We’ve always covered artists who have decided to put down the guitar and pick up the pen while out on the road. More and more we see musicians wanting to further document their path, their hardships and struggles on the written page rather through melodies. Mychildren Mybride’s Joe Lengson is the newest addition to this league of extraordinary…gentlemen? Sleeping in Parking Lots follows the bassist on the journey of coming to know God, joining the band, and the inevitable temptations and pitfalls that come with a life on the road. But its not all struggle, Lengson’s descriptive and passionate energy bleeds through the pages as he shares stories of triumph and salvation. Lengson spoke with Hopecore.com Magazine recently, sharing his vision for this novel and what else is to come.

More and more musicians have been branching out lately into the literary world. What did you see in your life or your band life that made you want to write this novel?

Joe Lengson: More musicians have been venturing into the world of literature possibly because musicians, unquestionably, live such out-of-the-ordinary, yet incredible lifestyles. I hope to not sound arrogant; however, it’s inescapable for me, or someone living a similar lifestyle, to not have an incredible story to tell. I found it appropriate to share my story, not only because I feel it can have an impact on readers, but also, because the fact that people are curious about the life of a musician.

We know you’re largely influenced by Donald Miller. Which of his works inspired you the most and why?

JL: My good friend, whom I mention in the book, Brandon Larson, once loaned me a book right before I left to tour with the band Norma Jean a few years ago. That book was Donald Miller’s Through Painted Deserts. That book was the defining point in my life in regards to literature. Since then, I’ve read everything that has been published by Miller. Miller’s latest book, A Million Miles In A Thousand Years, has had an even larger affect on me, as well as the way I live my life, which ultimately, has had an affect on my literary style and content.

In the book you talk about how you came to be in Mychildren Mybride and those early struggles. What does the rest of the band think about you sharing some of these intimate details?

JL: I share those intimate stories because I feel it helps paint a better description of how God can help you through times where you want to give up. I asked my band if it was okay to give my story; with the explanation from my perspective why I decided to write about my early struggles with my band, they ultimately agreed to the publication. I feel that the strongest element in a story is struggle, I think my bands knows that I’m using struggle as a tool to promote growth and friendship.

Aside from the band struggles, you speak a lot on your own life, how you came to be a Christian and a  lot of the hardships that came along with it. Do you feel like those are ongoing struggles even now?

JL: Certainly, I admit, I struggle constantly with my faith. Not the acceptance of faith, but more of the consistent reminder of faith. What I mean is; I am on tour with the band constantly, when I’m not touring I’m at home working on homework or literature, I feel inferior to admit, but sometimes, I forget about God. I feel that I am sometimes worthless because God did so much for me, and I can’t even remember to thank Him sometimes. However, there is always something to remind me and keep me accountable; my band, friends, the kids that come to our shows, even playing shows in the band, it’s a constant struggle, but I feel I’m moving forward.

Was writing this book a bit of a therapy for you?

JL: Not at first, the entire writing process was simply out of boredom, sometimes it was even was a burden, because I had so many other things to do before the book. Towards the end of the writing process, and during the initial editing process, that’s when I would reread my story and find comfort and relaxation with it. It sounds silly but my own story, helped me slightly in a therapeutical sense.

Is this something that you could see yourself doing more of? Or was it more of a feat to accomplish?

JL: It most certainly was a goal I had set and a great accomplishment for me. Though for some reason, everything came so natural to me. Last December, I started writing a second book, simply, out of boredom. It will still take a long time to complete, though, I feel I will complete it, release it and yet again, write another.

Who would you say you wrote this book for and what do you want people to get out of it?

JL: Originally, it was written for no one in particular. Though, my first read-through after completion, my mind immediately altered. I got the feeling that just like our band’s music, my story could also have an impact on it’s audience. I changed things, and moved paragraphs and reformatted it so that I can reach as many people as possible. I send the book out to the kids who are struggling with a broken heart, who feel worthless, and for the curious fans of MCMB or any touring band.

And I have to ask, do you think Liz will read this book?

JL: I do think so, in-fact, I’m sure she will. This is a hard question because I truthfully haven’t spoken to her in a long time, just as I dictated in the book. Though, I changed details about her to which I can safely release the story, without worrying about any sort of altercation. I’m not saying here that I wrote lies, but for the safety of her, as well as myself, my only option was the keep certain details secret.

Where all will the book be available for purchase?

JL: As of three days ago, the possibility of having this book on bookshelves, in bookstores across America and England is now an option. In the mean time, I will sell the book though my publishing company www.lulu.com on paper back format, also on MyChildren MyBride’s merchandise table on tour. In eBook format, on the Apple iBookstore, the Amazon Kindle, and the Barnes and Noble Nook.

From reading your book I can tell that MCMB has been a big part of your life. That being said, where do you see the band heading as you guys progress and get older and also as the music scene changes?

JL: It’s difficult to say, no one can see ahead of the curve of this music world. It’s hard to stay on top-new bands are constantly starting up, getting signed and receiving that new hype. I see our band continuing just as we have, putting out music and touring the world. If kids still like us, we’ll continue, however if our fan base dies down over time, we will try to make it last as long as possible until there is nothin’ left:

What do you see yourself doing after MCMB?

JL: The possibilities are endless. I am currently enrolled in online college and have been studying English. I would like to teach English to high-school aged kids. Also, I would like to further pursue photography and videography, in my off time, I shoot weddings and look for bands I could make music videos for. Before MCMB, I worked very hard on a solo music career, I released three full-length albums in which I had success with, I could rekindle that project to take it even further than before. Lastly, my latest endeavor, literature. If people like my literature, I’d like to continue with that.

And I have to ask cause I know readers will be dying to know, what is on the horizon release wise for MCMB? We hear strong rumor of writing taking place…

JL: MCMB recently lost a member. Daniel our guitarist left because he felt God had other plans for him. Consequently, in regards to the band, there is more pressure on he 4 of us left. We are currently working on our 3rd release with Solid State records. We have only a little bit written, because we have been so busy with touring. Unfortunately, not one member of MCMB lives in the same area, which makes it hard to work on music when we are off, however, we are slowly but surely coming up with very interesting ideas and songs.

We greatly appreciate your time Joe! Sleeping in Parking Lots by Joe Lengson will be available beginning May 13th.