Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is Joe Spraga. I’m 43 years young.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I’m from the Detroit Metropolitan area in Michigan.

Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).

I’m a graduate of Western Michigan University, with a Bachelor’s of Arts in English and a Minor in Philosophy. Became legally disabled in 2015 due to health problems. Mustard is my favorite condiment.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I recently appeared at a book fair and I sold 7 books!

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I knew I was a writer in college, but I did not start taking it seriously until many years later. I have always observed life, and read books. Seeing the connection between the two is a very natural and important thing for me.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I wrote my first book because the chorus of the book popped into my head one day while in a painting class in college. It had been an ear worm for me for many years. I knew then that I had to make a story out of it.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

The title of my book- The Snitch, the Witch, and The One Who Was Rich, is the name of the painting I did in college. It led to the eventual story.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

My writing style for my children’s literature is verse. However I make sure to be as didactic as I can be with overtones of social commentary while still keeping it entertaining.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

All of it is based on real experiences I have had. That’s why it took me 25 years to write it.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

No, I did not have to travel to different places. I did have to live life longer to know what I was trying to say in my book.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Make time for kindness, it is the only true commodity.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

Not new authors as of right now, but My favorite author/book is Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I don’t have any other choice due to my health issues.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Nah.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Yes, I learned how I feel about life in general and how I feel about specific social issues. I’m still learning things every day.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

First, have a story to tell, then spend the rest of your life defending it.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I love dogs and so should you.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Picture of Dorian Gray- Oscar Wilde

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Dogs.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?

Pizza, blue, Grateful Dead/Phish/Clutch/Medeski, Martin, and Wood/John Coltrane/Miles Davis

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Dream.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

With my dog.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

The Greatest Writer You Have Never Heard Of.

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

https://joespraga.com/