Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Exclusive Interview with
Joe Sarkic
When did you start writing?
I first started writing nearly forty years ago during my university studies, driven by a desire to publish short stories and full-length novels in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
What makes writing your passion?
I enjoy imagining different worlds, be they Fantasy or Science Fiction—two genres I love to read—and I have always held a passion to create my own visions and see them published.
How long have you been writing?
I found no success when I first began writing, and I spent most of my adult life focused on my career as both a software and systems engineer; yet, I always held onto the desire to one day restart my writing and see it published. This happened in 2022, when I reflected on what I had successfully accomplished in my life and looked back at what I had hoped to one day achieve. That was when I decided it was time to try again. Whether I succeed or fail does not matter to me. I just want to start something I have delayed for far too long and do my best to make it succeed.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
The feeling was incredible, and even more so when I started receiving positive reviews for my first full-length Sci-Fi novel.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
As an independent publisher, building awareness that a book exists requires considerable and consistent effort across many different platforms. This is exhausting and consumes time I would rather spend on the next novel.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
What works best for me is to step away from the blank page and engage in another pursuit: a session at the gym, a neighbourhood walk, or visiting a coffee and pastry shop for a quick snack—the very reason I frequent the gym. The bottom line is to find an activity that clears the mind. Eventually, ideas start to surface when they are least expected.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
What keeps me going is that I write for myself and entertain myself—instead of spending hours watching television, which I stopped doing years ago. I write the way I want the story to unfold, and I strive to imagine how to make the narrative unfold in an unpredictable way.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Never give up on your dreams, no matter how old you are, and do not wait too long to commit to making them happen.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I read all of my reviews. I celebrate the positive feedback, and I analyze the negative ones to help me discover how I can improve next time. I recognize that it is impossible to please everyone, regardless of the effort; yet, there is always room to refine my craft in hopes of satisfying a few additional critics the next time around.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
The positive reviews are immensely rewarding. They let me know that I have accomplished what many authors have done for me: transporting me to new places, be they Science Fiction or Fantasy, and granting me the enjoyment of experiences I would not have felt otherwise.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
To this, I have to say yes. If you read Veil of Dawn's Promise, you can relate much of the surveillance—and the AI behind it—to technologies I see every day in their early stages. From social media, where my browsing locations are captured and analyzed to understand my likes and shopping patterns, to cameras appearing everywhere, to AI becoming increasingly integrated into the electronics we use. It makes me wonder: how far will this go? Will it help humanity through good actors, or will it limit who we are through malicious ones?
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
No characters are based on anyone that I know or myself. Why I chose the characters, I do not know. I am a pantser when I write, and the characters just happen to show up when I need them.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The book cover is the first introduction to the story. I believe it should reflect the theme of the book in a way that makes a reader stop when they see it and take a second look.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I have had in-person conversations with some readers. I prefer this over the written word. The discussions become more personal, and I find them more valuable as I can ask questions and receive immediate answers.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Obviously, this feels rewarding. Being recognized in any endeavour is a strong motivator to persevere.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings opened my eyes in high school. I was far from an avid reader when I was young; the only books I was regularly exposed to were those I was forced to read and critique in school—which made me hate reading. This changed when a friend bought me the trilogy for Christmas. It transformed me, seeing a Fantasy world and its various characters unfold. This was the catalyst that sparked my habit of reading one to three books per week, discovering worlds I did not know existed.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I have no ambition to be as renowned as anyone else. I am happy to simply be myself.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes, I would. I tend to be hard on myself and can always see new details that I should have added. This makes me consider going back at some point to prepare a revised and enhanced version.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
I would love to switch places with J.R.R. Tolkien because I vastly enjoy his command of the language, the prose, and the imagination. To be like him is, for me, a fantasy—perhaps I should write a book exploring this theme.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I don't think there is anything that I or any author could say to trolls that would make a difference. I personally believe trolls suffer from issues in their own lives and they target others to share their misery. They should seek to discuss their pain with people who can help.
What would you say to your readers?
To my readers: thank you for trusting me to lead you through my worlds. Writing is a solitary act until you pick up the book; then, it becomes a shared journey. I hope these stories stay with you long after the last page is read.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I'm from Ottawa Canada, married to a beautiful lady and we have two wonderful teenage children.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am a fulltime Senior Software Engineer working in the defence industry.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
With a full-time job and a passion for writing, there is little time for anything else. Besides finding valuable time with my family, my involvement in fitness is a dedicated pursuit. I exercise both in my home gym and at a large facility to ensure I stay strong and healthy. Very few people in my life know that I am an ISSA Certified Master Trainer; I use this knowledge mostly to train myself, though I have begun training my son.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Wasn't perfect, but would not hesitate if I had to live it all over again.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
What I see missing in education is an excessive focus on theory with little focus on real-life context. For example, if you present a complex formula, one should also show how it applies in a practical context.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy, and many more Rock and Roll classics.
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