What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
The inspiration for this and all my books is my wife. It may be a mental imperfection on my part, but I feel that by writing, I am honoring her. Entertaining her spirit with my notes and letters about things past, present, and future hopes, I feel that she is getting much enjoyment by looking over my shoulder as I write. This is my way of never losing her, and yes, some say this is unhealthy, that I should get on with life. I say that I am. Without her, there is no life.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
This is a weird one, but you know what I say: ask a weird question, expect a weirder answer. How about “I Write the Songs”? Because I do. “The Time Warp.” What is “time,” after all? I can think of a number of Stevie Wonder songs, especially the trilogy from the Talking Book album: “Blame It on the Sun,” “Lookin’ for Another Pure Love,” and “I Believe.” Oh, and don’t forget “I Put a Spell on You,” because that’s what I hope my writing does to you.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Believe it or not, horror—psychological horror or creepy monster horror. I’m not into slashing-and-hacking horror. Blood and gore are just not that appealing to me. When I was young, it was science fantasy: Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber, Michael Moorcock, and others. What about poetry, you may ask? I’m a big poetry fan, mostly of the classics: Edgar Allan Poe, Vachel Lindsay, and the person who inspired me the most, Langston Hughes.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Well, there are three Langston Hughes books I am in the process of reading right now: The Best of Simple, The Return of Simple, and The Ways of White Folks, among other books about programming.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There were three. I would have to say the poems Underwear Hat, Proud, and Light’s End were my favorites to write. I think if you read them, you would understand why.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I have been asked this same question in a number of interviews, and every time I may have come up with a different answer. I don’t remember because I’m old. But I do tend to like writing at the end of the night, usually between 5:30 p.m. and midnight. I always try to write at least two poems a night, just in case one doesn’t work out. Is that quirky? I don’t know. It seems to work out just fine for me, but then again, who said I am normal?
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I probably said this more explicitly somewhere. Live life to have fun, please yourself, and forget everybody else if they can’t take a joke. (When you get to my age, why give a f–k?)
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Sure, everybody in life goes through ups and downs. But what is really important is not to let those ups get you too up that you fear coming down, and not to let those downs get you so down that you can’t pull yourself up off the ground. Life is a cycle; your job is to enjoy it. Jump on its merry-go-round. (Hey, did I just write another poem?)