Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Joseph Mykut is a native of Alabama. They are an author, artist, illustrator, editor, photographer, and agent. Their artwork and photography are on display internationally in Ontario, Canada and can be found in the anthologies, “3 Amigos Ink and Splatter Lonely Soul in the Darkness” and “Shattered Psyche”. Both anthologies are I Ain’t Your Marionette publications out of Canada. They also authored and illustrated the children’s books, “Beautiful Boy” and “There’s A Me Under My Bed” of the same publishing house.
Joseph is the literary agent of the author Marten Hoyle, whose book, “Voces Animarum” was published November 22nd, 2023, with I Ain’t Your Marionette publishing house.
Joseph’s art and photography uniquely focuses on the random, seemingly unimportant aspects of the everyday environment surrounding us. They hope this draws attention to the deeper details that express the magic and beauty in the otherwise mundane.
As a member of the LGBTQ2+ community as well as walking the path of Shamanism, they hope to create and represent a more tangible bridge between the physical life experience and the world beyond our physical senses.
Joseph was born and raised in the deep south of the United Sates in what’s known as the bible belt. His influences have developed over time to be more of the universe and of spirituality rather than religion. However, Joseph is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church as it aligns with his perspective that there is truth found in all religious beliefs as they are all smaller pieces to a greater picture.
They identify as a two spirited being or even multi spirited being and identify with all ideas of the gender spectrum. They believe in the existence of both light and dark or positive and negative energies leaving the truth of who we are to be found in the balance of those energies.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Beautiful Boy” was written based on the author’s childhood experience. They wanted the story to be told in a general way so that the reader can place their personal experiences within the book. There is an LGBTQ+ undertone and the book touches on bullying and domestic abuse. The author hopes to encourage people who have experienced similar traumas to know they are not alone. The author would also like to encourage people who are the abusers to heal and recognize the impact their actions have on others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As someone who believes in the world beyond our senses, a shaman, I “partner” with the universe when writing or creating something artistically. I believe my works are a collaboration between myself and the universe. It is a meditative state I enter where the results seem to be a combination of my own conscious ideas with the energy around me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Shel Silverstein, Maya Angelou, Edgar Allan Poe, Dr. Seuss, Susanna Kaysen, Marie Moldovan, Alycia Hodge
What are you working on now?
My other published children’s book, “There’s A Me Under My Bed” is in its newest stages. I am attempting to promote it and get it into circulation.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still working that out for myself. It is a very difficult process that falls on the author, their agent, and their publisher. The best avenue I’ve found so far is to maximize the use of any of your own personal social media platforms and begin promoting to your inner circle. Then there is just as much if not more support to be found beyond that circle, with strangers and other artists. Reach out to podcasts, magazines, and other artists looking to promote as well. I have found one of the most successful approaches to be in networking and cross promoting. When I promote others or offer platforms for their work to be seen, they are more likely to offer me the same exposure in return.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am still working that out for myself. It is a very difficult process that falls on the author, their agent, and their publisher. The best avenue I’ve found so far is to maximize the use of any of your own personal social media platforms and begin promoting to your inner circle. Then there is just as much if not more support to be found beyond that circle, with strangers and other artists. Reach out to podcasts, magazines, and other artists looking to promote as well. I have found one of the most successful approaches to be in networking and cross promoting. When I promote others or offer platforms for their work to be seen, they are more likely to offer me the same exposure in return.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That most advice is not one size fits all, it can be a guide of suggestions but you must find your own way and format it to your personal experience.
What are you reading now?
Part of being a literary agent is getting the opportunity to read prepublication the works of my talented authors. I am currently doing just that in the editing process for about 6 of my clients.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Fame and Fortune along with notoriety and having had a positive impact on the shared reality of this world we call home
What is your favorite book of all time?
I can’t nail that down to one but here’s a few: Girl Interrupted, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Wild Things Are, anything by Dr. Suess, Edgar Allan Poe, and Maya Angelou and 20 Years of Winter
Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Mykut Website
Joseph Mykut Amazon Profile
Joseph Mykut’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile