An Interview with Nathan Klayman
What inspired you to start writing this book?
It all started with one story. After finishing it, and thinking, “Hey, that’s got something,” I decided to see if I couldn’t do a whole book’s worth.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title was fairly easy – I wanted something that would convey both the weird and dark nature of the stories as well as their Texas roots. I think I managed that, don’t you think?
Describe your dream book cover.
For this book or any? The current book cover is great; if asking about ‘any,’ I’m pretty partial to strange photographs or abstract modern art that gives no idea as to what the book is about.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
In terms of genres, I would think old country and punk songs (not counting that one Talking Heads song that the book alludes to). Specifically, maybe Dallas by the Flatlanders or The Byrds’ version of You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Mostly old horror favorites (early Stephen King) plus some science fiction (P.K.D., William Gibson, Alfred Bester) to keep me grounded but not derivative.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I think I wanted to write in part due to my love of the printed word, my education (degrees in literature) and the desire to, well, do something different.
Influences? Shoot – we all got those. For me, that’s folks ranging from Joe R. Lansdale to Raymond Chandler to J.G. Ballard.
Like all good things out there, I alternate between a mix and a mess, depending on the time of day.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
It’s not a race. It’s a discipline.
And it’s okay to not love every word you write.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
That they’ll keep reading.
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