Interview with writer Clifford Garstang

Writer Clifford Garstang is helping me wrap up the week. He’s here to chat about his literary fiction short story collection, House of the Ancients and Other Stories

Bio:

Clifford Garstang is the author of the story collection House of the Ancients and Other Stories, as well as two other story collections, In an Uncharted Country and What the Zhang Boys Know, and a novel, The Shaman of Turtle Valley. He is also the editor of the anthology series, Everywhere Stories: Short Fiction from a Small Planet as well as the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine. He has won both the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction and the Indiana Authors Emerging Author Award. A former international lawyer, he now lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Please tell us about your current release.

House of the Ancients is collection of stories that is both eclectic and a little quirky. The stories are set all over the place—the US, Mexico, Asia, Europe—and touch on a variety of themes, some dark, some humorous, some mysterious. One thing they have in common, though, is characters, mostly men, who behave badly.

What inspired you to write this book?

I love short stories. While I’ve turned to writing novels in recent years, I began writing stories during my MFA program and I continue to love the form for its focus and concision. The stories in this collection were written over a ten year span of time, but when I looked at them together I thought they fit together nicely. Individual stories have their own inspirations, of course. I lived in Central Asia for a year, so some of the stories are based on that experience. I lived and worked in East Asia for a very long time, so there was more inspiration there. And I’ve traveled in Mexico and Europe a fair amount, so some of the stories came from there. Others are inspired by my roots in the Midwest or living in the Shenandoah Valley for the past twenty years. But generally I’m interested in surprising situations and images, and just about all of the stories have their origin in something I observed, wherever it was.

For a sample of the stories: One of the shortest stories in the book—set in Mongolia--is available on my blog: The Learned Lama.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’ve just finished the edits on a novel that’s coming out in 2021. It’s about a young man who is trying to discover the truth about a family mystery, and the trail takes him on a journey around the world. The novel I’m currently working on is a blended contemporary and historical story set in Southeast Asia. It’s exciting to write, so I hope it will be exciting to read.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably not until my first short story was published. I used to practice law and being a lawyer was my identity for a very long time. It was very hard to tell people I was a writer until I had something to show for it.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I do write full time. I quit my “day job” a long time in order to dedicate myself to writing, so I now treat it as my job. I have a pleasant writing space in my house, so my commute is up the stairs to the office in the morning and I’m usually at my desk until lunchtime. I continue working in the afternoon, although that usually involves the more mundane side of the job—reading, promoting, developing contacts, and so on. That usually fills the rest of the day.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I think a lot of writers do this, but when I’m working on a novel I spend some time finding images—it used to be in magazines but now it’s on the Internet—of people who look like my characters. I keep those pictures in a file on my computer and I can pull them up to help me see them when I’m writing about them. Another quirk, one that applies when I’m writing short stories, is that I often don’t know what they’re about when I start. The theme only emerges when I’m pretty far along, or even finished with the first draft, at which point I can revise the piece with the theme in mind. That’s actually something I advise students to do, because if you start with a theme, the story may feel forced and artificial.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A vampire. Seriously, for some reason I had a thing about Dracula when I was a kid. Ran around wearing a cape with a red lining, the whole bit. In high school I told people I wanted to be President of the United States, although I don’t think I honestly ever did want that, and it’s definitely not a job I would want now. At some point before college I knew I wanted to be a writer. It just took a couple of decades of practicing law for me to get there.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I would like readers to know I appreciate them! There are few opportunities to interact with readers, so it may seem like writers don’t even think of them, but it’s the opposite. It amazes me to think that there are people out there who are reading stories and novels I wrote. So, thank you! And also, thanks to you for this wonderful blog!

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks for being here today!

Interview with literary novelist Uday Mukerji

Today’s special guest is Uday Mukerji and we’re chatting about his new literary fiction Dead Man Dreaming.

Bio:

Uday Mukerji was born in India and had worked as a creative director in advertising agencies in Singapore for nearly twenty years. However, in 2009, he left his job to pursue a career in writing.

His first literary fiction, a 2017 Readers’ Favorite Award Winner, Love, Life, and Logic was published by Harvard Square Editions (NY) in November 2016.

His next book, Dead Man Dreaming, published by Adelaide Books, New York, came out in September 2019.

Welcome, Uday. Please tell us about your current release.

Dead Man Dreaming is a literary fiction about one man's fight against hereditary genetic diseases—from losing his girlfriend to finding love again—and how he overcomes his fear and frustrations and comes to terms with his own Huntington's disease.

The confirmation of HD brings the senior resident physician, David’s life to a halt. His three-year-old relationship with his girlfriend, Chloe also comes to an end. Yet, he refuses to give up; he dreams of finding a solution to prevent all hereditary genetic diseases. With his high school friend, Jessie, he starts an awareness campaign for Carrier Screening Tests for all before becoming a parent. The movement brings an overwhelming response, but not without condemnations. And through all that, David finds new love and new hope in life again.

It’s the journey of a desperate young man with a death sentence hanging over his head that makes this book inspiring and riveting.

What inspired you to write this book?

In 2016, Shivani Nazareth, a genetic counselor in New York, published a piece in US News: ‘Genetic testing before pregnancy should be as common as taking folic acid’. She wrote, while medical societies agree that preconception is the ideal time to offer carrier screening, a recent study showed that only 1 in 6 family physicians or OB/GYN providers offered carrier screening in preconception care. She also wrote that many parents learned they were carriers of rare diseases only after their child was born. 

My whole life I had believed that parenting was the hardest job in the universe. Her writing got me thinking, then, why the would-be parents weren’t doing their part before giving birth? I fully realized the challenges and the risk in taking the test, but I couldn’t help wondering—would a positive verdict be really the end of the world? Why do we make the innocent kids suffer? Was it the lack of information or something else?

And the answers to those questions and more inspired me to write Dead Man Dreaming. 

Excerpt from Dead Man Dreaming:

From Chapter 12

Two days later, when I came home from New York City, I realized something: some people in our lives always stand by us like a lighthouse, silently guiding us to the shore. My mother was that lighthouse in my life. Since we had landed on a Sunday afternoon, I had missed a pre-arranged breakfast with my mother that morning. It wasn’t the first time I had missed an appointment with my mother, but from the voicemail, this time, she sounded upset.

When I called her to apologize, she flared up. “Do you know I had already called you three times since this morning?” And before I could say anything in my defense, she continued. “You better come down now and have dinner here. I won’t have time to see you until next Sunday. And we’re already late.”

“Late for what, Mom? What’s so important that it can’t wait until next Sunday? I promise I’ll be there.”

“No, it can’t wait. Let me put it this way—we should’ve done it yesterday.”

I didn’t understand what she was talking about, but it seemed important to her, and I couldn’t ignore that. I pulled out my jacket and decided to walk over.

When my mother opened the door, she looked baffled. Seeing my jacket covered in snowflakes, she removed the small door screen and peeped out. Not seeing my car in the driveway, she asked, “Why didn’t you drive?”

“I wanted to walk back after dinner; I need the exercise since I missed my gym today.”

“It’s minus five degrees out there. Are you crazy or what?”

“It didn’t quite feel that way,” I tried to explain.

“Never mind. Get yourself a drink. Dinner will be ready in ten.” And she went into the kitchen.

“Do you want one?” I shouted from the living room.

“You go ahead. I’ve got a glass of wine.”

I had never been a regular drinker. I hesitated a couple of minutes in front of my mom’s liquor cabinet—a small table with a few glasses and a couple of wine bottles. She also had a bottle of whiskey and a cognac. I deliberated for a minute, then poured myself a cognac and followed my mother into the kitchen. I was curious to know what all the fuss was about.

“Tell me now what is so important that it couldn’t wait another week.” I sat on the long end of the kitchen counter.

“I need you to sign some papers. Anyway, dinner is ready. Let’s eat first.”

Towards the end of the dinner, she suddenly asked, “How is your new girlfriend?”

“What do you mean by new girlfriend? Are you talking about Jessie?”

“Yes, your cheerleader friend,” she clarified.

Given the latest series of complications, I would have hesitated to call Jessie my girlfriend anymore. In my book, girlfriends didn’t have husbands. So, what was she? Recently, I had been asking myself that question every day.

“She isn’t really my girlfriend.”

“Why? What happened?” she asked.

“Let it go, Ma. It’s complicated.” I tried to put a stop to that conversation.

“Life is complicated, David. You have to press on,” she said as she started clearing the table.

I got up and helped her clear the rest. I said, “I’m trying, Ma. I’ll tell you everything as soon as I sort things out in my head. Let’s sign those papers now.”

She pulled out two thick piles of papers. I had seen those before. In fact, I had seen them all my life, and those piles used to be thicker. First, it was my dad’s medical insurance file, and after my dad had passed away, my mother had created one for each of us.

“After your positive test for HD, I had to make changes in your policy. I need your signature.” My mom pushed a thick, gray-colored file toward me.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve had it done.”

“Don’t worry, it’s already done. Just sign…” Her voice choked, so she got up and left the room in a hurry.

----- The end of excerpt ----

What exciting story are you working on next?

I have just started writing another novel exploring—a metaphysical view on life—how everything isn’t like what it seems to be.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Frankly, I never thought I would be a writer. I had always been more of a reader. Although I didn’t major in literature, I always loved reading classics. Some of my all-time favorite books are Anna Karenina, Crime and Punishment, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Castle, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and The Outsider. I worked all my life in Advertising. But all that had suddenly changed a couple of years ago when I was vacationing in New Zealand. Throughout my whole life, one question had always haunted me: Why am I here? And during those few days, the peace and serenity all around amplified that voice in my head. But instead of jumping on to Google for an answer, I decided to dig deep inside and explore. Soon I started writing, and that’s how it all started in 2009.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I’m not exactly a full-time writer, but I usually write about three/fours in the morning and again two to three hours after lunch.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Even when I am not using it, I still have to have the internet connection. Without it, I literally feel disconnected from everything, and my writing automatically comes to a grinding halt.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child, I always wanted to be a pilot. I thought flying alongside the birds and the clouds would be fun. Then, I guess, like everything else, I also changed.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

The Big Bang Theory is my most favorite TV show. I love comedies. I wish I could make people laugh like that.

Links:

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Interview with novelist Mary Fleming

Novelist Mary Fleming joins me today to chat about her literary fiction, The Art of Regret.

Bio:

I was born in Chicago but have lived in Paris since 1981. After working as a freelance journalist and consultant, then for a foundation, I turned to writing full-time. For seven years recently, I lived half-time in Berlin too, which prompted me to start writing a blog. Now I divide my time between Paris and Normandy and write about that. The Art of Regret is my second novel. The first is called Someone Else.

Welcome, Mary. Please tell us about your current release.

Trevor McFarquhar is a thirty-something American who has lived in Paris since he was a child. The move came after his sister and father died, events never discussed in the family and therefore unresolved in Trevor’s psyche. Having done his best as an adult to be a misfit, he runs a failing bicycle shop and maintains scratchy relations with his family, all the while unable to give up his first passion, photography. But in 1995, during a crippling French transport strike, his shop’s fortunes take a turn for the better, while a liaison dangereuse shatters his personal life. Five years later, his plan for non-living upended, Trevor is given a second chance to find redemption and even love.

What inspired you to write this book?

I am very interested in the effect of our past on our present. We think we ‘get over’ events from long ago but we don’t, especially if we haven’t faced up to and digested them. In one form or another our experiences stick to our ribs. The novel is also something of an ode to Paris, a city where I have lived for many years and which has been very good to me.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I am finishing a novel, set in the early 1980s, about an old American woman who has lived in Paris all her adult life, and a young American, who has just arrived and is trying to find her way in the world. The latter goes to live and work for the former in a big old house on the place des Vosges. Both—surprise, surprise—have complicated pasts. Their interaction is difficult. Squatters occupy the house which, oddly, brings the older and younger women together.

Meanwhile, I continue to write my bi-weekly blog, A Paris-Perche Diary.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Privately, in my own head, about 30 years ago. Publicly, about 20.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I do write full-time, though that doesn’t mean I’m always writing. Stories need time to gestate and good ideas often come to me while I’m walking the dog or running an errand. Part of my ‘job’ is also reading and learning from other works of fiction.

I like to get up about 6 and start writing. That quiet time, while the world around me is still asleep, is when my mind is clearest, when I think the best. If I haven’t started working by 10am, the day is usually a write-off, so to speak.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Sometimes when my mind feels unfocused or muddled I do a Sudoko puzzle. Getting all those numbers correctly in their boxes helps reorder my brain.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher or a writer. I considered ranching too.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

People say I am lucky to live and work in Paris and they are absolutely right.

Links:

Website | Blog | Instagram | Facebook

Thanks for joining me today!

Interview with novelist/writer Jerome Mark Antil

Writer Jerome Mark Antil joins the blog today. He’s chatting with me about his new literary fiction, Mamma’s Moon: The Hoodoo of Peckerwood Finch.

During his virtual book tour, Jerome will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

Jerome Mark Antil writes in several genres. He has been called a “greatest generation’s Mark Twain,” a “write what you know Ernest Hemingway,” and “a sensitive Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.” It’s been said his work reads like a Norman Rockwell painting. Among his writing accomplishments, several titles in his The Pompey Hollow Book Club historical fiction series about growing up in the shadows of WWII have been honored. An ‘Authors and Writers’ Book of the Year Award and ‘Writer of the Year’ at Syracuse University for The Pompey Hollow Book Club novel; Hemingway, Three Angels, and Me, won SILVER in the UK as second-best novel.

Foreword’s Book of the Year Finalist for The Book of Charlie – historical fiction and TheLong Stem is in the Lobby – nonfiction humor. Library Journal selected Hemingway, Three Angels and Me for best reads during Black History Month.

Before picking up the pen, Jerome spent his professional career writing and marketing for the business world. In this role, he lectured at universities - Cornell, St. Edward’s, and Southern Methodist. His inspirations have been John Steinbeck, Mark Twain, and Ernest Hemingway.

Welcome, Jerome. Please share a little bit about your current release.
I never start my first sentence until I’ve exhausted my research on the times, the area, the topics. I conduct interviews. I also match my characters to living people or on screen characters – and then I use their voices.

What inspired you to write this book?
My editor was a several time worldwide bestselling author. He edited the first in this series One More Last Dance – and he encouraged me to write a sequel. When I had, he said it was a rich, strong next step. He said I had reached the Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams leagues. Hemingway teaches me to write what I know. My first chapter is nonfiction.

Excerpt from Mamma’s Moon: The Hoodoo of Peckerwood Finch:

“Old man you are a dead man the second you come out of this store—a dead motherfucker. You hear me, old man?”

With cold, gray eyes, the boy stared at Gabe and backed down the hall, pointing and cursing his threat.

Gabe turned to his left and went looking for the store manager.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m writing a trilogy. Tall Jerry – Legend One of the Delphi Falls Trilogy. Semi autobiographical tales about growing up in the shadows of WWII. I’m Tall Jerry (I was 6’3” at 12.)

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When my 8^th grade English teacher wrote on the corner of one of my compositions – “This is the loveliest autumn I’ve ever read about.”

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I am in my writing studio, writing, every morning, 7 days a week, from 6:30AM until 1:30PM. I relax for an hour – then I handle my marketing, interviews – research on future books. Then I have a sherry with my wife and muse…

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I nearly always start on my last chapter first. (Sometimes there are more than one option) That way, I know where I’m heading. In one of my novels chapter 36 became my first chapter. It seems I write – and it’s all put together later, as a jigsaw puzzle.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Superman and Mark Twain.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
If you like my written voice, you would like every genre I have written in.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Amazon

Thank you for being a guest on my blog!

Thank you for having me.

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