Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written three books, but I’ve only published one so far. I believe good literature takes time. I’m a poor, estranged, queer young-adult who is trying to make a place in the world where I belong. Story-telling, as an art, is a means through which I can temporarily alleviate my constant state of helplessness by giving voice to the existential crisis and interpersonal conflict that comes with being a target of transphobic bigotry.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Punk Love Foucault, and it’s a play on and joke of the book “Eat Pray Love.” Life is ugly and dirty, and my memoir shows just how ugly and dirty it can get. I am pretty tired of the “life is great” perspective, because that’s only part of the truth. The other part is, life is crap.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think it’s pretty common to smoke and drink lots of caffeine when writing. Other than that, I tend to write more when my life is going up in flames.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Michel Foucault, Susan Stryker, Riki Wilchins, Neil Gaiman, Anthony Burgess, and any book that has a second-wave feminist perspective (makes my blood boil with righteous indignation).
What are you working on now?
A sci-fi that incorporates queer theory.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably Facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Promote, promote, promote! Enter all the contests, do all the interviews, make a blog.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t let someone else have control of your life.”
What are you reading now?
Celtic Patterns, How-to books on essential oil remedies.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully a successful career.
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?
Three or four of the fattest dictionaries available, so I could burn them. Why would I be READING if I was stranded on an island? Priorities.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gabe Riggs Website
Gabe Riggs’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile