Joe Miller -- Student & Aspiring Writer

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” So said Ernest Hemingway. The typewriter is outdated, but the quote remains spot on. For a while Hemingway worked at the Kansas City Star and of that experience said, “you were forced to learn to write a simple declarative sentence,” and we can surmise they were carefully composed on his typewriter. A well-written book can transport the reader to another time and place, with richly detailed narrative making the characters and venues come alive. Many people aspire to be writers and publish the next great novel, and these days anyone can self-publish their work, but only a small number of authors achieve success. Charles Bukowski, German-born American poet, novelist and short story writer, said “If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start....You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It’s the only good fight there is.” Spoken by a master. Joe Miller is a student at Monmouth University, an English major with a concentration in creative writing. His specialty is non-fiction with a personal narrative, and with perseverance and luck, he’ll become a published author. Among his favorite authors are Samuel Beckett and Charles Bukowski; his favorite book is The Stanger by Albert Camus. So how does Joe Miller pursue his creative passion and get the words out of his head and on paper? Do the words come easily for him, or is there a struggle for the perfect phrase? Joe will share his thoughts on what is takes to be a successful writer. After the interview, check After Hours at Jersey Coastal Live for more info.