If you read my previous bio, then you only know the specifics of where I have been, and what I have done. If, however, you are here after seeing my interviews on Channel 3 and Channel 10 here in Las Vegas, then you are probably more interested in the story behind the story--or the birth of Pieces of Me. More to the point, you want to know about the real me, and some of the struggles that led me to write the novel.
It is true that I was homeless for a time, though not under the same circumstances as my main character. My demons were caused by alcohol, which I am thankful to say I have not touched in 8 years.
First off, Pieces of Me is a work of fiction. Although there are parallel's between my story, and James Frey's blockbuster "memoir" "A Million Little Pieces," my novel is a fictional story--created in my head. I will never try to pass it off as anything other than that. The similarities between Frey and me are uncanny, and not only because of the titles of our respective works. His book talks about his time at Hazeldon, a well-known rehabilitation facility located in Minnesota. Ironically, I spent a month there in 1994, and tried to live sober in Minnesota for a year after that. I like to think of my period from 1992 until 1998 as my YO YO YEARS. I became a binge drinker, interrupted by short stints of dryness. But I always had an excuse to drink. For years I lived in a constant whirlwind. Somehow I always landed on my feet, started to get somewhere, and then BAM--I'd throw it all away again. Each time I fell harder and harder. But it took me many years of going back and forth before I was able to get off the roller coaster.
The seeds of this novel were planted back in those days, though I didn't know it at the time. I simply remember waking up in my car, wishing to God that a woman would come along and save me. Of course it never happened, but what if it had? What would that be like? That is the simple story of how Pieces of Me came to fruition. Of course I am sure I could write a novel right here about all of my alcoholic exploits, but I figure we will save that for the silver screen!
Thanks for visiting
Joe
click on the box below. you will be redirected to paypals secure payment website
About the Author Friends and Cool Links Book Reviews Contact Joe News Photos
Joe Foresman
