An Interview with Fish Nealman
Fish Nealman is an award-winning author of literary fiction, renowned for his evocative storytelling and meticulously crafted narratives. Living amidst the tranquil, low-lying mountains of rural New Jersey, he channels inspiration from his extensive global travels, seamlessly integrating diverse cultural elements into his work. His novels transport readers to vivid locales, both familiar and exotic, offering an authentic lens into the human experience. Celebrated for creating unforgettable characters and extraordinary plots, his stories resonate on a profound emotional level. Each book invites readers on a journey where richly detailed settings, heartfelt exploration, and timeless themes converge to create truly memorable literary adventures.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title was one of the first things that came to me. Using the title as the name of Posthumous’ official biography was one of the last things that came to me!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
My wife asked me to write a novel. So, I did. What else could I do!! Born Posthumous is my fifth novel, and I’ve already completed my sixth.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’ve worked in the computer industry and have been able to work in over fifty countries across six continents. I have also written six non-fiction books and textbooks that relate to the field of computers.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
I am still waiting for the audiobook to begin. So, I am hoping that whenever that gets completed, it will be exciting to have Born Posthumous in digital, print, and audio formats.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Anything by Neil Young. The character Manny Old is influenced by Neil Young. Even the protagonist’s name is a loose antonym.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
Born Posthumous will fundamentally challenge your understanding of self and existence, plunging you into a profound philosophical debate on identity by proposing that consciousness is an emergent property arising from complex interactions and can exist in an altered, non-biological state. Furthermore, it forces a moral reckoning with the modern age of artificial intelligence and corporate ethics, highlighting that vulnerability and connection remain the indispensable essence of human existence when technological progress prioritizes legality over moral responsibility.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
I have just completed a novel titled Flawed and will be seeking a publisher. And, I have just started working on a book that I am calling The Judas Goat.
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