Interview with Joseph E. Henning, Author of Adaptively Radiant

What can you tell us about your new release, Adaptively Radiant?

Adaptively Radiant is a fast paced, adventure packed supernatural tale of discovery and exploration that blends aspects of culture and mythology into a modern fairy-tale. The novel was inspired by city life versus island life experiences blended with my youthful passion for nature, folklore, and big adventure storytelling.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

One day in early 2018, I decided a 15-year career in mortgage lending and real estate had run its course. So, I grabbed a pen and blank journal, plopped a beach chair down in the sand, and began writing down my thoughts for a story. I told myself, “Fill this journal full of ideas and see what you can come up with.” One month later, the journal was full, the following month I organized the story into a writing program, and nine months after that the manuscript was complete. I guess you can say the inspiration came from within. I believe in myself.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Red Dragon by Thomas Harris ranks very high on my all-time list. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are masterpieces. My top reads this summer are The Silent Patient, Three Days Missing, and Sometimes I Lie.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

M. Night Shyamalan. Even though his work is mostly screen plays vs novels, the storytelling is legendary. I would ask him, “What inspires you to keep creating supernatural thrillers after all of your success? Did you have a mentor in your early days?”

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

The freedom of speech. Cliché? Probably, but it’s the truth. To creatively write and share literature with the world is priceless.

What is a typical day like for you?

After a warm shower and a cup of coffee or tea, I nestle into research and writing for approximately 5-6 hours. Weekends are left open to beach activities and reading.

What scene in Adaptively Radiant was your favorite to write?

The story has nine separate magical encounters and each one of these were very special for me to write. They include specific, hand selected mystical beings and entities from traditional Japanese, Hawaiian, and Native American folklore. But if you want to know my favorite, it would have to be Chapter 11 – Kalalau Beach.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

I wrote Adaptively Radiant with one motto in mind. “Write something meaningful”

Joseph E. Henning is the author of the new book Adaptively Radiant.

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