Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of one novel and three short stories, and a former musician/songwriter. (I’ve noticed that this distinction tends to elicit a hostile reaction from other musicians, who tell me that music is forever and consider my use of the word “former” downright blasphemous. I maintain that it’s simply a statement of fact. I still love music; I just haven’t performed for a live audience in about ten years.)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel is called “The Agent”, and I would characterize it as hard-boiled existential horror. It’s about a disaffected loner in his late twenties who begins to dream about a series of murders which occurred twenty-five years earlier; eventually, these dreams push him toward a confrontation with the killer and a sort of ghastly supernatural epiphany. My book was inspired primarily by growing up in the shadow of industrial ruins and failing retail stores in northwest Alabama.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, unless obsessive editing counts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Peter Straub is my single biggest influence. William Burroughs, too–I don’t think I would have started writing seriously if I hadn’t read “Junky”. Fitzgerald, Raymond Chandler, Rod Serling.
What are you working on now?
My second novel, which will also be horror-oriented, is just beginning to take shape. I’m outlining and writing some individual scenes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m sorry to say that self-promotion is a total mystery to me. I’ve found it very, very difficult.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent. Work hard while you’re on a roll–until 1 or 2 in the morning, if that’s what it takes.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To outline. I thought I could keep track of the entire mess in my head, but of course I couldn’t. An outline really pulls the structure of your book together and allows you to see the big picture.
What are you reading now?
A biography of Mao Zedong.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I’ll go on writing for as long as it’s enjoyable, and with any luck a few other people will enjoy it, too. With “The Agent”, my goal was to write a book that worked on two levels: as entertainment and as philosophy. If the reader wanted to stop at the first layer, fine, but hopefully there was something beneath that which was more deeply satisfying or at least worthwhile. I think the next book will be a little more abstract, not as accessible.
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?
Peter Straub, “Ghost Story”; Raymond Chandler, “The Long Goodbye”; Arthur Schopenhauer, “The World as Will and Representation”.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jonathan Mitchell Amazon Profile
Jonathan Mitchell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile