Editor’s Note: This exchange is part of a series of brief interviews with emerging writers of recent or forthcoming books. If you enjoyed it, please visit other interviews in the I’ve Got Questions feature.
- What’s the title of your book? Fiction? Nonfiction? Poetry? Who is the publisher and what’s the publication date?
The Fountain, fiction, published by Whisk(e)y Tit Press (NY/VT), February 2021
- In a couple of sentences, what’s the book about?
Set in the Chicago art world, a magical elixir grants talentless people the ability to create a singular artistic masterpiece, but you may end up dead. Do you drink?
- What’s the book’s genre (for fiction and nonfiction) or primary style (for poetry)?
Literary satire
- What’s the nicest thing anyone has said about the book so far?
“A passionate meditation on art wrapped in a hilarious sendup of artistic pretentions.” – KIRKUS (starred review)
- What book or books is yours comparable to or a cross between? [Is your book like Moby Dick or maybe it’s more like Frankenstein meets Peter Pan?]
Tone wise,it’s been compared to David Foster Wallace and Monty Python with a heart.
- Why this book? Why now?
It’s funny without being dour, thoughtful without being pedantic. The exploration of craft and art measured against instant fame is more relevant than ever in this new age of influencers and viral video fame.
- Other than writing this book, what’s the best job you’ve ever had?
Writing/ directing my feature film HARD SCRAMBLED and as a rehearsal PA for David Mamet’s THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD. Both were invaluable learning experiences from both ends of the hierarchy.
- What do you want readers to take away from the book?
I want their thoughts provoked and I want to know: would they drink the water?If you can answer that question then you’ll truly know thyself.
- What food and/or music do you associate with the book?
The Flaming Lips circa their The Soft Bulletin through At War with the Mystics period.Also, Zoe Keating.
- What book(s) are you reading currently?
Bear vs Shark by Chris Bachelder, The Bomber Boys by Travis L. Ayres. I have Antkind and Middlegame teed up, but right now they’re currently serving as literal bookends. I buy way more than I read. Sometimes owning a copy of the idea is enough and authors get their royalties.
Learn more about David at his website.
Buy the book from Whiskey Tit.
