Joel Cool's Creative Journey Reflects Passion and Perseverance

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Joel Cool’s path to creative fulfillment is as unique as the stories he tells. Growing up in Southern California, Joel's upbringing was enriched by a blend of cultures, with a Mexican mother and a white father with blonde hair and blue eyes. This diverse background infused him with a distinct perspective that would later color his work. Joel recalls early days spent writing about his life and observations, even without a formal journal, capturing high school moments and the mundane magic of daily life.

Despite his father’s encouragement for stability and traditional success, Joel yearned for a balance. He wanted a steady 9-to-5 job while nurturing his creative spirit in the evenings and weekends. He found this balance when he began working for Disney in internship recruitment. This role allowed him to see the synergy between business and creativity within the corporate world. Colleagues recognized his creative talents, fueling his aspirations. Currently, Joel is part of the HR department at Sony Pictures, where he thrives in a supportive environment that enabled him to complete his first young adult novel, Ghost Guard.

Ghost Guard is not just a story but a testament to Joel's belief in representation and resilience. The novel, aimed at tweens and up, embodies themes reminiscent of popular shows like Stranger Things. It follows a town besieged by ghosts, with its fate resting on a group of teenagers. The protagonist, a young boy with Down syndrome, often faces bullying and exclusion, preventing him from leading the charge. This twist shifts the story’s heroism to a collective effort, showcasing how support and camaraderie can uplift even the most sidelined individuals.

The inspiration behind Ghost Guard stems from Joel’s experiences working with individuals with Down syndrome and his Mexican heritage. Relocating from Los Angeles to a fictional town in a predominantly white community also informed the narrative, adding authenticity and depth. Set in 2004, the story brings forward elements of Joel’s own experiences of navigating cultural nuances and community dynamics.

For aspiring writers, Joel’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Just do it.” He emphasizes the importance of starting with the story itself, unburdened by technical perfection. Joel's own journey began with unedited drafts, punctuated and refined with the help of his brother. Learning from resources like Stephen King’s guide on writing, Joel self-published his novel, mastering guerrilla marketing to secure spots on platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble and building an audience through his significant TikTok presence.

Looking ahead, readers can anticipate a sequel to Ghost Guard, set to release around Halloween 2026. Joel Cool’s story stands as a testament to blending work, creativity, and cultural roots to bring an authentic voice to literature.