VJ Books presents Joseph Heywood!

Joseph Heywood

"I write under the name of Joseph Heywood. I published my first novel as Joe T. Heywood. When my second book, The Berkut, was about to be published by Random House, my editor, the late Joe Fox, called me one evening and told me in a very officious tone, “Your name simply… will… not… do… because ah… Random House does not publish… Joes.” I laughed, told him to pick a name, and it’s been Joseph ever since. People who know me call me Joe."

Heywood, born October 18, 1943 in Rhinebeck, NY, is the son of a career USAF officer. his mother’s maiden name was Hegwood - she had only to change one letter to convert to her married name. Heywood is a 1961 graduate of Rudyard High School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Chippewa County), who played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track, and a 1965 graduate of Michigan State University in journalism. He played on the Michigan State Lacrosse Club for three years. He was in the last class of mandatory ROTC for land grant universities and predictably chose the Air Force.

In 1965, he married Sandra V. Heywood (1943-2002) with whom he had five children - and one dog. From 1965 to 1970 he was a USAF Instructor Navigator, KC-135 tanker, and was honorably discharged as captain. Vietnam veteran, was awarded the Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters. He worked for The Upjohn Company (now Pfizer), 1970-2000, retiring as vice president for worldwide public relations.

Heywood's Woods Cop mysteries are based on the lives of Upper Peninsula conservation officers, and for going on seven years he has spent about one month a year on patrol with officers, in all kinds of weather, all times of day and under sundry conditions. He has worked in all 15 Upper Peninsula Counties as well as in another 15-16 counties BTB (Below the Bridge). "The Upper Peninsula is not just a setting and base for me but serves as a character in many of my novels. When I write, I try to take readers to places and events in the U.P. they might not have occasion to visit or experience on their own. For me, the U.P. is a natural jewel and I am always surprised by how little people from BTB know about it."

He walks every day in all weather conditions, and has hunted and fished Michigan since 1958, mostly alone. Heywood takes photographs while walking, hiking and fishing, and use some of the pictures for his paintings.