An Interview With Jake Frankel
Embrace Authenticity. Be true to yourself and your voice. Readers can tell when a story is genuine versus when it feels manufactured. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty among your audience. I made a conscious effort to allow my characters to be flawed, messy, and real, even when it made them hard to root for at times. That authenticity made their journeys more relatable.
As a part of my series about “How to write a book that sparks a movement” I had the pleasure of interviewing Adam Golob.
Adam Golob, Ph.D. Adam is a dynamic educator, researcher, and award-winning author specializing in political science, interdisciplinary studies, and regional studies. As an Assistant Professor at Gulf Coast State College, Adam is celebrated for his engaging teaching style and commitment to fostering critical thinking and inclusivity. He serves as a faculty advisor to several social justice organizations, actively contributing to equity programs, and frequently presenting on pressing topics including governance, climate politics, and human rights. Adam’s research focuses on human trafficking, exploitation, and the intersections of justice and resilience. His expertise has made him a sought-after country conditions expert for asylum and refugee cases, where he delivers his professional expertise. As an author, Adam has published extensively on issues of social justice, governance, and human rights. His debut novel, Nemesis Rising, merges his scholarly insight with his creative instincts, exploring themes of survival and morality. The novel has already garnered critical acclaim, earning first-place honors at the International Impact Book Awards and The Book Fest Awards.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you share the “backstory” of how you grew up?
Certainly. I was the eldest child of five, mostly raised by a single mother. For most of my childhood, I was homeschooled. It was kind of like we had our own school of five students and one teacher. Yes, we would do the required classroom assignments, readings, tests, and the like, but the requirements for homeschooling families is only four and a half hours of classroom per day. So, we were left with many more hours to fill. My mother would take us on field trips all the time. We lived well below the poverty line, and so our field trips were often economically limited, but she really made the most of it. We would go to the zoo or the aquarium or the library. Sometimes, it was to our local chocolate factory to see how chocolate was made — and of course to enjoy some free samples. Other times we might go down to the marina and watch for dolphins. It afforded me the chance to feel freer than I imagine most middle and high-school kids do. I was able to pursue some of my hobbies, like building things, gardening, and writing.
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story?
I would say that there were quite a few books like that. I have always loved to read and to write, and I find that books are one of the most profoundly moving things that a human can make in this world. When I was in elementary school, I loved to read The Island of the Blue Dolphins. It was my favorite. I loved the way that the main character felt so real. I could imagine her loss and what her days were like. I felt like I was there living it with her. By middle school, the Harry Potter series were my main books to read. I was ten when the first one came out. And I was there at every midnight release through the final one — Deathly Hallows — which arrived shortly before my 18th birthday. The story was so fascinating, and I was so invested in those characters. I can’t tell you how many times I cried or laughed out loud while reading any one of those books. Finally, the big book that changed my life course was a nonfiction one, Terrify No More, by the founders of the International Justice Mission. It was through that book that I learned about human trafficking, which has been at the forefront of my research and my own publications since. I would not have my academic publications and my work in justice today, if I hadn’t read that book as a young man.
What was the moment or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
I have always had a dream of having one of my stories get out to the world. As the oldest brother in my family, I would always entertain my siblings with stories from my imagination or we would use imaginative play in the yard to act through my stories. For me, Nemesis Rising represents that lifelong dream coming into reality. I was actually working at the ropes course in Tampa, FL, and I had to spend a great deal of time up two or three stories in the air waiting to catch someone ziplining or help someone with an obstacle. We couldn’t have our phones or anything up there, so I began to daydream of stories. One day I dreamt up the idea of a prison-city, and I shared some of the story over the radio with my coworkers on the ground. They found the idea interesting, and they started asking me questions. Through answering their questions, a real story started developing in my head. At the end of my shift, I immediately got out my computer and started writing. I wrote thousands of words in one sitting, laying out the basics of the story, the plot, the characters, and even some of the twists. But it wasn’t until years later, after finishing two graduate degrees and finally having some free time again that I was able to finalize the story and actually launch it into the world.
What impact did you hope to make when you wrote this book?
I wanted to make a story that got people thinking. Too often, I find that a story is too predictable for my liking. The lines between “good guys” and “bad guys” are too defined. The normal cliches of romance, heroism, and even climactic battles have similar series of events that I often am able to predict too well. And it takes the fun out of what could have been an epic surprise or a great twist. So, when I wrote this book, I decided I wanted to do my best to make a story that would leave readers guessing, wondering, and gasping at all the right places. I wanted a story that would entertain, but also make them think “What would I do in this situation? What if that was me in there?” At the end, I really want them to flip back to the beginning and say to themselves, “How did our characters get from here to there, again? When did that happen?” It should be a fun, provocative story that leaves readers a little uncomfortable and very thoughtful.
Did the actual results align with your expectations? Can you explain?
I think so, yes. I have gotten a lot of feedback from readers who have told me that they love the way this theme played out, or that they were rooting for one character and then questioned why they would do that, or that their favorite was the way that the main character — Sam — transformed. It is great to hear how much they engage with the book. I have also had several official reviews by critics who have given it five stars, and who have raved about the journey that they went on, one that they enjoyed greatly. My book has also won four book awards at this time, coming in first place in dystopian fiction and literary fiction. Overall, I have been very pleased with the results of getting this book published. I hope many more readers give it a chance to entertain them. One of my readers told me personally that she read the whole thing in one sitting, that she couldn’t put it down. That kind of response makes me feel like my work is a success.
What moment let you know that your book had started a movement? Please share a story.
I don’t know if I can say that my book has started a movement. I don’t know how big it has to be before we can call it a movement. But, I know it has gotten people thinking, and that is the best thing a writer can do! I mean, it would be great to hear that it had developed a fanbase and that people were looking at it as I see it — as a piece of art that scratches at the heart of human nature and the philosophy of human kind. But for now, I think I will have to settle to know that I have gotten requests from those who have read it that they would like a sequel, that many have told me that they couldn’t put it down, and it has gotten great reviews from critics and readers alike. Several of my colleagues have actually been hounding me for a sequel. They want to know what happens next in the world of Zynum Prison. And I have a sequel in mind. For now, it exists much as the first one initially did — as a few thousand words hurriedly typed when the inspiration struck. And I will get to writing it soon. Perhaps once the whole series is out, then the full movement might follow. Although, I am in talks with someone to work with making it into a TV series, perhaps a Netflix or other. That would be really amazing. I think it is certainly the kind of book that would play out really well on TV.
What kinds of things did you hear right away from readers? What are the most frequent things you hear from readers about your book now? Are they the same? Different?
I hear a lot of different things, for sure. But, I would say that the main takeaway that I get would be that the story is really compelling. Over and over, I hear about how they couldn’t put it down, how they had to read “just one more chapter,” or how they “needed” to know what was going to happen next. I have also gotten some comments about how the setting is very vivid and how they feel like they can see the prison. Others have mentioned that they love the transformation of the characters, particularly the main character, over time and that I did a really good job in showing that transition. I have also heard from several readers that the whole concept is just novel and fascinating. They really like the idea of a critical justice system gone rogue, that the idea of dystopia in my book isn’t too far from reality, but just far enough to make it fiction. And, of course, I keep hearing that they want a sequel. That feels really good to hear. The overwhelmingly positive feedback makes me feel like I was able to take the concept in my head that I found fascinating and compelling and actually translate it to a book in a way that others can also relate to. That is an amazing feeling.
What is the most moving or fulfilling experience you’ve had as a result of writing this book? Can you share a story?
I mean, it is hard to top receiving the first hard copy in the mail and seeing my work actually in print after so many years of writing, editing, and dreaming. However, I would say that the best experience to top even that would be my first book signing. I was outside of a bookstore not too far from my home in Florida and I had the chance to interact with readers, to sell copies face-to-face, to sign and take photos. It was really awesome. I sold quite a few copies and had some wonderful experiences. One, in particular, was super fun. A family was walking past my table and the mother said to her teenage daughter, “Oh look, a new book is out. Do you know the author?” I am sure meaning, Is this an author you already read? So, when the girl shook her head, I replied cheerfully, “I am right here. Come on over and get to know me!” The family laughed and, realizing that it was a signing event, came over and talked for several minutes. In the end, they actually bought two copies, one for the teen girl and one for the grandmother who stated that dystopian was her favorite genre. It felt good to see a family engaging with something I had created, and to see them walk off after getting a group photo made me feel accomplished as a writer.
Have you experienced anything negative? Do you feel there are drawbacks to writing a book that starts such colossal conversation and change?
Again, I don’t know that I have enough fame to make colossal change, but I like to think that I have written something that makes people think. I have gotten some feedback that the subject matter is “too dark” or that some of the actions in the book are morally reprehensible, but that is the point. In a prison with no guards and no rules, where prisoners are free to roam and self-regulate, the whole idea is that chaos rules. It would be unrealistic to assume that any socially acceptable code of morals or ethics would stay alive. The whole journey for our main character is to take a normal person and see what happens to them in such an environment. If it is “dark,” then I guess one could argue that perhaps human nature is dark. However, I would argue that the book is also full of hope, love, and redemption. The entire story arc follows one character, but along the way, there are so many other stories that teach the reader not to give up, to find light in even the darkest places, and that there is always something worth fighting for.
Can you articulate why you think books in particular have the power to create movements, revolutions, and true change?
Books are a masterpiece in communication. They take a single voice and allow it to spread as far and as wide as the readership takes it. Books like The Communist Manifesto, The Prince, and Leviathan are books in my field that have crossed hundreds of years to still be the centerpiece of debates, revolutions, and reformations to this date. Memoirs of famous individuals, religious books, and even dairies (like the one of Anne Frank) have the power to move millions. And even fiction books have the wonderful double-blessing of both entertaining us for lifetimes and teaching us lessons to live by, ways to live, and can even be so socially impactful that they continue to be as powerful today as the day they were written. Books like A Christmas Carol, 1984, and Sense and Sensibility are old, and yet their stories reverberate throughout time. Books can be time capsules. They can be political satire. They can be a triumph of good over evil. They can be the story we all need to hear to help us keep going. They inspire, they elevate, and they serve as the backbone of culture.
What is the one habit you believe contributed the most to you becoming a bestselling writer? (i.e. perseverance, discipline, play, craft study) Can you share a story or example?
I would say that my best (and perhaps worst, given the context) habit to help me accomplish any and all of my dreams, goals, and ambitions is to never give up. I have hit so many roadblocks, have gotten so many “we regret to inform you” letters, and have had so many opportunities lost due to bad timing or lack of training or any other factor. And yet, once I have an idea, once I know what I want, I cannot stop. I have wanted to be a writer since I was a child. I had no idea how to do it, didn’t know the steps needed, had no training, but I knew it was a goal and one I would achieve. I had so many literary agents send me form letters refusing to look at my work, had so many scammers attempt to “publish” my work, and almost gave up a few times. But I couldn’t let my dream die. I couldn’t do that to Sam, Gabriella, or Billy. My characters needed to live, and so I had to keep on.
What challenge or failure did you learn the most from in your writing career? Can you share the lesson(s) that you learned?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was managing rejection. When I first started querying agents and publishers, I sent my manuscript out with high hopes, only to receive form rejections or no response at all. I sent it to probably 100 people. It was crushing at first, and for a long time I sat on my manuscript, feeling that it wasn’t ever going to be good enough. But over time, I realized that rejection wasn’t personal — or rather that it was. What one person might love, another might hate. It was subjective, personal, and rather arbitrary. I learned to look at each “no” as an opportunity to improve, if there was any feedback. I joined a writing club and began to edit and try again. Instead of giving up, I took every piece of feedback seriously, even when it wasn’t explicitly offered. I revised my manuscript multiple times, read books about the craft of writing, and studied the publishing industry. I learned that traditional publishing wasn’t my only option, and now here I am — independently published, winning awards, and being interviewed. The biggest lesson I learned was that resilience and adaptability are essential. You have to be willing to keep going, to evolve, and to never stop believing in your story.
Many aspiring authors would love to make an impact similar to what you have done. What are the 5 things writers need to know if they want to spark a movement with a book?
One: Know Your “Why.” Understand the deeper purpose behind your writing. For me, I wanted to explore the complexities of human nature and provoke thought. When you know your “why,” it will guide every decision you make in your storytelling and help you connect with readers on a profound level. When I first began writing Nemesis Rising, I wasn’t just creating a dystopian world for the sake of entertainment. I was exploring themes of justice, morality, and redemption, which gave my work a core message that resonated with readers.
Two: Tell a Compelling Story. A great story captures attention and keeps readers engaged. It should have memorable characters, high stakes, and a gripping plot. If readers can’t stop thinking about your book, they’ll share it with others. I spent weeks refining the twists in my book to ensure they were not only surprising but also meaningful. Readers often tell me they were hooked because they genuinely didn’t know what would happen next.
Three: Embrace Authenticity. Be true to yourself and your voice. Readers can tell when a story is genuine versus when it feels manufactured. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty among your audience. I made a conscious effort to allow my characters to be flawed, messy, and real, even when it made them hard to root for at times. That authenticity made their journeys more relatable.
Four: Engage Your Audience.: Build a community around your work. Use social media, book signings, or online forums to connect with readers and listen to their feedback. The more you engage, the more likely they are to champion your work. My first book signing was more than a sales opportunity — it was a chance to meet readers face-to-face, hear their thoughts, and build lasting relationships.
Five: Persevere Through Setbacks. Writing a book and getting it out there and attention requires persistence, and it is tough. There will be rejections, criticisms, and moments of doubt, but every successful author has faced those same challenges. After numerous rejections, I decided to take the self-publishing route. It wasn’t the traditional path I’d envisioned, but it allowed me to get my story into readers’ hands — and eventually led to awards and recognition.
The world, of course, needs progress in many areas. What movement do you hope someone (or you!) starts next? Can you explain why that is so important?
I would love to see a movement focused on addressing inequality in education. My own experience being homeschooled taught me how education shapes who we are, and I believe every child should have access to quality learning opportunities regardless of their socioeconomic background. Education is the foundation for progress in every area — justice, health, innovation, and beyond. Imagine a world where every person, regardless of where they are born or their financial circumstances, has the tools to reach their full potential. That’s a world worth striving for.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
You can find me on the following platforms:
Instagram: @golobadam
Twitter/X: @GolobAdam
Facebook: adam.golob.3
Website: https://tgolob8.wixsite.com/author
Thank you so much for these insights. It was a true pleasure to do this with you.
Author Adam Golob On How To Write A Book That Sparks A Movement was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.