An Interview with D.J. Hupp
D.J. Hupp is a filmmaker, actor, and comedian based in Portland, Oregon. He is known for: Comedy shorts and mashups. Creating BardSubs.com (comedic modern language subtitles for movies based on Shakespeare plays). Editing James Nguyen’s (famous for creating one of the worst movies ever made, Birdemic) film, Julie and Jack, featured on RiffTrax. Creating the AI fan edit, AI: The Kubrick Edit.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve been writing from before I can remember. But as I was growing up, there were certainly writers that made me want to keep writing. Stephen King was a huge influence.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Not a profession, but for years, I’ve had a day job doing customer service for a cable company. I’ll be including some of those experiences in my third novel.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
It was always The Patsy. In my novel, Lee Harvey Oswald IS a patsy. Never considered any other title.
What part of publishing your book made it feel real for the first time?
Holding a copy in my hands. (I’m sure everyone says this.)
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Easy … songs actually mentioned in the book:
Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones
Come On (Chuck Berry cover) – The Rolling Stones
Very Last Day – Peter, Paul and Mary
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right – Peter, Paul and Mary
Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan
Creep – Radiohead
Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
That they learned a little history and had a good time doing it.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
Getting positive feedback from strangers.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
Working on my second novel!
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