From My Author Blog by Joseph Lewis
My last post dealt with how life interferes or influences fiction. As I wrote, it is sometimes difficult to separate life from the paragraphs and pages in the writer’s work. And sometimes, the writer doesn’t want to separate the two, but goes with it, using life to bring richness to the work.
In this post, I want to explore how the writer’s background, education and training can influence their work. There are many examples of this from authors I’ve read.
For instance, Joan Livingston is a former newspaper editor and journalist, and her Isabel Long Mysteries contain much of her life, especially the setting of Western Massachusetts hilltowns where she lives. Gary Gerlacher is a pediatric emergency physician and one of his books, The Last Patient, is a thriller using his medical background. Cam Torrens lives in Colorado and is an experienced member and lead on a search and rescue team, so it’s only natural his character, Tyler Zahn, takes part in this in his wonderful thrillers Stable and False Summit.
I have been a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator in middle and high schools for 49 years and counting. My character, Jeremy Evans, who is the father of the adopted boys, is a former teacher and head basketball coach, and is now a counselor- at the same school I used to teach and coach at, Waukesha North High School in Waukesha, Wisconsin. My wife and I even adopted our oldest, a boy, from Guatemala, so adoption is something I’m familiar with, and it, too, takes place in my books.
But on a deeper level, though, is where you might find me in my writing, and perhaps, other writers in their writing.
I grew up in a large Catholic family. Sunday church, once a month confession, boy scout pancake breakfasts and pinewood derbies. We played pickup basketball with the priests on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. And at one time, I strongly considered the priesthood. I even went to a coed boarding school for my high school years and took theology and philosophy.
You will find my beliefs in my character, Brian, a seventeen-year-old boy in my fictional adopted family. However, I am not totally Brian, and Brian is not totally me. I picked and chose parts of my character and personality to give him and to withhold from him, just like I did with my other characters.
In the snippet from Black Yéʼii (The Evil One), I share a conversation between Brian and George, one of the other boys in the adopted family. George is a full-blooded Navajo boy of seventeen, who was trained in the Dine’ way by his grandfather. The Navajo are spiritual people, and the older ones believe that dreams are the spirits bringing messages to the people. Yéʼii are spiritual deities, and there are many in the Navajo belief system, just like Catholics have many saints. However there is one, Black Yéʼii the Navajo don’t mention or talk about. Black Yéʼii translates to The Evil One, and to mention its name or talk about it is inviting evil into one’s life. It is strictly taboo to do so.
In this passage, Brian and George are discussing MS-13 and what ugliness they might bring to their family, primarily, George. The conversation takes place in the middle of Chapter 31 and at their summer home on a lake in Northern Wisconsin.
—
“Can I ask you a question … you know, just between the two of us?” Brian asked.
George nodded solemnly, almost hesitantly.
“Last night, before we went to bed, Brett said he thinks our family is doomed. He said he feels there will always be someone after us. Do you think he’s right?”
George pursed his lips and thought. It was going to be a complicated answer, but if anyone were to understand, it would be Brian.
“When I was younger, my grandfather only brought this up once or twice because he felt he was inviting it into our lives. But he felt people … mostly me, I guess, needed to know.”
Brian nodded.
“The more traditional Navajo, like my grandfather,” he shrugged and said, “and like me, believe in yéʼii. They are spirit deities, much like the Greek or Roman gods we learned about in history and English. He warned me about one in particular, the Black Yéʼii, or The Evil One. In your religion, he is like Satan or the devil. He tries to trick and convince people that,” he shrugged again and said, “drugs, or alcohol, or sex isn’t harmful but would bring pleasure. My grandfather believed Black Yéʼii is the reason people seek those things and become lost. My grandfather included getting even and hurting someone. By doing all of that, people will be happy.”
“Sounds a lot like Satan.”
“Yes. Like anywhere, there were Dine’ who followed him. So to answer your question, I believe there is evil in this world, and evil is led by Satan, or Black Yéʼii, just as there is good in this world, led by Jesus.”
“What you’re saying is that there is something in this world, Satan or Black Yéʼii that is after us. Everyone, actually.”
“Yes.”
Brian nodded and looked off across the lake. Geese had paddled closer to shore. There were two aluminum boats with small outboard engines and with two fishermen each out at a distance in the sun. He knew where the best fishing spots were, and the middle of the lake, where there wasn’t a sandbar or lake shelf, wasn’t a brilliant spot. Brian also guessed that because of their proximity, they might be together.
Brian turned and caught George staring at him. He smirked back at him.
As if reading George’s mind, Brian said, “I was looking at those fishermen and I came to the conclusion they’re not going to catch a lot.” He laughed at his joke. Then he said, “I’m in this. A hundred percent like Tony wants me to be. We’re brothers first, but we’re also friends. We’re family. Someone attacks one of us, they have all of us to answer to. Not just me.”
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I think it’s difficult to totally separate the author from the characters they create and vice versa. Either consciously or unconsciously, the writer interjects his or her beliefs, opinions, likes and dislikes into the pages and sometimes those ideas spew forth from the character’s mouth when they speak and are on display when the characters act and react. I don’t think it can be helped, nor do I think it should, one way or the other.
I think you can pick up any book and get a glimpse of a picture and idea of who the author is among the paragraphs and pages of the book. It’s only natural.
I would like to remind you that my book, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is available now for preorder at https://www.blackrosewriting.com/mystery/blackyeii If you purchase Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) prior to the publication date of January 2, 2025, use the promo code: PREORDER2024 to receive a 15% discount.
Here are some recent reviews of the book:
“On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yé’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.” Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn thriller series
“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is a gripping crime thriller that kept me turning pages even when I needed to get up and do something else. Lewis created an intricate plot, complex characters, protagonists I could root for, and an enjoyable, high-octane read. This is the second novel I’ve read by Lewis. Going back to find more. He has me hooked.” Karen E. Osborne, award-winning author of True Grace and coming in March, Justice for Emerson
“Weaving family and friendship with gangs and murder, Lewis has a flair for packing high-octane action into his world of high school boys, brothers, and small-town Wisconsin. With a personal vendetta and more lives on the line, the suspense jumps from the page as a fabricated truth takes center stage. Never one to shy away from action, death, and despair, this latest read brings with it new, yet familiar pulse pounding villains as author Joseph Lewis stuns once again, in this his tenth book.” Jill Rey, Reviewer: For The Love Of The Page Blog
“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is a psychological thriller based in a small town in Wisconsin, featuring a group of young men recovering from traumatic events a year ago. Unfortunately, the past is coming back to haunt them, and hunt them down. This thriller features complex characters and relationships that evolve throughout the story, leading to a stunning conclusion. Lewis delivers in this story of police trying to protect the innocents from the evil that is hunting them.” Gary Gerlacher, MD, MBA, author of Last Patient of the Night, Faulty Bloodline and Sin City Treachery
“The Bottom Line: A must-read small town crime thriller that will please new and old fans.”
Bella Wright, Reviewer/Editor BestThrillers.com
“I believe this is my favorite so far! In his latest crime thriller, Black Yéʼii (The Evil One), author Joseph Lewis gets readers’ attention with a shocker of a start — a brutal double murder. He keeps that going as law enforcement works to identify the person who orchestrated this and other violence, especially since it is apparent innocent people, including an acclaimed author and a family of adopted brothers, are in danger. Here is the next, and hopefully, not the last, riveting adventure for the intriguing characters Lewis has created for his books.” Joan Livingston, author of the Isabel Long Mystery Series
Sublime line: “A dark secret from the past resurfaces, unleashing a wave of violence as a ruthless gang seeks revenge in this fast-paced thriller.”
“The author masterfully weaves together a complex plot filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. Characters are well-developed and believable. Tension builds steadily throughout the book, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the detectives race against time to prevent further bloodshed. Black Yé’ii explores both the darker side of human nature and the positive theme of family and friendship. The author’s vivid descriptions of the brutal nature of gang violence create a truly immersive reading experience. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers with a twist, this novel is a must-read. It’s a captivating story that will keep you guessing until the very end.” Sublime Book Reviews “I finished Black Yéʼii (The Evil One)! Could not put it down! As always, you left me wanting more of that family’s story. I will be impatiently waiting for your next book!” Melanie Kabban, Book Reviewer
“A Complex Thriller That Strikes at the Heart, Black Yéʼii is a compelling thriller with family, honor, and the battle between good and evil as central themes. Young Diné (Navajo) man, George Tokay, helps police investigate a cover-up involving cops and the notoriously vicious gang, MS13, now hell bent on revengeful torture and murder.” International Writers Inspiring Change Review
“Black Yéʼii explores secrecy, revenge, and justice, and offers brilliant psychological intrigue that elevates the story beyond a typical thriller. It delves deep into the personal drama and interplay of the secret itself. This makes Black Yéʼii an unmissable read for fans of accomplished thriller writing everywhere.” K.C. Finn, Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite
“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) by Joseph Lewis had me hooked from the start. The story was jam-packed with action, and there was never a dull moment. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next and was guessing until the end. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could.” Alma Boucher, Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite
I would love to hear what you think, so please feel free to use the comment section below. I will be at several sales and signing events coming up, and if you are in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area, please make plans to stop by.
Porter Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 2001 Parkway Blvd. Stafford, Virginia.
Salem Church Library on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 2607 Salem Church Rd. Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Howell Branch Library on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at 806 Lyons Blvd. Fredericksburg, Virginia.
As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. Until next time …
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