An Interview with Joel Geier

Joel Geier has covered the craft beer scene since 2016 via social media, multiple podcasts, his website, freelance articles, and now as a member of the Badger Beer Report. He resides in Glendale, WI, but has lived in fourteen states with his wife Rosa since they were married in 2015. After completing his master’s degree in nonprofit management in 2019, he became a stay-at-home dad and is the proud father of Lily and Beau. He loves visiting breweries and sharing his experiences with others, which is culminating with his first book, Flights Across America.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I had the title of the book before I even had the book idea fully planned out. For whatever reason, the idea just clicked when I first thought about a book. Since I get flights of beer during my initial visit to a brewery and have traveled across the country, it just seemed to fit perfectly.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

The cover process was a tricky one, as it is incredibly important. I thought I had a good idea of what I wanted, but once I had options laid out, it became less obvious. I had done some of my own designs (in a novice manner), and we actually implemented some of those on the back cover and inside the book. But the front cover we ended up with was done by the design team, and although I had some tweaks done, it really came from them. It was something that the more I saw it, the more I became sure it was the one. And I still love looking at it!

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I wouldn’t say there was a person, but more of just a personal drive to share my experiences in this format. Publishing a book was simply something I wanted to do! And once I realized that the hobby I was so passionate about may lead me down that path, I wanted to pursue it.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have my master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and have previous worked in that sector, but in college I actually worked in a daycare! And that experience came in handy as a stay-at-home dad!

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Being able to share it with other people. It has been a long-term project, and finally seeing people reading and enjoying the book has been extremely gratifying.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I guess I have to get a little corny/silly for this, because I’m not sure my book exactly fits a soundtrack haha! But I suppose I’d go with “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash and “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer” by Billy Currington.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

My “perfect” reader is genuinely anyone who enjoys craft beer. Whether they are an incredibly knowledgable and well-traveled beer fanatic or simply someone who is new to craft beer and is on the beginning of their journey, this book has something for them. I hope that this book inspires people to not only visit breweries, but to learn about them. Whether it is actively traveling to new places or simply visiting a brewery nearby, I hope that readers find a new sense of appreciation for craft beer and the people behind it.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’ve been working with a few other folks in the craft beer sector on a project called the Badger Beer Report. We cover the craft beer scene in Wisconsin through a variety of programs; conducting interviews, showcasing breweries, social media promotion, a several other methods.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I had a lot of fun going through the process, and Atmosphere made sure that my final product was what I wanted. Having a book that I am proud of is a great feeling, and Atmosphere Press helped me achieve that goal.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.