An Interview with Russ Gerney

Russ Gerney has published three novels through Atmosphere Press: Eighty Hours, To Sleep, Perchance to Dream, and his most recent, The Methuselah Project. He has also had his poem “Dreams of the Beach” in Scribeworth magazine.

He currently lives in Wheeling, WV, with his wife Brenda. He has two children and two cats.

Russ is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and the Duquesne University School of Law. When he’s not writing, he practices law in the state courts of Ohio and Pennsylvania and numerous federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States.

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The novel is about the creation of a virus designed to extend life tenfold—hence the Methuselah Project.  Methuselah is the longest-lived of the Old Testament patriarchs.  

However, the virus Methuselah does not extend life; instead, it is 100 percent fatal to all who are not vaccinated against the virus, which is why there is a skull on the cover.   

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

I loved how Ronaldo Alves (Atmosphere Press Art Director) was able to put my ideas into a cohesive cover. He was great. Holding my copy filled me with great joy and a great sense of accomplishment.  

I started writing Methuselah in July 2024.  It was released in April 2026. During that time, I was writing, revising, and proofreading almost daily. I’d also like to note that my editor, Atmosphere Press’s Nathaniel Hansen, was extremely helpful during the editing process.   

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I write because it makes it makes me happy. Spending the time and resources necessary to bring the book to the public, however, involves more than simple self-satisfaction. I submitted this book to Atmosphere because I thought it was a story worth reading.  

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I am an attorney. Previously, I worked as a substance abuse counselor. Before that, I worked in restaurants doing everything from dishwasher to food and beverage manager.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Knowing that people were going to buy and read it. Hopefully they enjoy it and share it with friends.  

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Billionaires don’t give a damn about regular folks.

I don’t have a vision of a perfect reader. The novel can be read as a basic action/adventure tale; it can be seen as a commentary on power and the abuse of power. People can also see this as an allegory for current events—bad things happening on a private island owned by a billionaire.  

What creative projects are you currently working on?

Phoenix. A sequel to The Methuselah Project.

 In addition, I am always working on short stories and poems.  

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I love working with Atmosphere; I feel very supported. I have recommended Atmosphere to other writers I know.  

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Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.