PDB: Can you pitch your latest publication/ project in 25 words or less?
Watch You Drown is a collection of short crime fiction that will leave you lost, sad, and craving alcohol to numb the pain.
PDB: Which books, films or television shows have floated your boat recently?
Julie Morrigan's Show No Mercy rocked my world -- her short stories are structured so well. Right now I'm reading Lawrence Block's The Burglar Who Though He Was Bogart, which is delcious.
In terms of TV, I'm a big fan of comedy. Portlandia is hilarious -- they make fun of hipsters in a refreshingly acerbic way. They're also bringing back absurdity in sketch comedy reminscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus.
As for movies, loved Young Adult. It's by the same writer who did Juno, but it's kind of an anti-Juno. It's got a thoroughly despicable, yet really interesting, main character. And the way it portrays Midwestern America is pitch perfect.
PDB: Is it possible for a writer to be an objective reader?
Yes. I read mostly for pleasure (or pain). I'll analyze something I read if it's really good but I can shut off that part of my brain when I feel like it.
PDB: Do you have any interest in writing for films, theatre or television?
Yes. I'd love to write comedy. Though I haven't tried at all. I'd probably write a novella or novel first.
PDB: How much research goes into each book?
I do very little research. I like to mine things from my past, screw around on Google a bit. The rest is imagination. That's where I think the good stuff happens. For this one story idea, I took a whole day out and did field research. Then the story didn't pan out at all -- I could have spent that whole day writing instead!
PDB: How useful or important are social media for you as a writer?
Very. It's how I connect with other writers and readers. In a way, I'm closer with some of my online friends than the people I know. Most of my experience is on Facebook and at my blog, Death by Killing.
PDB: What’s on the cards in 2012?
I just took over All Due Respect. I'm reading submissions for that and editing already accepted work. Founding Editor Alec Cizak did a fantastic job selecting strong crime fiction and I plan on following in his footsteps.
I have a couple of short stories I'm kicking around, too. And Pulp Ink Vol. 2 might be on its way in the near future...
6 comments:
It's a damn fine collection! Love your writing Chris :)
Oh BOOM! Just like that huh? Pulp Ink 2? If it's as any good as Pulp Ink, I will be having extreme difficulties to refrain my enthusiasm and excitement.
Will surely be reading WYD, and best of luck with running ADR. You are one of the nicest dudes on the web, Chris, and earned / deserve all the success you are having. Keep it up.
WYD is a class act - it's highly recommended. I'm a big fan of Chris's writing - really enjoyed this, thanks!
Great writer, great person. And Portlandia and YOUNG ADULT reign.
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