12 or 20 (second series) questions with Joshua Mohr
Joshua Mohr is the author of five novels, including Damascus, which The NewYork Times called “Beat-poet cool.” He’s also written Some Things that Meant theWorld to Me, one of O Magazine’s 10 Terrific reads of 2009, and All This Life, winner of theNorthern California Book Award. Termite Parade was an editor’s choice on theNew York Times Best Seller List. His memoir, Model Citizen was an Amazon Editors’ Pick.In his Hollywood life, he’s sold projects to AMC, ITV, and AmblinEntertainment.
1 - How did your firstbook change your life? How does your most recent work compare to your previous?How does it feel different?
My first book made Oprah’s“10 Best of the Year” and it didn’t change my life at all! Sure, I sold morecopies, but the big literary lesson for me was to just be thankful and graciouswhen good things happen. I try not to take external success or failure veryseriously. That can poison a writer’s brain. For me, the important part is makingthe art, not marketplace “success.”
2 - How did you come tofiction first, as opposed to, say, fiction or non-fiction?
I write in both genres. Ifind there is always a fascinating juxtaposition. My new book FARSICKNESSis pure fiction, and yet it is having a conversation with my last book, amemoir called MODEL CITIZEN. Most authors have certain stables ofpreoccupations that we’ll examine from various angles during our careers.
3 - How long does it taketo start any particular writing project? Does your writing initially comequickly, or is it a slow process? Do first drafts appear looking close to theirfinal shape, or does your work come out of copious notes?
I’m a punk rocker, so Idon’t plan anything. I wrote the first draft of FARSICKNESS in threeweeks. Us punks like to Fail Fast. LOL.
4 - Where does a work ofprose usually begin for you? Are you an author of short pieces that end upcombining into a larger project, or are you working on a "book" fromthe very beginning?
I only want to know theopening image for a new project. I don’t want to know anything else, so I canfollow the wanton and clumsy process of discovery. To me, that’s one of thegreat pleasures of being an author. I feel very lucky to spend my life writingabout the confusions of being alive. So long as we bring an open heart to thebook, that will usually inspire a reader to bring her own open heart.
5 - Are public readingspart of or counter to your creative process? Are you the sort of writer whoenjoys doing readings?
I love readings! Being awriter requires us to spend so many hours sequestered away. Book tour is alwaysa treat for me. I like nerding out with my people.
6 - Do you have anytheoretical concerns behind your writing? What kinds of questions are youtrying to answer with your work? What do you even think the current questionsare?
I like to write aboutunanswerable questions. FARSICKNESS is a surrealist road trip story intothe human psyche. It sits in that sweet spot between ALICE IN WONDERLANDand APOCALYPSE NOW.
7 – What do you see thecurrent role of the writer being in larger culture? Do they even have one? Whatdo you think the role of the writer should be?
My job is to writehonestly and authentically about what it’s like being alive right now. My jobis to do that without thinking about reader responses, reviews, or social mediafollowers. Those things will impede your capacity to find truth on the page.
8 - Do you find theprocess of working with an outside editor difficult or essential (or both)?
Everyone needs an editor.The trick for the writer is to hone the muscle to tell the difference betweenhelpful versus unhelpful criticism. At the end of the day, it is our name thatwill be on the cover. It has to be our vision, and yet in order to fully realizeit, we need to listen to trusted voices, especially those who tell us thething(s) we don’t want to hear.
9 - What is the best pieceof advice you've heard (not necessarily given to you directly)?
Write what you know, butnever write what you understand.
10 - How easy has it beenfor you to move between genres (fiction to memoir)? What do you see as theappeal?
It’s not only easy in myworld, but it’s necessary. I super dig that “cross talk” between the genres.
11 - What kind of writingroutine do you tend to keep, or do you even have one? How does a typical day(for you) begin?
I’m an insomniac. Themagic happens between midnight and five a.m. That is when my imagination is atits wildest.
12 - When your writinggets stalled, where do you turn or return for (for lack of a better word)inspiration?
I’ve never had writer’sblock. I’m always working on multiple projects at once, so if I need a breakfrom one, I just flop over to something else. Making art is a gift, and I do itevery day. I rarely ever miss one. It’s really the only thing that makes senseto me.
13 - What fragrancereminds you of home?
Box wine.
14 - David W. McFaddenonce said that books come from books, but are there any other forms thatinfluence your work, whether nature, music, science or visual art?
I’m also a musician, and Ialways listen to loud songs while I write. For last night’s session, it was The Melvins screaming at me. I also write for Hollywood, so I try and interact withas many films and TV shows as I can.
15 - What other writers orwritings are important for your work, or simply your life outside of your work?
James Baldwin, Amy Hempel,Denis Johnson. Those are my angels.
16 - What would you liketo do that you haven't yet done?
This new novella of mine, FARSICKNESS,is actually illustrated by my nine year old daughter, Ava. Making art with herwas one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done—so I can’t wait to seewhat other artistic bursts of high jinks she and I get into…
17 - If you could pick anyother occupation to attempt, what would it be? Or, alternately, what do youthink you would have ended up doing had you not been a writer?
I would have made afantastic carnie.
18 - What made you write,as opposed to doing something else?
I came to writing inreaction to music. I was tired of playing in bands, relying on other people toexpress myself creatively. When I write, I don’t need anything except myimagination and my damage.
19 - What was the lastgreat book you read?
I just read Kevin Barry’s NIGHTBOAT TO TANGIER and had a blast with it. He is the real deal. His dialoguekills.
20 - What are youcurrently working on?
I sold a TV show to Steven Spielberg’s company Amblin, and I’m having a blast putting that pilot scripttogether. I can’t wait to share that work with everyone in next couple years.
