Meet Joe Drivdahl: The Retired Instructor Turned Novelist Who Lets His Characters Lead the Way
Joe Drivdahl never set out to become a novelist. In fact, his first book began almost as a joke. When his wife left to visit their daughter in Helena, Montana, he casually announced that he’d have a full manuscript finished by the time she returned. Though he didn’t complete a novel in a weekend, he did discover the spark that would lead to four published books and a growing body of work defined by memorable characters and genre-shifting narratives.
A retired college instructor, musician, and lifelong storyteller at heart, Drivdahl holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English Literature. He spent several years teaching high school before finishing his career at a community college in eastern Montana. Today, he enjoys a life surrounded by creativity, family, and the two dogs—Mocha and Daisy—who are often near his side as he writes, composes, and explores new stories.
A Writing Life Born From Curiosity and Momentum
Drivdahl’s entry into writing was as unplanned as it was earnest. Armed with stacks of “How to Write a Novel” guidebooks but little real experience, he dove into his first manuscript and self-published it through Amazon’s CreateSpace, selling just enough copies to break even. It was an early lesson in both humility and possibility.
But the experience didn’t deter him. Instead, it propelled the creation of additional novels—Frank and Charlie, Sunset in Montana, and Expiration Date. Each book stretched him in new directions, proving that his creative instincts were just getting warmed up.
A Novelist Who Refuses to Be Pinned to One Genre
While many writers settle into a single genre, Drivdahl prefers creative freedom. His works range from crime to Western fiction to supernatural thrillers—a range that showcases his willingness to explore whatever story compels him next. If he had to choose a favorite direction today, he admits he’d lean toward the supernatural.
But whether readers find themselves in the Old West or on the edge of otherworldly suspense, his mission stays the same:
to create characters readers feel they truly know—and want to follow.
“I hope my readers are captivated by the characters themselves,” he explains. “I want my protagonists to be likable and my antagonists villainous enough to inspire real hatred.”
A Process Fueled by Intuition and Discipline
Drivdahl’s writing style blends loose structure with organic discovery. He always begins with a plot outline, but once the characters come to life, they often take the lead—and sometimes take him in directions he never anticipated.
His real challenge, he admits, is finding his way out of the corners those characters paint him into.
Though he’s relaxed about routine, discipline plays a major role. He aims for about 2,000 words each session, sometimes landing at 1,500, other times at 2,500—but always moving forward.
One thing he avoids is early feedback.
Sharing his work too soon, he says, invites well-meaning suggestions that can easily derail the plot. Instead, he maintains creative solitude until the first edit is complete.
What His Books Have Taught Him
Over the course of writing four novels, Drivdahl has uncovered some personal truths about his own craft. Chief among them: he dislikes long descriptions.
“Description doesn’t move the story forward,” he reflects. For instance, in Expiration Date, he chose not to describe the protagonist directly, instead letting other characters comment on her resemblance to actress Anne Hathaway.
More importantly, he has learned the value of discipline, consistency, and daily progress—traits that continue to shape his career.
What He Hopes Readers Carry With Them
Drivdahl writes for entertainment, not persuasion. His stories don’t aim to teach or preach. Instead, he hopes readers walk away remembering the characters—heroes and villains alike—and feeling as though they’ve spent time with real people facing extraordinary situations.
“I want readers to think of my protagonists as friends they’ve come to know,” he says. “I want them to love the good characters, hate the bad ones, and simply enjoy the story as it unfolds.”
Looking Ahead: A Sequel in the Works
Now, Drivdahl is busy planning Expiration Date II (title forthcoming). Writing a sequel, he notes, is more difficult than crafting an original plot. This time, he already knows the characters; he simply needs to discover the right story to place them in.
The protagonists’ lives have changed since the events of the first book, and new jobs in a new setting are sure to open the door to fresh adventures—and new challenges for their creator to navigate alongside them.
Where to Find Joe Drivdahl
Visit his official website: joedrivdahl.com
