1. Why do you write novels?
Because I can’t do anything else. I’ve tried to be a functioning member of society, but alas, I always fail.
2. Who inspired you?
Anyone who’s doing their own thing. Anyone who doesn’t care what anyone else is doing.
3. What’s the essence of your style? The part, if removed, is not your voice anymore?
I’m a weirdo, I have no interest in writing anything anyone else can write, I’m not here to be relatable, but if you relate to something I wrote, hi! I can’t write like other people, if I try, it’s awful, so I’m just doing my thing, making it up as I go, hoping it resembles a book at the end.
4. What was your dance-around-the-kitchen moment in writing?
Hasn’t happened yet… but if I have a good writing day when it’s flowing and I actually feel like I’m doing it and what I’ve written is close to what I have in my head, that feels amazing. It doesn’t happen often enough though. Most days I’m chasing that feeling and feeling shitty for not even being close.
5. What do you want to accomplish in your writing career?
To always have a weird book I’m writing, to not run out of ideas, to have a reason to get up. I just want to be able to keep making weird books that I love and if anyone else likes them, bonus.
6. Can you ever envisage not writing novels - running out of ideas or energy?
I can’t do anything else so I worry constantly about running out of ideas. I’m usually writing a few things at once, purely because not having anything I’m working on scares the shit out of me. I always need something to go to. Even when I’m writing something I’m worrying about when I finish it and what then? I have to make sure there’s no down time, ever, or the existential doom gets in, and no one wants that. So, yes, I do envisage not writing, but it’s not a pretty sight. I wouldn’t function. I don’t function well if I’m not writing, which is a lot of the time, so I’m a wreck most of the time I’m saying. Why are you asking me these questions? I’m trying to forget about how awful not writing is!
7. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Leave yourself alone! Stop picking at yourself. Be kinder to yourself. You’re fine. Sorry, did you mean writing wise? You will get there. You can do it. But you do have to actually write something. And then be really brave. Because it’s mostly rejection. But you have to put yourself out there. Even though it’s mostly agony.
8. Away from writing, what are your passions, and what do they mean to you?
I’m a sucker for nature. A good walk and an interaction with an animal are always good. I’m passionate about sleep, man, I love a good sleep. Mmm sleep.
9. How would your best friend describe you?
I’m not really a “best friend” kind of person, because I’m not 12, but the people in my life might say I’m thoughtful, silly, intense, weird, awkward, gassy…
10. What’s a significant question to ask you, that no other interview has to date, and what’s the answer, only for New2theScene?
Do you believe in aliens?
Of course! It would be closed minded to think we were the only inhabited planet. Aren’t we aliens?