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Straight out of college Joe had planned a career as a writer of fiction. With degrees in creative writing and english literature from studies at Temple University and Toronto's York University, he looked forward to a career in letters. He had studied with then up and coming author Michael Ondaatje whose Booker prize winning novel The English Patient would become a major motion picture starring Ralph Fiennes. But Joe had always been a passionate music fan and when an opportunity to work for a major record distributor with artists like KISS and Donna Summer was offered, he couldn't resist. That decision led him to a twenty year career in music working with superstars like the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen and literally dozens more. He retired from music and authored a book entitled Welcome to the Jungle published by HarperCollins. He spent time as a marketing consultant for video games, followed by stints in baseball and real estate but continued to write. In 2022 he published two books of poetry for children, and in March of 2024 released MADHOUSE: Mind Over Market, a study of agent mental health in the real estate industry. He now specializes in crime and mystery writing. He lives and works from his home near the beach in Clearwater, Florida. 

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Biography

Joe Owens is a storyteller. Sometimes, the story is about real things like mental health, the music industry, real estate, or how we don’t seem to treat each other as well as we used to. Sometimes, they're made up to make you laugh or cry or shift to the edge of your seat as the hero races to escape the bad guys. Sometimes, they're for kids to help them learn to read, imagine, or just have fun. 

He's worked in the music, sports, video game, and real estate industries, but through it all has continued to tell stories. He’s released works with Big Five publisher HarperCollins, graphic novels, self-published fiction, non-fiction, and kids' picture books and poems. He believes in the philosophy of Italian historian and author Umberto Eco, who said, “To survive, you must tell stories.”

Joe’s book, MADHOUSE: Mind Over Market discusses the importance of good mental wellness for real estate agents to achieve success. Welcome to the Jungle (HarperCollins) helped young musicians navigate the intricacies of the music industry. And his children’s books featuring original characters, Jennifer, Pony & Theodore Bear, include collections of poems for kids that entertain and educate through fun stories and rhyme. 

He's currently promoting two new non-fiction books: The Rock Star Real Estate Agent, which shares secrets learned in over twenty years in the music business that top rock stars use to build a base of lifelong, loyal fans, and Feelin’ Groovy: A Boomer Guide to Ageless Aging ,a tongue-in-cheek wellness and workout guide for Baby Boomers.

A lifelong fan of crime fiction and mystery, Joe is developing two historical fiction series set in Victorian England, both built around complex characters navigating justice, power, and secrets in a rapidly changing world.

The work is inspired by real historical crimes and forgotten cases, and aims to blend meticulous research with classic mystery structure and strong, character-driven storytelling. Not just puzzles to be solved—they’re reflections of human nature, morality, and the social tensions that still echo today.

Joe lives and works from his home in Clearwater Florida. He divides his time between writing, exploring the beautiful Florida beaches and wetlands, and supporting charities that support kids and animals. He holds degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing from Philadelphia’s Temple University and York University in Toronto. 



 

Other Information

Joe is also a musician who plays guitar, piano and drums. Over his lifetime he has moved his home 50 times. He drives a 2021 Jeep Wrangler modified for off-roading. He runs/walks 2 miles a day, is in the gym at least 4 times a week. He has an uneasy relationship with technology, detests social media as trivial but necessary for business, is passionate about Victorian English society, technology, and writing. He believes the best films and TV shows are in black and white. And he is an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church Ministries (just like Tom Hanks and Lady Gaga). 

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I'd Love to Hear From You

If you're looking for information  about upcoming books or projects or have suggestions about Victorian era unsolved crimes you think would make a good story, get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.