Joel Burcat is the award-winning author of novels like DRINK TO EVERY BEAST, AMID RAGE, STRANGE FIRE, and his most recent release: REAP THE WIND. Burcat has a wide array of writing experience, from fiction novels like previously mentioned to environmental-related writing. His fiction mainly features sudden twists and surprises, and exploring what makes people do the things they do. Environmental thrillers are Burcat’s niche, and not only does he do it well, but he does it accurately. We’re pleased to have this opportunity to interview Burcat about REAP THE WIND, what inspires him and his own reasons for writing.
What is the primary benefit, above all others, that your potential reader will gain from reading this book?
REAP THE WIND is a lightning-paced action/adventure story and a modern-day Odyssey. I tried to combine the best parts of a buddy story, a relationship drama, and a twisty, psychological legal thriller, while offering an unflinching look at the lives of young lawyers, all set against the terrifying backdrop of a climate-driven future that may be even closer than we fear.
If you had to compare this book to any other book out there, which book would it be?
REAP THE WIND is THE PERFECT STORM meets THE FIRM.
Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy this book?
REAP THE WIND is an exciting story. It is twisty with unexpected turns. The book is suspenseful. On top of that, you will learn something about climate change (regardless of your perspective). Like Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton did I try to incorporate science-based information in my books.
Who is your target audience?
My audience is adults. People who love thrillers and action/adventure stories, suspense novels, romance-driven stories, and legal thrillers. Much of the book takes place in Texas, but it will interest all readers.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage?
I have had an interest in writing for as long as I can remember. Once I began practicing law, however, I just didn’t have time to write for myself. Over twenty years ago, when I turned 40, I did write a story that was published in Harrisburg Magazine. Then, about fifteen years ago, on a rainy trip to Maine, I began writing again. My first short story was about the best beer I ever had. Since then I have written about 30 short stories and eight novels.
After writing legal thrillers on illegal dumping, strip mining, and fracking, I wanted to write a story about climate change. I had a lot of experience as an environmental lawyer dealing with environmental issues. I had a good knowledge base. I think people are interested to read a thriller based on climate change and science. It was the right moment to write this book.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since publishing your work.
I love writing and enjoy coming up with characters. In a way, I bring these characters to life. When I meet people who talk to me about my characters—as though they are real people— I really enjoy that!
How would you describe your writing style?
I want people to enjoy reading my books, so I write in a style that is approachable, conversational, fun (when appropriate) and serious (when appropriate). I work hard to make sure my readers feel they are listening in on someone’s conversation when they read my dialogue.
Are your characters pure fiction, or did you draw from people you know?
No one in any of my books is based on a real person. Many of the characters have the DNA of people I have known or know of. Sometimes I will get a picture of an actor or actress off the internet and base the looks of a character on the actor. That is just for appearance and so I can be consistent throughout the book. When I wrote AMID RAGE, I had a picture of Scarlett Johansen and another of Natalie Portman on my wall. They represented the characters Miranda and Nicky. My wife wondered whether I was stalking them, but it was easier for me to look at the picture to describe a feature, than it was to make it up.
Are you more of a character artist or a plot-driven writer?
I focus on both. The plot absolutely drives my novels. At the same time, I like taking a deep dive into the heads of some of my characters. There is a relatively new type of point of view called “deep point of view.” Simply put, that means really going deeply into the mind, motivations, and emotions of your character.
What do you hope to accomplish with your book other than selling it?
I wrote this book both to write a thriller and to gently educate readers regarding climate change and environmental issues. I’m not hitting the readers over the head with science, engineering, politics, or similar information, but I am trying to educate them so they almost aren’t aware that I am teaching. Where I can, I provide both sides of every issue since most issues have at least two sides. In REAP THE WIND, I am using the book to educate regarding climate change.
Find the Author
Reap the Wind
Josh Goldberg is a young lawyer from a prestigious Philadelphia law firm. His girlfriend Kiesha is 
unconscious and in the hospital. She’s eight months pregnant and may be giving birth to their baby. He’s in Houston and she’s in Cincinnati, one-thousand miles away. The worst climate change-induced hurricane of the century separates them and there are no flights for days. He manages to rent an old Lincoln Continental limo from his friend, the limo driver. His travel companions are his alcohol and drug-addicted best friend and his boss who connives to derail his arrangements so she can get to Philadelphia for a business meeting. Also, she has lascivious plans for Josh.
Josh is torn between taking a perilous road-trip to be with the woman he loves or riding out the hurricane in his five-star hotel room. Then he finds out the former love of Kiesha’s life is her new doctor. Finally, all of his doubts are cast aside and he decides to make the insane drive to be with her. The problem is the odyssey may be a suicide trip.
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