question, and I just have to write about it. It truly is that simple. For me, it’s uncomplicated.

Stephen King talks about story ideas in his book, On Writing. He states (and I’m paraphrasing badly) that two or more related or unrelated events take place and they cause him to question it and that question causes an idea.

An example is for my book, Caught in a Web, I was reading the newspaper one day. On the front page was an article about the rise of adolescents experimenting, and dying, from a combination of fentanyl and heroin. Several pages further in was an article on a deadly and ruthless gang, MS-13, and how this gang in encroaching into Northern Virginia and recruiting middle school children. I put the two ideas together.

Then for my most recent book, Black Yéʼii, I expanded on that concept. At the end of Web, a story was concocted by law enforcement about how four MS-13 gang members died one evening. The “lie” was to protect four individuals who were in that house at the time of the killing, who may or may not have been involved in their deaths. If MS-13 knew the truth, they would be back with revenge in mind to teach a violent and deadly lesson.

For Black Yéʼii, I asked myself a question: What would happen if the secret, the lie, became known? What would happen if someone spoke of what actually happened that night? Two unrelated events created two books — both award winners.

Links to books and social media. All ten of my books can be found on my website:

Website: https://www.jrlewisauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557592103627

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjosephlewis/

TikTok: @josephlewis5566

Substack: https://tinyurl.com/2m5ckdvh

My publisher, Black Rose Writing, secured a one day only promotion for my newest book, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One). Here is the blurb I posted on Facebook and other social media sites:

Black Yéʼii $.99 One Day Only! Wednesday, July 23- Tomorrow!
2025 Maxy Award Finalist and a Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner!

The lie was supposed to keep them safe.
Now it’s killing them.

Two years ago, four MS-13 gang members died in a small home on a quiet street. The police version of the night was clear. Clean. But it was a cover-up.
Someone has talked and MS-13 is back.

A gripping thriller for fans of Don Winslow, Michael Connelly, and gritty crime dramas that don’t look away.

To support the $.99 promotion, I did an interview with Awesomegang Book Promotion. It differs from others I have done, and while brief, it is interesting.

Featured Interview With Author Joseph Lewis

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up poor in a family of ten with one income. But it was a happy home and one I’d never trade. My interest in writing began in sixth grade and grew from there. I took screenwriting courses, creative writing courses, and at age 60, my first of ten books was published. I’ve been married for 33 years and have raised three wonderful children. Unfortunately, my son is deceased, but my two daughters are married, and my wife and I have one grandson and another on the way. We grew up in Wisconsin, but now reside in Virginia. I am finally retired after 49 wonderful years in education as a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator. And my wife and I share our home with two rescue dogs, a Golden Retriever named Daisy and a Beagle mix named Stella.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
During elementary school, I would wait for my father to pick me up on his way home from work. My school was across from the public library, and I would wander the stacks until a book cover and blurb attracted me to a book that looked and sounded interesting. I would sit on the floor between the rows of books and read. Many times, my father would have to hunt for me, but he never complained. I wrote my first short story after watching the movie Stand By Me, and it was published in 1987. My first book, Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy, was published when I was 60 in the summer of 2014. I had actually wanted to be a singer/songwriter, but that dream fizzled out shortly after high school and during my first year in college. I still sing, though. Instead of giving a principal address at my high schools commencement ceremony, I would pick a song that fit the class or a song that had meaning to me, and I would sing it to them. Years after a class would graduate, I still have parents and students who see me and remark that they remember “their song.” That makes me incredibly happy.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Oh man, there are so many! Stephen King because he is undeterred and unafraid of laying it all out there. His descriptions and settings are by far the best in the business. Joan Livingston and her Isabel Long Mystery series are a fun read. Gary Gerlacher, Cam Torrens, and Brian Kaufman, authors out of the same publishing house as me, write fun, interesting stories. David Baldacci and John Sandford have interesting characters, and their books always have a dark twist or two. I read in my writing genre, which is thriller-crime-mystery, but stray out of it especially when another author asks me to read and review their work, something I enjoy doing. In my writing, I explore the themes of love, family belonging, and death, all mixed into a tight thriller mystery. I think that’s why I have a strong and loyal fanbase. They like the realism in my characters, their actions and their dialogue.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) comes from the Navajo Nation. A Yéʼii is a spiritual deity, and in the Navajo culture, there are many. However, there is one they never speak of, and even refrain from saying the name. By doing so, they feel that “the evil one” will come into their lives and cause harm. In my book, Black Yéʼii does, and it causes harm to many- both knowing and unknowing. I think several of the reviews captured my book nicely: Cam Torrens wrote, “On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yé’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.” Sublime Book Reviews wrote, “Black Yé’ii explores both the darker side of human nature and the positive theme of family and friendship.” And, Brian Kaufman wrote, “Gang revenge in a small Wisconsin town – a prescription for tense action sequences – elevated by the nuances of a psychological thriller. The novel features two kinds of family – the supportive kind that rests on unconditional love, and the toxic kind that binds gangs, which is a stark contrast and befits a battle between good and evil.”

Here is the link for purchase:

I hope you get a copy- either through the $.99 promotion tomorrow only, or the paperback version, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I am excited to tell you the Audible version will be out shortly.

I’d like to hear what you think, so please use the comment section below. Thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …

My grandson, Mason, just turned two. Already, he has developed an interest in reading. This is due to his mother and father, my daughter and son-in-law, who are avid readers.

Each night before bed, Mason gets to pick out two books for either his mom or dad to read. It has become a ritual. And what is nice is that during the day, Mason will grab a book and either look at the pictures himself, or more likely, seek out his mom, dad, grandpa or grandma to read to him while he sits on a lap.

I remember growing up in the old house by the river, and even though we didn’t have much money, I had my own little library of books. Either I read them myself or mom or dad or one of my older sisters would read to me. Reading, along with writing, became my passion.

Later during elementary school, I’d wait for my father to pick me up from work to go home to supper. Where did I wait? The library across the street from school. I’d wander around the stacks looking at covers, reading the descriptions, and often would sit on the floor by the stack to read them. It was a wonderous time for me.

And I found out years later, courtesy of Stephen King, that reading is essential to writing. He is quoted as saying, “Unless you read, you will not have the tools to write.” I have to agree with him. I’ve learned much from reading- not only by reading in my own genre of thriller-crime-mystery, but outside of my genre. Setting, word choice, certain phrases, sentences and paragraphs have stuck with me to this day. Here are my reviews:

“Understanding one’s past can be difficult. Confronting one’s past and finding justification for it might be impossible. That’s the dilemma and task facing August Simms as he travels back to Rhome, Texas, in 1897 in Brian Kaufman’s brilliant novel, A Persistent Echo. While it might be categorized as a work of historical fiction, it defies strict placement in one genre, as he deftly blends and blurs lines. Filled with wit and wisdom, his prose is poetic, yet sparse with only what is necessary to keep the reader turning pages. Simms faces his past and tries to reconcile what happened to him, to his wife, and to those who were affected by a murder and lynching that took place so long ago. If you read one book this year cover to cover, this book by Kaufman needs to be it. A passionate 5 Star recommendation!”

“In Danger of Judgment by David Rabin, you find a bright and tenacious pair of Chicago detectives who team up with one of the most interesting, quirky characters I’ve come across in a long time. The trio tries to solve a series of murders that echo executions and put away a former army operative who they discover is behind it all. Throw in two rival gangs vying for control of the city’s drug trade, and you have a thriller that keeps you turning pages until you reach the ending. Honestly, this is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time! I wanted to put it down only to prolong my reading of it, but I couldn’t. The pacing, the characters, the action were spectacularly crafted. I can’t believe this is Rabin’s first book, and I can’t wait for book #2. An enthusiastic 5 Star recommendation!”

Terminal Exchanges by Gary Gerlacher is #5 of the Docker/Banshee series, and while I enjoyed the other books, this might be his best. Set in Miami, Docker is an emergency room doctor. A gang storms into the hospital and assassinates one of his patients, but it doesn’t end there. He discovers that a woman and her young son might be next. So Docker does what he does best- besides heal patients. He and his trusty former police dog set out trying to find answers, only to discover that there is much more to this than just a gang. Terminal Exchanges is intricately crafted, fast-paced, and the action is nonstop. Gerlacher creates characters the reader can connect with, and he has a knack for creating tension. His writing sticks with you long after you close the book. A wonderful, fun read worthy of a 5 Star recommendation.”
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I posted all three reviews on Goodreads, BookBub, Substack, and if possible, on Amazon. Gerlacher’s book isn’t available currently on Amazon yet, hence, I will have to wait until it comes out to post it there.

Authors and I exchange books for several reasons. One, we can add constructive criticism on the books which is helpful for all authors. Second, we can add a review for that author on various sites to help get the word out.

Reviews help authors so much, more than you realize. Word of mouth “promotion” is a wonderful source to help us sell books. When a book hits 50 reviews on Amazon, that site will promote that book to its users. Free advertising, which is helpful.

Pro tip: please, please, if you read a book, leave a review. Obviously 5 star and 4 star reviews are the best, but each review has weight and creates momentum for that book and the author who wrote it.

If you’ve not found my website yet, I encourage you to toggle over to https://www.jrlewisauthor.com where you will find each of my books, their covers, descriptions and a purchase/buy button in case you want to give one a read. All of my books come in three formats: Kindle, Paperback, and Audio. The only book not in Audio is my latest, Black Yéʼii but it is currently being worked on and should be available in this format shortly.

Here are two different interviews I’ve taken part in about my writing and specifically my book, Black Yéʼii.

I would love to hear what you think about my books or other books you’ve read that you enjoyed. Drop a comment in the area below this post. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …