Finding Joy Through Humour: Steven Joseph’s Journey

Steven Joseph: Embracing Crankiness, Finding Laughter, and the Joy of Writing

When I first picked up Steven Joseph’s book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I discovered a delightful book that made me laugh out loud in the first few pages. By the time I reached page 70, I was hooked. Steven’s unique blend of humour, storytelling, and life lessons is entertaining and deeply relatable. Intrigued, I sat down with the author to learn more about his journey, his creative process, and the inspiration behind his work.

The Power of Laughter

One of the first things I asked Steven was whether making people laugh was one of his intentions when writing. His answer was a resounding yes. “I find that if you laugh, you kind of like the story,” he explained. “And if you like the story, you remember it. The lessons stick with you.”

Steven’s approach to storytelling is refreshingly different from the traditional self-help genre. He shared a humorous anecdote about his first marriage to a therapist who had him read countless self- help books. “Those books were always written by therapists,” he said with a laugh. “I’d read the first chapter and think, ‘Wow, this is really good.’ But by the second chapter, it felt like the same idea repeated over and over. It was like the therapist’s greatest hits on loop. Eventually, you forget what the book was even about.”

To avoid this pitfall, Steven ensures that every chapter in his books is distinct. “I want each chapter to make you think differently,” he said. “If you like the story, you’ll remember it. Sometimes, I even write to teach myself.”

The Birth of Crankosaurus

Steven’s journey as an author began almost by accident. A lawyer by profession, he started writing legal articles and textbooks in the mid-1990s. But it was a quirky moment during a trip to Rome with his wife that sparked his foray into creative writing.

“We were jet-lagged, and my wife was colouring her hair in the bathroom when the electricity went out,” he recalled. “She got black dye in her eye and got really cranky. I joked that she was like a ‘Tyrant of Crankosaurus.’ The word ‘soris’ is Yiddish for problems, so it just stuck. I said, ‘That’s probably how the dinosaurs died—there was this little dinosaur who kept cranking out its problems until all the other dinosaurs dropped dead.’”

That off-the-cuff remark became the foundation for his first book, The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The Tyrant of Crankosaurus. From there, Steven’s writing strengthened into a blend of humour, self- reflection, and storytelling. His Grown-Up Guide to Effective Crankiness and Cranky Superpowers followed, each offering a unique take on embracing life’s frustrations with a sense of humour.

Writing as a Form of Self-Discovery

For Steven, writing is as much about self-discovery as it is about entertaining readers. “I write to teach myself,” he said. “In my first book, there’s a chapter called ‘Drive Me Crazy, Crankosaurus.’ It’s about those little things in life that drive you nuts, like going to a restaurant and watching someone who arrived after you get their dessert while you’re still waiting for your water.”

He shared a story about his daughter, who had a frustrating experience at a windshield repair shop. “They only do one thing—replace windshields—and they couldn’t even do that right,” he said, laughing. “It’s one of those things that just drives you crazy. But by turning it into a funny story, I realised I didn’t have to let it bother me. I could laugh about it instead.”

Steven’s ability to find humour in everyday frustrations is a recurring theme in his work. “By making these experiences universal, they become normal,” he explained. “You realise you don’t have to go crazy over them. It’s a learning experience, but it’s also a funny story.”

The Creative Process

Steven’s creative process is as unique as his stories. Much of his inspiration comes during long- distance runs. “I’ll go out for a two-hour run, and characters just start talking to me,” he said. “I don’t do anything—they just talk. When I get back, it’s like the story is already written in my head. I just have to copy it down.”

One of his favourite chapters, Cinderella Crankosaurus, was inspired by his parents. “It’s like watching my parents talk,” he said. “It’s hysterical.” Another standout chapter features an interview between Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock: A Lesson in Vulcan Law. Exploring the concept of giving one’s word. This chapter is a brilliant blend of pop culture and philosophical reflection, showcasing Steven’s talent for weaving complex ideas into entertaining narratives.

In the chapter, Captain Kirk is interviewing Mr. Spock for the position of first officer on the USS Enterprise. Kirk repeatedly asks Spock if he will give his word to be loyal and faithful to the ship and its crew. Spock, however, refuses to give his word—and his explanation is both thought-provoking and hilarious.

Spock recounts a story from Vulcan history about a leader who kept giving his word to attack the Romulans. “The leader said, ‘We’ll attack Romulan, make them ours. They look just like us. They’ll greet us with open arms as liberators,’” Steven explained. “But the war kept going on and on because the leader kept giving his word. Eventually, he had no words left. He couldn’t communicate anymore.”

This story leads to the revelation of a fundamental Vulcan law: you must keep your word, not give it away. “On Vulcan, giving your word—especially if you’re a politician—is punishable by death,” Steven said with a laugh. “It’s a whole story about the importance of keeping your word, and it just came to me. I didn’t plan it—it just happened.

Connecting with Readers

Steven’s books have resonated with readers of all ages. At book readings, he enjoys seeing children’s reactions to his stories and illustrations. “They’re interested in the pictures,” he said. “And when I read out loud, I get very animated. They giggle and laugh, and it’s just fun.”

His illustrator, Andy Case, plays a significant role in bringing his stories to life. “Andy is amazing,” Steven said. “He’s not only a talented illustrator but also a musician. He’s creating an album of songs to go along with my Snoodles series. It’s exciting to see the stories come to life in new ways.”

Awards, Billboards, and Stand-Up Comedy

Steven’s work has earned him recognition, including awards for Cranky Superpowers in the self-help and humour categories. One of his most memorable moments was seeing his face on a billboard in Times Square. “It was neat,” he said. “But what was even more exciting was doing stand-up comedy on a big stage in Times Square during an Earth Day event. I always wanted to try stand-up, and that was my chance.”

Advice for Aspiring Authors

When asked what advice he would give to aspiring authors, Steven emphasised the importance of writing for yourself. “There’s a lot of discouragement in this field,” he said. “People will tell you you’re not going to make money. But I’m not trying to make money—I’m trying to make me. When you write, you’re creating something that’s uniquely yours. That’s what makes it special.”

The Joy of Marvelling

Steven’s philosophy extends beyond writing. He believes in the power of marvelling at the world around us. “When you’re a kid, you marvel at everything,” he said. “But as we get older, we forget how to do that. I think it’s important to practice marvelling. If you marvel at enough things in a day, you might just have a marvellous day.”

Steven Joseph’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of humour, creativity, and self- discovery. His books serve as a delightful reminder that it’s perfectly fine to embrace our cranky moments and that laughter can often be the most effective way to tackle life’s hurdles. Whether you seek a hearty laugh or a new viewpoint, Steven’s work provides a treasure trove of insights and enjoyment for all.

Upon finishing our conversation, Steven’s words left me feeling immensely inspired. He possesses a remarkable talent for uncovering humour in the everyday and transforming frustration into laughter, a gift he generously imparts to his readers. Whenever you find yourself in a bad mood, I highly recommend diving into one of his books. You may discover not only laughter but also a newfound appreciation for the world around you.