Interview with Joseph S. Ramirez, Author of THE LAST LESSON #Giveaway

Joseph is a young upstart indie writer, who writes what he wants to write. Typically, it's clean but tough Young Adult fiction, with occasional forays into other things. His debut novel, an oddly told love story, went live on Amazon in late 2014. He is excited to have more in progress, and anticipates publishing at least two more works this year.

What would you be doing right now if you were not an author?

I would be a Jedi Knight. It's not as cool as being a writer, but it's the next best thing. 

5 Years Ago, what were you doing?

I was working 80+ hours a week as a volunteer (unpaid) missionary for my church, 2000 miles away from home, seven days a week. It was kind of tough. But dang, I got some good stories and made some good friends. :)  

Do you have a certain writing ritual?

Some guys look up pictures of expensive cars they want to buy someday, I look up pictures from amazing cover artists that are TOTALLY out of my current indie budget. For example: Erika Baird. Amazing art. Basically, an Aston Martin of cover art potential. Looking at fantastic cover art is very inspiring - and makes me want to write more books!

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as a writer?

Well, the most blunt criticism I ever got was from someone who hated everything about my writing, who finished up with: "I couldn't get into it. It was like watered down John Green." It didn't bother me that much, though. I've learned that it really isn't personal when someone doesn't like my writing. Sort of like it isn't personal when I'm grossed out by something my mom made, like sliced or stewed or diced tomatoes. 

And yes, if she's reading this, we're both aware of the non-personal nature of our differing views on tomatoes. No worries, readers. :) 

Is there an author you'd like to meet?

Yes! I would love to meet two at once, if that is allowed. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien - to sit and chat about imaginary worlds while eating soft-baked salty pretzels. :) They were close friends, and I'd love to see how they interact and interact with them.

Biggest writing pet peeve?

Getting facts wrong, especially involving guns, swordfights, wounds, and dialogue DURING swordfights (Short quips: acceptable. Page long monologues: bad.) Exceptions made in all cases for Rule of Cool instances. But it better be pretty dang awesome.

Do you read other's reviews of your books?

At this point, yes. That could change. I'm adaptable. But I believe knowledge is power, and not reading reviews simply because they might be painful isn't a good enough reason for me to remain ignorant of what people are actually saying.

Fav. Color: Autumn. Like this...

Fictional Character to spend the day with: My girlfriend! She is fairly fictional at the moment, sadly. Single 25 year old guy here, by the way, if anyone wants to hook me up. ;) #onlyhalfjoking #myparentswouldliketomeettheirgrandchildrensomeday

Fav. Food: Constantly changing. Recently, I have discovered the subtle wonder of Japanese soba noodles in miso soup. I make it now and again from scratch. DELICIOUS.

Fav. song and/or Singer: Argh. Too hard! I love too many of both. Music = expression of life, beauty, and soul. Next question? 

Guilty Pleasure: Paramore. Specifically, Hayley Williams. Because that woman has got some PIPES.

Thanks for having me on your blog, Mandy! I love engaging with people who also love books. 

Readers, yall can visit my author page at Amazon, my blog, or my website. I'll also be happy to talk with yall in the comments of this post. :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monique is everything to him: a ballroom partner, a cooking buddy, a laugh-until-your-stomach-hurts best friend, a safe person to sit with after school and talk to about everything, except one topic. 

He's crazy about her. 

And she has no idea. 

He won't ever tell her, either, if he has a choice. She likes someone else, and he can't stand to ruin their friendship (and dance lessons) over feelings she might never share. 

But secrets can't keep forever. And behind Monique's walls are secrets of her own, secrets that could destroy their friendship, their dancing, and even her life, unless he can find a way to face his fears - and love her enough to lose her.

AMAZON