Meet Joseph Rhea | Novelist, Screenwriter, Game Designer, and Scientist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Rhea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Why did I pursue an artistic or creative career? The answer lies at the intersection of my dual passions: a relentless drive to explore the unknown and an innate desire to create worlds beyond the ordinary. From an early age, I found myself equally captivated by the logical precision of science and the boundless possibilities of the imagination. Growing up in Yakima, Washington, I dreamt of venturing beyond my small town, inspired by the likes of Captain Kirk and Jacques Cousteau, who showed me that the wonders of the universe were just as thrilling beneath the ocean’s surface as they were among the stars.

My journey into a creative career wasn’t a straight path; it was a complex dance between my love for science and my need to express the extraordinary through storytelling. While my early academic years at the University of Washington were focused on engineering and oceanography, driven by a desire to push humanity forward through technology, I never let go of my creative side. Whether it was dabbling in computer game design with my brother Dave, crafting intricate narratives, or later, screenwriting, I discovered that my true calling was to bridge these worlds.

The turning point came when I realized that, despite my technical achievements, it was the stories—those profound “what ifs” of science fiction—that truly fueled my passion. Writing became not just an outlet, but a necessity, a way to explore the ethical and existential questions that science alone couldn’t answer. My 2008 debut novel, CYBERDROME (a near-future, science fiction thriller that explores the dangers and possibilities of artificial intelligence and immersive virtual reality) and my later sci-fi series, NOVUM CHRONICLES (a 5-book saga that thrusts the reader below the surface of a hostile ocean, where a young man must fight an enemy that threatens to destroy what’s left of the human race) are reflections of this—stories that dive deep into the potential and perils of advanced technology and the unknown realms beneath our seas.

The tragic loss of my brother in 2019 and the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 were challenges that almost made me give up my creative pursuits. However, this period forced me to realize that I have an actual NEED to create, regardless of exterior factors. I realized that storytelling is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. This shift in perspective has enriched my work, allowing me to return to the craft with a renewed sense of purpose.

In the end, I pursued an artistic career, as well as my science career, because it allows me to explore, imagine, and challenge the boundaries of reality. It’s not just about writing stories; it’s about shaping the future, one narrative at a time, and leaving behind a legacy that I know would make my brother proud.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a fusion of science, technology, and storytelling, designed to explore the profound questions that lie at the intersection of human potential and the unknown. As a full-time scientist and a part-time science fiction author, I’ve always been driven by a dual passion: the logical rigor of scientific inquiry and the boundless creativity that comes from imagining worlds beyond our own. This blend of left-brain and right-brain thinking might be what sets my work apart. I’m not just telling stories; I’m crafting intricate visions of the future that challenge our understanding of reality and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

What I’m most proud of is how my work reflects the journey I’ve taken—one that has been anything but straightforward. From designing two groundbreaking computer games with my brother Dave in the late 80s and early 90s, to now writing novels and screenplays that delve into the ethical and existential dilemmas posed by advanced technology, my creative path has been a complex one. It’s a path that’s seen its share of challenges, from the abrupt end of our computer game venture to the personal loss of my brother, which nearly made me give up writing altogether.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. It required a lot of perseverance, especially during times when the odds seemed stacked against me. When the computer game industry shifted away from small teams to massive corporations, Dave and I had to shelve our newest game, one that we had poured our hearts into. Yet, this experience taught me the value of resilience and the importance of adapting to change. We took that creative energy and began writing what would become our award-winning debut science fiction novel, CYBERDROME. In doing so, I learned that while the journey might not always go as planned, each twist and turn is an opportunity to grow and evolve.

The most significant lesson I’ve learned along the way is that creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Collaboration, whether with fellow writers, editors, or even readers, is essential to the creative process. This was a hard truth for me to accept, as I once believed that absolute control over my work was the only way to truly realize my vision. When I went to work for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena in the early 90’s, I joined their screenwriting club and fell in love with screenwriting. However, I had no desire to write one myself, due to the number of people who would have final say over my efforts.

However, many years later, after completing my 5-book dystopian undersea series, NOVUM CHRONICLES, I decided to venture back into screenwriting during the Covid-19 pandemic. In doing so, I finally realized that the input of others doesn’t dilute the purity of my ideas—it enhances them, making the final product richer and more compelling. My very first feature screenplay made the Second Round of the 2021 Austin Film Festival, and fueled by this success, I have now completed a new original sci-fi feature screenplay called ROGUE WAVE which I then adapted into a 25,000-word novella to be published later this year. I think I’m back in the writing business and I know my brother would be glad I didn’t give it up.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m committed to pushing humanity forward through my stories. Whether it’s exploring the dangers and possibilities of artificial intelligence or plunging into the depths of a post-apocalyptic ocean, my work is about more than entertainment. It’s about asking the hard questions, exploring the unknown, and envisioning a future that, while uncertain, is full of potential.

As I continue to write, both in prose and screenplay formats, I’m fueled by the belief that the stories we tell shape the future we create. My late brother Dave is a guiding force in my work, his memory reminding me that even in the face of loss, there’s always a reason to keep creating. And as I move forward, I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next, knowing that every story I write is a step toward a better, more thoughtful world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While it’s been several years since I lived in LA, I always make it a habit to visit the Santa Monica Pier when I come back. Actually, all of Santa Monica has a special place in my memories. I once bumped into Michelle Pfeiffer (literally) in a coffee shop waiting to get into a small club to listen to Vonda Shepard. I also enjoyed all of the live acts in the many comedy clubs, and once even met Rodney Dangerfield (in the men’s room of all places – no respect!) 😉 I tell friends who visit LA, that if you’re bored there, then you just need to get out of your hotel and go for a drive. There’s always something to do or see.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give a lot of credit to my younger brother, Dave Rhea, who left home at 18 and drove to Los Angeles by himself to pursue his dream of creating special effects. While I was in college pursuing engineering, oceanography, and software development, he talked me into using our combined talents to create a professional computer game. That partnership led to the development of a published computer game, and eventually, to my writing science fiction novels and screenplays. He reminded me that even while you hold down a steady and fulfilling, but maybe “less creative” job, you can always find time, or really, MAKE time, to pursue the creative arts. Sadly, Dave passed away in 2019 from leukemia, but his influence will be with me always.

Website: http://www.JosephRhea.com

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JosephRhea

Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@authorjosephrhea
Coverfly: https://writers.coverfly.com/profile/JosephRhea
Stage32: https://www.stage32.com/JosephRhea
ScriptRevolution: https://www.scriptrevolution.com/scripts/rogue-wave