Local author Joe Campolo Jr. – has just published his fourth book “On War, Fishing and Philosophy”. Joe is an award winning author poet, public speaker, blogger and a Vietnam war veteran. We recently sat down with Joe to learn more about him & his books.
Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A. I’m a senior citizen, retired, spending my time with my family, writing, Fishing and traveling. I’m a USAF Vietnam War veteran. After getting an education through the gi bill, I had a career in engineering and procurement. Through my career, I traveled the world on many interesting projects. I am married with 2 children and 2 grandchildren.
Q. What inspired you to write your newest book “On War, Fishing and Philosophy”?
A. My website blog has been very popular, so we thought it would be a good idea to capture some of the stories on paper.
Q. How many published books do you have out?
A. It is my 4th published book.
Q. How long did it take to write your newest book “on War,…
A.It took about 6 months to put it all together.
Q. Can you tell us what the Kansas NCO Trilogy is?
A. The Kansas NCO trilogy is a set of 3 books, the origin of which is a black market operation which took place during the Vietnam War. Although it is fiction, many of the events took place, and the characters are based mostly on individuals involved in the operation.
Q. How do you deal with writers block?
A. I don’t have many issues with writers block. When I do, I will walk away from the work for a couple of days. Return when I feel inspired
Q. How do you come up with the art work for your covers?
A. My covers are a synopsis of my general feeling on the book.
Q. So I’m going to make you pick, what book of yours is your favorite?
A. My favorite, hmmm, very difficult. Of late it’s been 3 Wars..but that will change, the new book is getting a lot of buzz, so…
Q. Who are some of your favorite authors of all time?
A. My favorite authors:, Gorky, Hemingway, McMurtry, Shakespeare, Doestoevsky, …short list
Q. First of all thank you for your service, Can you tell us about your time in Vietnam?
A. My time in Vietnam was the most stimulating period of my life. It was also the most traumatic and stressful. I can talk about many things that happened overthere, some things I will never be able to talk about. My writing has been therapy for me.
Q. For you what is more fun for you to write, a blog or a book?
A. Blogs can be alot of fun, adding pictures, etc. And, of course, the subject matter can be all over the map. But when you are writing a book and get into the zone..there’s nothing like it.
Q. Over your years as a writer, in your eyes how has the publishing industry changed?
A. The publishing industry has shrunk and is much less author friendly than it used to be.
Q. How much energy does it take to sit down and write a book?
A. It takes persistence and determination to write a book. Energy follows.
Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. I realized I wanted to be a writer at a young age, I just started writing and never really stopped.
Q. Do you have any writing quirks?
A. The only writing quirk I have that I’m aware of is my habit of working out plot and substance during my daily walks.
Q. Out of all the characters in your books, who is your favorite?
A. My favorite two characters in my books are Arnold Redmond and Charlie Prentice.
Q. Any plans on making any of your books in a Hollywood movie?
A. The Kansas NCO has been scoped by several film makers, a screen play has been written. We are hopeful it will hit the big screen someday.
Q. Can you tell us about some of your upcoming book signing events?
A. I have a book signing at the Hero’s Cafe in Festival Foods (3207 80th Street) August 20th, and at the Pollard Gallery (514 56th Street) September 11 and November 11th.
Q. What’s next for you Joe?
A. I have another book in mind, haven’t started pounding the keys just yet.
Rapid five questions!
First real book your read?
White Fang
Favorite sports team?
Green Bay Packers
Favorite local band?
Donoma
First book that made you cry?
Honestly don’t remember
What do you love about Kenosha?
The Lakefront
Biggest fish you’ve ever caught?
25 pound king salmon
Favorite vacation spot?
Can’t really determine
Joe’s books are available to purchase by Clicking here
For about Joe visit his website at namwarstory.com
Read Joe’s blogs at Storiesfromjoe
Q&A & photos by Donny Stancato
