Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a pretty regular midwestern guy, sitting here thinking how much that sounds like the beginning of a terrible personal ad, instead of just an awkward self-interview.
I’ve studied a weird blend of things: theology, Eng Lit, editing, German, philosophy, Indonesian, ASD therapy, Afrikaans, magic, Russian. Y’know, the typical ones.
So with a background like that, what could one do *but* write? I’ve published off and on over the years, most of which is one Amazon. So if you’d like to feel like you’ve known me for 20 years, start at the first book and work your way through. (If you wanna skip the angsty stuff, I recommend starting with Rephrame or Kirsten Anonymous.)
Books and stories are always on the horizon, so stay in touch, you never know when something new might pop out. Or just stay in touch because I get bored sometimes.
And I love sunsets and long walks on the beach.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is called “Kirsten Anonymous.” Like most things, it’s about 20% inspired by people I’ve known, 20% stories I’ve heard, and 60% things even I didn’t expect until they popped out on the page. It’s the most I’ve played with format in anything so far, though by Danielewski standards, for instance, it’s pretty tame. But, if you want a clue, follow the arrows.
I can’t promise you this, but it’s looking like K might be the beginning of some kind of series. I’m not sure exactly how (or why) yet, but there seem to be some paths I didn’t walk down that are calling my name. I can tell you it won’t be a typical “Secret of the Ooze” or “Bogus Journey” type sequel, but… it sure feels like there will be something.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so? Or are we supposed to say that we are all a little unusual. I just read a Vonnegut bio where he talks about being a “basher” and perfecting every sentence before going to the next. I’m definitely not that. I’m more the “really curious, then annoyed, then excited, then hesitant, banging out the last 50 pages at 4 am because I’m excited and forgot time exits” type.
I do like to put post-its on the wall. But that might be because I don’t have many pictures.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh gosh. All the stereotypical ones.
Kerouac, Capote, Dumas, Salinger. Vonnegut. Danielewski. Coupland. And that one Dave Eggers book, “Heartbreaking Work…” that one is pretty dang great.
Aristophanes, believe it or not.
And I know this is so elitist 1990s, but I swear I actually did like David Foster Wallace before I realized I was supposed to.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m trying to come up with some kind of mental outline of what’s going to happen next with this Kirsten chica. A trilogy of these characters? An off-shoot? A collection of three novels followed by another novel? It could really be anything.
Or maybe I’ll just do something else entirely and give these guys a rest for a minute. Hard telling.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have the slightest idea.
Oh, wait! I mean Awesome Gang!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get too wound up about it. Whether you think you’re amazing or terrible, someone will agree. And someone will disagree. The best thing about writing is it’s yours. No one knows how many drafts you go through. No one knows how many pieces you’ve started at once. You get to pick what to show the world; take full advantage of that.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just act like you’ve got some sense in your head and you’ll be fine.
What are you reading now?
“Adventures in Unhistory” by Avram Davidson. Yes, I judged this book by its cover. Then by its title. Then by its table of contents. And it’s awesome.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I really sincerely hope I can someday finagle some way to make this a full-time deal. Even if I’m freelancing some and writing some. I’m just ready to focus on writing in all the ways that are available to me.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I guess that “how to build a boat” joke is pretty old by now. Let’s see…
“Infinite Jest” because it’s long and weird and fun and more accessible than like, Joyce.
“House of Leaves” because it’s also long and weird and fun.
“A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” because it’s good and there’s this pretty amazing girl I know that likes it. So she’d be bummed if she visited and I didn’t have it.
And, um….I don’t know. I exercise my right to reserve spot #4 until I’m actually on the island, then I will make a request right before they drop me off and they will have to come back. And *then* I can sneak on their boat and escape.
Who needs the “how to build a boat book” now?
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