An Interview with Joseph Hussein-Wilcox
I am in my late forties. A dad, a husband. A concerned citizen. I have always enjoyed being creative, and story writing has gripped me more than I ever thought it would. I hope my works are enjoyed by many.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
The current political format, where truth is being silenced to appear fair to those the truth is exposing. The two-tier systems we live under and how dangerous this is to society.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
No, it came very quickly. In fact, it came as quickly as the idea for the story.
Describe your dream book cover.
I quite like the cover I have, but I would love a more high-end, image-focused book showing the societal tree with its roots under the Houses of Parliament, with two of my main characters also on the cover.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Radiohead – Lucky and Street Spirit.
Sepultura – Chaos AD
Muse – Hysteria and Time is Running Out
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
None currently – I am deep in writing part two of the Shadow Over Britain and a separate story as well.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I have worked in the PPE industry for sixteen years.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve always enjoyed writing songs, and was never a huge reader. But I did enjoy James Herbert’s Domain and Bob Mortimer’s Avocado Hotel. I just thought, ‘Can I turn my creativity for writing songs into something more?’ and decided to have a go.
Where is your favorite place to write?
Mainly at home, but in my car or hotels when I’m away
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Stop doubting, start writing, and let the ideas fully flow. Corrections come later.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I truly hope that people will see that if we don’t talk, if we silence uncomfortable truths, if we don’t look to get to the core of problems, society will one day crack. There is nothing wrong with people wanting identity; it matters, and if we try to eradicate identity, we will lose ourselves. Minorities should always be protected, but the majority is always the main preservation in any country. Human rights exist for all: both minority and majority, the rich and the poor, all ethnicity, all gender. But when focus becomes too prevalent on a few and the majority is ignored, that is where civil wars can begin.
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