The Fury
JoAnn Fastoff
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 979-8880257713
JoAnn Fastoff, a Chicago native, has an impressive body of work. She has written, produced, and directed three one-act plays on Off-Off-Broadway in New York, including winning the Village Gate One Act Festival. She also wrote, directed, and produced a three-city PBS aired television program called Live From The Warehouse, where she was responsible for the creative direction and production. Additionally, she was the writer, director, and producer of Herb Kent’s Dusty Records, a syndicated radio program airing in 22 cities, where she oversaw the content creation and production.
JoAnn has written eight novels in the award winning Howard Watson Mystery Intrigue series and three non-fiction books – You Play Like A Girl, Two Years of Heaven and White Sox for Women. Her books are housed in her high school’s library and the Chicago Public Library, a testament to her accomplishments. JoAnn’s literary prowess has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2019 Outstanding Achievement in Literature Award from the National Council of Negro Women, the 2015 Phillis Wheatley New York Book Review Award nominee, and the 2015 Chicago Writers Association Honorable Mention for her memoir Two Years of Heaven. In addition, she is the 2013 Recipient of Excellence in Literature (Fiction) Award Winner for her book The Lie, presented to her by the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago.
JoAnn’s writing has graced the pages of numerous publications in Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Her work as a publicist for the musical group “Kool and the Gang”, an event coordinator for Graham Kerr The Galloping Gourmet”, and her insightful interviews with over 100 celebrities, including the late Grammy-Award winning blues singer B.B. King and the late Award-winning photographer Gordon Parks, all attest to her diverse skills. Her contributions to Examiner.com newspaper on environmental issues affecting Earth further demonstrate her wide-ranging expertise.
Hi JoAnn, welcome to Reader Views! Let’s start at the beginning—what is The Fury about, and what inspired you to write this story?
The Fury takes the reader back 14 years to a time when FBI Supervisory Special Agent Howard Watson’s wife Carol was married to another FBI agent. He, in turn, was murdered for information he had and deemed detrimental to the lives and careers of those in high political places. Later, FBI Agent Eric Glenn, along with his FBI partner David Snell, attempted to kidnap Carol and her then 10-year-old son Mark to retrieve the information they believed her husband had given one or both of them. The plan backfired because Glenn wounded Carol, and both Glenn and Snell ended up in prison. The tragic twist in the tale comes with Glenn’s passing in prison just a week before his scheduled release, a loss that reverberates through the story. This story continues the events of my first novel, The Gordian Knot, offering a sense of continuity and anticipation for what is to come.
Also, in The Fury, Howard is tackling a child labor trafficking case, which will lead to a fight that will topple significant business players, politicians, and even law enforcement. His and his colleague’s journey is a testament to their unwavering determination in the face of overwhelming odds that should inspire and empower us all. It is more than just a story; Howard must navigate a maze of deceit and discovery to unearth shocking truths that could change everything.
What made you want to explore the dual threats of child labor trafficking and a personal vendetta in this novel?
Howard Watson addresses global issues that affect America’s shores, one of which is human and labor trafficking. Research indicates that women and children are particularly vulnerable to labor trafficking due to their lack of power, social marginalization, and their relative status compared to men. Traffickers often target young people who exhibit low self-esteem and have minimal social support, traits commonly found among foster care children, homeless youth, and runaways. Perpetrators go after juveniles who show emotional vulnerabilities, come from impoverished backgrounds, or have a history of abuse. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that Native American children, who are more likely to have faced trauma, are at a higher risk of becoming victims of trafficking. This issue resonates deeply with Howard and many of his colleagues, who are parents themselves.
Howard Watson has been with readers for eight books now. What do you think keeps him relatable and compelling as a protagonist?
Howard is an honorable, dependable, and committed individual, always striving to do the right thing under all circumstances. His dedication to performing his duties at the highest level is unwavering. He is an Everyman who wants to protect and serve the average person, and his commitment to this cause is truly inspiring. Howard’s ability to manage these tasks while upholding the basic goodness and integrity we hope to see in law enforcement is a testament to his character.
How has Howard evolved as a character since the first book in the series?
He is married to an attorney and has three sons. Throughout his career, he has been promoted several times and has gained valuable wisdom in his role as an FBI agent. Despite his extensive experience, he still finds himself surprised by people’s antics.
Vengeance is a strong driving force in this story, particularly with Eric Glenn’s son seeking revenge. What challenges did you face in portraying such a raw and personal conflict for Howard and his family?
Eric Glenn’s son, Joel, believes that the FBI, particularly Howard Watson, played a role in his father’s fall from grace. I am under the opinion that seeking revenge often comes with a steep price. Latent anger can only remain concealed for so long, and explosive outbursts are rarely joyous. I wanted to emphasize that Joel is a victim of the circumstances surrounding his father’s situation. It was also important for me to make certain that Joel receives the mental health support he needs to heal and become whole again. Additionally, all the women who found themselves “being held hostage” somehow knew that Joel, despite being armed, would not shoot anyone. Howard and Carol shared this belief as well.
How do you balance Howard’s professional responsibilities with the deeply personal stakes he often faces in your stories?
Howard graduated from West Point Academy and served in a war. He walks with care, which allows him to appreciate that every day is a gift. He is fluent in Russian and often says, “No one comes out of the womb as a bad person.” This perspective always leads to the backstory of the antagonist.
Your books often feature complex team dynamics. How do you develop the relationships between Howard and his colleagues to keep them authentic and engaging across multiple novels?
Howard’s team is, first and foremost, comprised of human beings. Secondly, they are family members. Third, they are law enforcement professionals dedicated to upholding the law and protecting one another.
The setting plays a significant role in shaping the tension and mood of your stories. How do you decide on the locations for your plots?
It depends on the global problem: illicit diamonds, Philadelphia; drugs, Chicago; land mines, Baltimore/Wash, DC; tobacco smuggling, Wash, DC; illegal logging, East Coast; human/labor trafficking, East Coast.
What draws you to incorporate real-world issues, like child labor trafficking, into your thrillers?
I consider myself a “closet activist,” using my characters to express the thoughts and opinions I sometimes hold back in real life. It’s important for children who cannot defend themselves against bullying in various industries—such as business, manufacturing, farming, and landscaping—to have a voice, even if that voice simply highlights the issues to the reader. For instance, in The Lie, my third HW Intrigue, children in the “Democratic” Republic of Congo are mining diamonds and tragically dying at just 12 years old from heart attacks. Twelve years old! My readers need to be aware of this. In The Avaricious, my seventh HW Intrigue, it may take as long as 300 years to clear all remaining US landmines from Vietnam. This means that the last Vietnamese person to be killed by an unexploded US landmine has yet to be born.
Can you share some of the most surprising or disturbing insights you uncovered during your research into child labor trafficking?
Everything was surprising and disturbing when writing about the rights and freedoms of children being taken away. It’s appalling that people choose to look the other way, claiming “it’s none of my business,” while children, even those who could be living next door, are robbed of their youth through forced or bonded labor, sexual exploitation, illegal work, or gang involvement. This attitude is not only disgusting but in my opinion also a form of cowardice.
How do you approach writing about sensitive topics like human trafficking while keeping the content accessible to your readers?
A core component of all my novels is the research I undertake to ensure that my characterizations are factually accurate, and that the actions of my characters represent realistic and real-life portrayals.
Fear of retribution is a powerful theme in this book. What inspired you to highlight this aspect of the story?
People are always afraid that if they do the right thing, say the right thing, or voice an opposing opinion against a negative curve, they will lose their place in line, their promotion, their overtime ability, their job, their scholarship, etc. I wanted to show that these fears have real-life consequences for real people.
Your ability to blend social commentary with suspense is remarkable. What’s your process for weaving these elements together seamlessly?
My journey has taught me that I may not be able to solve all the world’s problems, but I can certainly bring an end to one person’s issues. It’s important to note that this resolution may not always be favorable. Just as ‘Knock and the door shall be opened’ doesn’t guarantee a positive response, but it does ensure a response. If you don’t knock, no answer is given because no question was asked.
The inclusion of a real phone number for reporting human trafficking is unique. What prompted you to take this step?
In The Scheduler, my sixth book in the Howard Watson Intrigue series, the subplot addresses the serious issue of sexual abuse of minors. I emphasized that while the story is fictional, the reality of sexual abuse is not. This led me to include the Sexual Abuse and Suicide hotline. Similarly, in The Fury, I felt it was important to provide a trafficking hotline, hoping to save at least one person’s life.
This series has a deeply personal connection for readers. How do you ensure each book feels fresh while rewarding long-time fans?
My interest in global news is not just about distant problems, but about issues that can directly affect American pocketbooks. I delve into these ‘obscure’ global problems, making them relevant and engaging for my readers. I make sure my research is thorough and consult experts all the time to provide the most accurate information.
For new readers, where would you recommend they start? How do you make the series accessible to those just joining in?
I make sure that each story is a complete work, capable of standing on its own. For those who wish to delve deeper into the backstories and personal relationships of my characters, the publication order can be a guide for a chronological approach. However, most readers have found that they can easily catch up on backstories and character relationships as they progress from book to book, without feeling the need to adhere to a specific reading order.
With eight novels under your belt, how do you keep finding fresh ideas for the series?
I suppose, sadly, I will never run out of ideas considered global problems.
What’s one thing about your writing process that might surprise your readers?
The two challenges I face in every single Howard Watson Intrigue are that my protagonist is a man and that I’ve never worked in law enforcement. I think readers might be surprised at how rigorously I undertake my research and fact-check even the most minute details of my stories, from ensuring accuracy in the responses from the FBI to the details of weapons, or tactics, it’s a very time-consuming characteristic of my work, but also very rewarding.
What role does personal experience or observation play in your storytelling? Do you ever draw from your own life?
From the beginning, I’ve believed that people are not inherently bad. This belief doesn’t justify their actions but reflects my understanding of human nature. Which is why I always include a backstory on the antagonist. I want the reader to view individuals as ‘human beings, until…’
Carol Watson, Howard’s wife, is the person I aspire to emulate in my life. Her younger self mirrors my own journey, making her story profoundly personal to me.
What do you hope readers take away from The Fury beyond its entertainment value?
You can’t truly understand a person who is hurting just by looking at them. Those who are hurting often won’t express their pain in words, so we need to pay attention to their actions. These individuals often provide us with various clues before reaching a breaking point, yet as a society, we often fail to connect the dots.
What’s been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from readers about the Howard Watson Intrigue series?
An FBI Agent wrote me and said, “As a university professor (including teaching courses on espionage and terrorism) I am a stickler for accurate details. Absent them I lose interest quickly as it indicates a lack of sufficient research. In The Fury, JoAnn Fastoff’s accurate descriptions and details throughout heightened my enjoyment of the book. I loved this book and am confident future readers will as well.”
How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep writing thrillers, especially ones tackling such impactful topics?
I love my character, Howard Watson. He is not inept, not comic relief, not a sidekick, and not angry. He happens to be Black. I love that my fans keep asking, “What’s next?”
What’s next for you? Are you already working on the next book in the series or exploring new projects?
I’m working on several projects right now – a ninth HW Intrigue centered around a family in the witness protection program, and a non-fiction book, based on my years of experience in Mexico.
CONNECT WITH JOANN FASTOFF
Website Homepage – www.JoAnnFastoff.com
Facebook – facebook.com/JFastoff
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