Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Joel Shoemaker has been a librarian for a decade and a magician for three! He lives in central Illinois with his husband, a frog, a colony of cherry shrimp, and his dog, Maximus. He consumes an inordinate amount of cheese. His first book, bacon grief, is one of the only works of fiction for teens and tweens to celebrate and affirm both faith and sexuality. His second book, Teeth & Crumpets: A Florilegium, is a short story collection about teeth. Finally, this year he published a picture book that follows a gender nonconforming child to church, called Silas on Sundays, from Wildling Press.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Silas on Sundays and is a picture book published by Wildling Press. It is a return to the themes of my first book, which is about the affirming faith community for LGBTQIA+ people. Loosely inspired by my own life, Silas is a child that takes it upon themselves to find a community that supports them!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Chuck Palahniuk is my favorite author of all time. His book, Fight Club, and all other books of his, are why I read today. Required reading in college, I would not read and certainly would not write without Palahniuk’s works. His best friend, Chelsea Cain, has been my writing mentor and is the reason my works are published at all.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing murder mysteries for teens and tweens that are entirely composed of text messages and other ephemera!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Marketing is hard! I think I find the most success on word of mouth and in-person events. Author groups on facebook help me find these events and they are super fun!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find other authors who have published in your genre. They are the best resource to putting out your work and getting it in front of readers!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t offer anything, or don’t offer too much, for free. Our art matters and it is worth paying for, just like every other commodity.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS, which was a dark academic gay thriller. It was WILD. If interested, do note there are three or four books with this title and you’re looking for the white cover with the bloody face. 😀
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep plugging away at new manuscripts. I’m heading to a writing retreat in Hawaii AND hopefully selling my books in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Book Festival, which will be a first for me!
Author Websites and Profiles
Joel Shoemaker Website
Joel Shoemaker Amazon Profile
Joel Shoemaker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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