The narrator is a combination of several adolescent boys with whom I’ve worked. Their stories of hardship kind of built up in my head over the years, and I knew I wanted to give them a voice.
Glenn Erick Miller – 24 November 2025
The Back Flap
When super-sized foster kid Goon causes a devastating accident, he’s sentenced to an experimental detention center in rural Florida. There, despite his efforts to go unnoticed, his size and sensitivity make Goon a perfect mark for the resident bully.
Assigned to work at the stables, he connects with the rescued horses and his co-worker Trudy, who is entangled in the center’s mysterious past. After Goon suffers a brutal attack, he must confront his tormentor, a raging hurricane, and his own crushing guilt.
Goon dreams of being reunited with his younger brother and tries to prove to anyone who will listen that he deserves a second chance.
But first, he must prove it to himself.
About the book
When did you start writing the book?
I began writing Goon several years ago, but I put aside when I hit a creative wall. Though I liked the premise, I was unhappy with my drafts.
How long did it take you to write it?
In total, it took about seven years to finish. However, significant chunks of that time were spent on other writing projects. After shelving the story for a while, I dusted it off and combined it with a short story I was drafting. The plot of one and the character of another gelled, and the novel took shape. I also changed the location from New York to Florida. This new version took two years to finish.
Where did you get the idea from?
Goon is based on my experiences working with disadvantaged teens. The narrator is a combination of several adolescent boys with whom I’ve worked. Their stories of hardship kind of built up in my head over the years, and I knew I wanted to give them a voice.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I definitely struggled the most with the book’s plot. There were so many things I wanted to include. Early drafts were messy, of course, with too many unfinished arcs. I credit my writing buddies, Michelle and Margo, for guiding me toward a version that was focused and clear but still had complicated layers of symbolism and emotion.
What came easily?
Initially, I couldn’t find Goon’s voice, but after reading a novel-in-verse, I decided to test this format out on my narrator. It just clicked. The rhythm and sound devices of poetry felt so natural for Goon. Once I opened to that possibility, it was relatively easy (but still challenging). I think of building a novel like solving a puzzle. Writing it in verse was a big piece of the solution.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Every character I write about is based, at least in some regards, on people I know. Some characters feel very close to reality, while others simply have a tendency or quirk. Considering the complex layers of real people helps me to avoid writing stereotypes.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Oh, boy. I love so many writers. One of my favorites is Louise Erdrich. I picked up The Beet Queen on a whim when I was eighteen. Since then, I’ve been a huge fan. I love her deftness with both character development and plot. Her fiction has a hugely natural feel, from characters’ small mannerisms to the setting’s vast landscapes.
I also love Jason Reynolds’ books. Long Way Down was a big inspiration for Goon at a moment when the book was weighing me down. Other influences have been Monster by Walter Dean Myers and We Were Here by Matt de la Peña. The grittiness of Bruce Springteen’s lyrics, especially his album Nebraska” still give me chills after so many listens.
Do you have a target reader?
Though I say that Goon can appeal to all ages, I certainly wrote it with adolescent readers in mind. I hope that everything from the cover art to the use of poetry invites in young readers, particularly those that are reluctant to pick up a book and spend time with it.
The story features some harsh realities and incarceration, but Goon’s experiences are those of every teenager. He’s confused, angry, and he feels misunderstood. He’s trying to find where he fits in, and sometimes that longing for acceptance leads him into trouble. So, I think teens and adults looking back on those years will find a lot to relate to here.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I often hear of writers who have a strict routine, like waking early and writing for an hour before their family gets up. I’ve never found success with those types of things. I’m a teacher, so it’s difficult to focus on writing during the semesters. Instead, I jot down random ideas in a notebook. I call them ‘story seeds.’ Then, during a break, I’ll pull them all out and focus on giving them shape.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I’m somewhere between a plotter and a pants-er. I think of it like taking a road trip: it’s good to have a route planned out, but if you don’t leave room for spontaneity, you can miss a lot. I like to free write, where I’ll have a conversation with myself and compose entire paragraphs of things to put in this scene or that chapter.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I mostly wait until later to edit. I like to write rough drafts as quickly as possible, making only minor fixes along the way. If I have a bigger question, I’ll jot it down and come back to it later. I don’t like to interrupt the momentum I’ve gained because it’s so hard to get started again.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Music with singing is a big distraction for me, but I find that instrumentals can help me stay focused. I’m drawn to movie soundtracks like The Theory of Everything by Jóhann Jóhannsson. It’s got a lot of sweeping movements and gorgeous crescendos. The drama and cinematic rhythms of soundtracks help me find the right words, whether I’m describing a setting or writing dialogue.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did submit to agents, and I had a few that requested the full manuscript. However, there were no takers.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I went with an indie publisher because I wanted the one-on-one support they offer. It’s been a very good experience.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
The book cover was done by the publisher.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan. It’s several pages long with sections for social media, bloggers, contests, bookstores, and more. It includes web links, and I keep track of all my contact dates and replies.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
My biggest piece of advice is to be patient and be a student of the writing craft. Read a lot. Take notes. Study books about plot and character. Follow bloggers and vloggers who discuss craft. Join a writer’s group. Attend books fairs. Writing is a lonely pursuit, so community is essential. All of this requires a lot of patience, of course. But the journey is worth it!
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Central New York State in one of the many villages along the Erie Canal. I attended local SUNY colleges and have worked as a youth program coordinator, an adult education instructor, and most recently as a college professor. My family and I moved to Florida about twelve years ago.
What are you working on now?
My next project is another young-adult novel titled Caravan. It’s a sequel of my first novel, Camper Girl. The story follows a misfit group of travelers who band together on their way to an RV meetup. Along with the regular challenges of young adulthood and road trips, the characters struggle with homelessness, divorce, and adoption.
End of Interview:
For more from Glenn Erick Miller check out his website and follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
Get you copy of Goon from Amazon US or Amazon UK.