The Official Blog of Joseph Baker

Hi, everybody

I know it's been a while since I've updated but, after just getting back from the tour I've had to catch up on a lot of work. I just sent my sequel to, Blemishes called The Truth About Forests to my publishers and Rachel is working on the cover art so, I'm sure it will out soon. I'm also sure Rachel will post the cover prototypes when she is finished.

As far as writing anything new is going, I suddenly got a lot of inspiration this weekend and stories are just forming in my head. For some reason I've never felt more inspired in my life than I have today. I could potentially have 8 novels pulling themselves together on my laptop. Although many of them will probably go into a folder on my desktop unfinished.

As for my non-professional life I am still adjusting to the noise of being at home but, I can't think of anywhere else I'd want to be right now.

I know a lot of you may read the L.A Magazine and the writers there seem to be convinced Cobalt Publishing is going downhill and there is some conspiracy behind the new renovations at the Frère-Hallston building but, as someone who sits on Cobalt's board the entire company is doing well and they haven't laid off one person.

There were a few hiccups along the way but we are finally done with the book tour for this week. I split half of yesterday between D.C and Rhode Island so, I didn't have time to write. Right now we are all at the airport getting ready to head back to California.

Jill and I (well, mostly Jill) is working on which places we should go next so as soon as she tells me I'll put it up here.

Right I am just looking forward to getting back home tonight and seeing my kids. I've really missed my infant daughter a lot because when they are that young if you miss a week of their life you miss so much. What I'm not looking forward is dropping my book of at my editors and watching them tear it to shreds but, I digress.

I'm also thinking about moving so my lovely real estate agent has some houses to show me. You know what I kind of wish ? That houses cam furnished because when I see new houses I can't imagine myself living in them because they are just so empty. I don't know maybe it's a guy thing. Or a Joel thing.

Speaking of real estate I heard the L.A magazine building was recently renovated so I can't wait to see if my office has gotten any smaller.

Other than that, that is pretty much all that is going on. I might post some more Q&A's and anything else I write in here later. Don't be surprised if this blog starts to get insanely boring.

So, it looks like I had to skip Washington, D.C but, it was worth it because I am spending the day here in Oaklande.

As some of you may know I was in an unusual position last night but, after a good nights sleep and some drugs I am doing just fine.

In Oaklande so far, I've visited 3 bookstore, Pine Oak College, my former neighborhood and I've even run into some friends I forgot I had. I also visited the hospital where my then wife used to work, it is doing really well and I'm surprised how many nurses remember me.

Anyway there is no real entry today because I spent last night writing a column for the Oaklande Leaf.

Bye, everybody

Hello, Fans !

This is Jill, Joel's publicist we are sorry about the unfortunate mix-up in Oaklande,PA. There was some kind of mistake and it will be sorted out as soon as we all rendezvous.

Joel cares very much about your town.

Jill Lamberton

I grew up about 1 1/2 miles from Philadelphia but, I've only been there a few times in my life. It was really great to spend the day here and eat a few cheese steaks. I'm taking a bus into Oaklande by myself while everyone else spends tomorrow being tourist in Philidelphia. Jill wants to lick the liberty bell, Rachel wants to visit the historical places and Harry wants to see what a real "hood" looks like so, they'll be plenty busy.

And then I'm pretty sure those idiots are going bar-hopping

I've heard they turned the track where I used to run everyday into a Krispy Kreme so even though that's painfully ironic I kind of want to see that.

Anyway we will all meet back up in D.C so, see you guys there. Hey, maybe we will see Obama !

Why do you have the breast cancer tattoo ?

Someone who I love very much was diagnosed with breast cancer and when she went into remission I realized how important Breast Cancer Awareness is. Her having breast cancer was a big strain on our relationship and I got the tattoo to remind me that me and this person went through a tough time but, we came over it. It also helps me remember the relief when the cancer was gone all together.

You deal with a lot of Taboo subjects, do you consider yourself a Christian man ?

The subjects I deal with like incest, child abuse and others are taboo but,I deal with them because they are real and they really exist. Although these themes exist in my fiction and don't carry over to my real life practices. I do consider myself a Christian, I believe in God and Jesus Christ as my savior and that's whats important to me. I also attend Church services most Sunday
Which publishing company will get the rights to your autobiography, if you write it ?

I think I will either keep it with Cobalt publishing or I will self publish or have it published independently.
Do you have any health or fitness tips on how you stay is such great shape ?

I do, I have tons actually because I was a personal trainer and fitness instructor for a few years. The best simple advice I can give you is to drink lots of water, find a fitness activity that is fun for you and work out in groups or pairs. The reason I stay in good shape is because I go to a lot physical therapy and I like to work out.

Can you write a story using just 6 words ?

Hmm , I'm going to try . . . I'll get back to you.
Who is your greatest in life inspiration ?

Not just one person but, my whole family. They inspire me to write everyday.

Jill and Rachel created a new site just about my book since I don't talk about them much on here and this is more of a personal blog.

The site is located here.

I am in New York right now I have to say North Carolina was fun I'm glad I'm back on the tour and it's great to hear what people think of my books. Anyway here is that long overdue Q&A :

From Georgia:

Will you ever get a college degree ?

I'm honestly not much of an academic and I don't see myself doing that right now. People go to college to make money or learn about and do what interests them and I'm already doing that so no, it's not a real priority for me but, I'll never say never.

How did you feel when your book first went on the best sellers list ?
I was 2 things. I was really happy that I might be making some money but, I was also freaked out that people were reading what I wrote and what affect that might have on the people in my life.

Is it true you are writing an autobiography ?
I am messing around with a few things. I really want to write something that is based entirely on fact but, I'm not really sure where to begin. I can't really call it an autobiography because my life was influenced by so many other people if that makes any sense. In short yes, it is something I want to do but, I would not put a release date on it just yet.

Where do you buy most of your clothes from ?
It's funny when I was younger (crap, did I just say that) I used to model for Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren Polo and they gave me free stuff and that used to be all I wore. As a matter of fact I still have shirts I wore 10 years ago that I wear occasionally. But, now if I buy clothes for myself which is hardly ever I will get either a nice Hugo Boss suit or some shirts from Target.

Has making money and becoming successful changed you in any way ?
I mean, I occasionally get invited to nice events, I get to do things like sponsor my own tour but other than that not really. I mean it is nice to have money but, I still drive a Volkswagen Jetta so . . .

I know you have a lot of kids, how do you come up with names ?
Usually it's just names that me and their mother like at the time and by at the time I mean after they are born. Also, I like to think of what sounds good with the last name Baker I don't think we ever really try to name them after people we've known or anything. However i have always been fond of the name Josiah but, she wouldn't have it. My mother named all her children with two names and I try to get away with that as much as I can.

From Tenn / Kentucky

Who were some of your writing inspirations ?
The two authors who influenced me the most as a writer are A.A Milne and J.D Salinger . . . don't ask me why they just really stuck with me.

In your newest book Blemished: A set of Vignettes I wanted to know how you came up with all your characters and their connections ? Also what made you write the book in a series of little stories ?

A lot of what I write is based on what I observe going on around me. Ideas for characters, names of towns and even storylines usually come from things I've seen or heard and think other people might be interested in seeing or hearing in a different way.


I decided to make this book a vignette because thats how it came to me. It wasn't a linear storyline it had different narrators and backstories that had to be told seperatley. Also, I like my books to reflect life that's why most of them are based on my experiences and real life is a series of small autobiographies that usually end up intermingling eventaully if that makes any sense. I was being sterotypical when I wrote this book and wrote most of it watching my neighbors from my front porch or sitting on a bench at the beach and it was intersting to me to watch other people's lives in the small cul-de-sac exist as seperate but also together. I'm pretty sure I'm just rambling now.


For those of us who don't indulge in tabloids what is the story behind your crutches, that scar and why you've been seen in a wheelchair ?


Although the circumstances are private I was in a domestic dispute that ended with me being posioned and pushed out a window about 3 years ago. I was healing just fine when my ribs cracked a few months ago and I ended up back on crutches. As for the scar it was a misunderstanding that occures between me and another person and they slashed my face. It was all a terrible time in my family's life we don't like to talk about it but, having these injuries gave me alot more time to write.


Just because we love it, how many tattoo's do you have, where and what are they and have they affected you professionally ?


6;A poem on my neck, a name on my chest, wings on my back, sleeve on my upper right arm, breast cancer ribbon on my left wrist and my childrens names on my wrist. Having them hasn't affected my work because most of them are invisible and the one visible on I do have I got after I had a contract. I mean occasisionally I admit it could make a bad impression but, thats other peoples problem.


How do you feel about the recent accusations by Southland Magazine ?

I feel like Southland Magazine is a weak-ass publication that makes their way by gossiping and budding into people's lives where they have no business. They are abrasive, rude and anyone who says they are a fan of mine I hope they are also smart enough not to even look at that crap. They have no intergrity and never get their facts straight.


There little posts just make me pissed off and I am an open person and will put parts of my life out there so, if there was something I wanted people to know I would tell it to a publications I trust. If I don't than it's personal and I would expect most people would understand that.


There will be more coming soon ! If you have Q's feel free to post them.

Hi everybody,

I was having a crisis, a mini crisis but a crisis none the less. Someone very close to me reminded me how much the people who read my books mean to me so, the tour is back on a printed. I can't wait to meet you all.

I should go we are all headed to the Memphis Airport, heading to North Carolina.

Hello everyone, my name is Jill and I'm the publicist Joel often alludes to. Anyway our book tour is canceled as of right now. Joel has asked that we put it on hold. We will still make an appearance in Tenn. though. I'm very sorry.

I'm headed to Tenn. now, we are on the plane. I just thought you all might like to know that. Alright Jill wants to tweak the blog, bye !

I first want to thank everyone n Georgia who was so nice to us. I admit I was shocked when there were over 300 people at the Macon and Lee college bookstore to hear about my book and ask me a few questions. We were invited by the school Student Library Association and almost everyone of their members invited us over to their homes (not a restaurant) for dinner. Anyway we are in the car right now trying to find someone's house (I'm pretty sure Jill is lost). We are going to try to accommodate as many invites as possible. It's been a while since I've been in Georgia but, I have to say this state has some beautiful and kind people.

Since I do enjoy talking to people I tend to do these long Q&A sessions (reporters excluded) and Jill and I thought it might be fun if I posted some of the Q&A's I get on here. And it looks like we are pulling into a driveway of a house. I'll post the Q&A's later.

Bye.

Alright so right now I am on an airplane headed to Georgia to start this book tour. Since I'm taking so many lovely people with me I decided to rent out a private jet. Sexy, I know. I got one of those awesome things that lets me use the internet even when there is no wireless signal from Verizon so, I have of time to waste writing in here.

Let me give you the general scene setter for whats going on right now. Jill (my publicist/ new best friend) is creating a poster to send to the people at all the bookstores for display purposes using some 200 dollar software. She's also drinking what can only be one of those toxic alcoholic energy drinks and wait . . . she's looking at me and knows that I'm writing about her. All she does is roll her eyes and glare at me . . . as if she doesn't know I've gotten worse "If looks could kill."

Moving on, sitting behind Jill is her newest assistant the young, 21 year old, Kyle. Despite working with Jill he knows how to relax and is actually reading what looks like a graphic novel while enjoying a beer . . . I like him already.

Other people in our company include the pilot (crazy Jeff who is rambling about Yorkshire Terriers and the Iditarod ???), Rachel, who puts visuals to everything I write and my good friend/former bartender/ new copy editor Harry. As a matter of fact we just came back from Harry's graduation from USC and I have to say it was so long and boring it makes me glad I didn't graduate college (just kidding . . . bad joke).

Why did I bring all these people with me ? Well, I'm supposed to be working on my new book, the manuscript is due next week and as you can see I'm procrastinating by writing to you guys. I should get to work . . .

So, despite my attempts to keep this underwraps yes, I am heading out on a small book tour along the east coast. Anyway Jill and I just finished setting up the dates about 10 minutes ago so, I figure I may as well post them here also.

May 19 - Macon, Georgia - Macon & Lee College Campus Bookstore

May 20 - Knoxville, Kentucky - 4th Ave. Barnes and Nobles

May 21 - Durham, North Carolina - Duke University Campus Bookstore / Guest Lecturer-Perkins Library - 8:00pm

May 22- NYC, New York - NYU Bookstore 2 pm, 35th and 143rd Borders 5 pm, Sarah Larwence College - Bates Center, 7:30 pm

May 23 - Philadelphia, PA - Main and Washington Barnes and Nobles, 11:30, Temple University - 3pm

May 24 - Oaklande, PA (yes, it exists) Blossom Ave and Branch st. Barnes and Nobles. I'll actually be hanging around Oaklande all day. I may even stop by Oakdale Junior High to look around.

May 25 - Washington, D.C - Catholic University 3pm. Then I'm going to look at some monuments, it's Memorial Day after all.

May 26th - Providence Rhode Island - Robert Cooke Community College.

That's all we've planned for. If there is some place you'd like us to visit that isn't on here just drop me a note.

Thanks for stopping by

Hi, everyone

As many of you may know my last "official blog" was hacked into by some idiots so, my darling publicist and I are starting over. That means she makes it look pretty and I do all the writing. So, once again I hope that answers the question of whether or not I really write this blog. The truth is I do write this but, choose to believe what you want. Thanks for stopping by