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Teacher, tutor, advocate, college administrator, editor, writer, caregiver. All describe facets of Joseph Ross. For more than 40 years, he has been involved in working with and advising people of all ages.

“The hardest part of being a caregiver,” he says, “is learning to listen.”  Joe learns by listening to experts, doctors and other professionals. He has served as an editor for several publications and has been published nationally. In addition, he has lectured to groups and has written extensively.

Thank you Joseph for answering a few questions for us! To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

After publishing a book written by my wife and I, I have edited and published a work of fiction (Lawless in Brazil) and a self-help book (366 Tips for a Successful Job Search) for others. I am currently in the middle of editing three other works, one of which I will also publish. They are available on our web site, rosstrumpublishing.com.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

In addition to acting as Master of Ceremonies for several events, my wife and I do presentation and signing sessions anywhere within about an hour of our home (Nashua, NH).

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?

Prior to writing anything, I served as an editor for a weekly trade newspaper and a writer/editor of a college newspaper. I hold a Master of Education degree and spoke before student groups who were, admittedly, captive audiences.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

Fast Track for Caregivers is the first book length work. My previously published work includes a nationally distributed piece on writing and several op-ed newspaper pieces.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Writing Fast Track for Caregivers provided the opportunity to relate experiences of advocacy clients with whom we interact on an almost daily basis.

What will your next project be?

In addition to editing and publishing the works of others, we are working on another book, Fast Track for Parents of Special Needs Children. In the pipeline are a based-on-fact book about the trials and tribulations of a couple trying to adopt their special needs grandson, and a humor book tentatively titled, FrInglish, a look at fractured English.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

I am inspired by those parents who constantly fight with the system to get their special needs children the help they need.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

The most satisfying work is not related to writing. A wonderful reward is seeing a child receive the help he needs and to see that child blossom as he grows.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

First, write constantly, even if your early work is terrible. It should get better with practice. Second, keep sending out things. No editor will accept an article not seen. Third, join a critical writers' group. If all you want is praise, ask your mother, but don't expect to be published. Finally, expect to do marketing yourself. Publishers will offer only minimal help, unless you are Steven King or James Patterson.

How did you get started as a writer?

I became editor of my college newspaper, then an editor fo a trade newspaper. My first stab at novel writing was a reaction to having served on a jury for a murder trial. That book manuscript resides in the bottom drawer of my desk.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

I don't have a favorite. I enjoy mystery, crime, and spy novels.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I start the morning with e-mail, then go on to my e-mail feature, "Today in Baseball," which is sent daily around the country. (I'm still looking for a sponsor).

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

People (the Barbra Streisand version)

Thanks Joseph for this interview! We wish you great success with your writing and publishing projects!