Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a biologist and a biochemist and I’ve written four books and many articles over the years. The first three books, however, were textbooks. Although I have written fiction and biographies in the past, this is the first that I have published. “The Only Real House of Mirrors” is my first literary work.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Only Real House of Mirrors” grew out of a personal crisis. I had always defined myself as a research scientist and, many decades ago, funding crises and other things led to the loss of my laboratory. A remarkable psychiatrist recognized very quickly that I had a very active imagination and that I was quite open to suggestion. We used that ability to begin the journey that is described in the book.
The journey also took place in dreams, meditations, and long hikes and climbs in the California mountains.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In the case of “The Only Real House of Mirrors” I can honestly say that I did not write the book. The book wrote me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury was a very early guide for me. I remember in high school that I wrote him to ask questions about _Dandelion Wine_. He replied with a multi-page hand written letter. His very human view of life took hold of me and never departed.
Similarly, I sent M. Scott Peck (“The Road Less Traveled”) an early draft of “The Only Real House of Mirrors”. I had written “Mirrors” as fiction and he replied that I had written of a genuine mystical experience. Perhaps he was right. It’s certainly true that I have since come to recognize that “Mirrors” is an “inner autobiography”. Dr. Peck introduced me to his agent (who was about to retire) and I ultimately ended up in the hands of another agent, who was also a Middle Eastern scholar. The scholar offered to help me publish the book, but he recommended that I wait. “The book isn’t finished”, he said. “Wait until you have lived longer.” He was so right! Now it is ready.
I’ve always been fascinated by Carlos Castenedas and his “Don Juan” books. I doubt that Don Juan lived in the “real” world but that never mattered to me. When I also began to experience the confusion that can exist between the inner and outer worlds these books took on new meaning for me. Many people get angry and call him a fraud. I can personally guarantee that his early books are not frauds — they are very, very real!
It might seem strange that Carl Jung and Douglas Hofstadter were simultaneous guides for me, but perhaps “The Only Real House of Mirrors” can explain it to you :).
And so many others!!
What are you working on now?
Wait and see 🙂
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ask me later.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not yet.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you don’t fail ninety percent of the time, you aren’t aiming high enough.” — Alan Kaye
What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Neal Stephenson’s baroque cycle — beginning with Cryptonomicon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not certain. I now spend more time in Jakarta, and the world here is very different. “Mirrors” was intended to be a journey into the anguish and joy that joins science and religion. My background, perhaps, made “Mirrors” a Christian book. Indonesia is not only Muslim but also Christian, Hindu and Buddhist. There is also a strong animist tradition. I have no doubt that my second journey into “The Real House of Mirrors” will be strongly influenced by this world.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Lawrence Durrell’s the Alexandria Quartet — “Justine”, “Balthazar”, “Mountolive”, and “Clea”.
Author Websites and Profiles
David Barkley Website
David Barkley Amazon Profile
David Barkley’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account