Joseph Zieja

Joseph Zieja is the author of several speculative fiction short stories and novels, many of which have appeared in magazines and print. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with an undergraduate degree in Middle Eastern Studies and a Master of the Arts in Intelligence Analysis. He currently lives and works as a member of the United States Air Force in Germany with his wife and cat, both of which are a constant source of inspiration--or at least entertainment.

Author's Website: https://joezieja.com/home/

Get to know Joseph...

Birthday? 16 January, 1985

When did you start writing? When I was 10 years old, I began writing stories about me and my friends going on adventures, the magic system of which was largely ripped off my favorite video game series at the time called "Quest for Glory". I only started writing "seriously" in October of 2010.

When and what and where did you first get published? My first story, "The Treasure Fish" was published by Moon Drenched Fables at the same time my flash fiction "The Day of No Wind" was published by New Flesh magazine.

What themes do you like to write about? I like writing about the inner journey of my characters--whoever they are--as well as the subjectivity of truth. While I enjoy the absolute dichotomy of good versus evil, I also like playing around in moral gray areas.

What books and/or stories have most resonated with you as an author? Why? How do these stories and their characters find expression in your work? It's tough to pick favorites. I am a huge fan of the Wheel of Time and Ender's Game series for many reasons, but primarily because their characters are so rich, diverse, and very human. I'm also attempting to decode the works and studies of Joseph Campbell, who, although he didn't necessarily write fiction, I believe has tapped into a deeper level of storytelling as a root of life that I strive to have as the undercurrent for my stories.