Rivers: A Novel - Author Q&A with Michael Farris Smith - Apr 2016

[LA]

Or wet, mildewed pages that stuck together..peel them apart and mirror images show up. Nice touch.

[LA]

Or wet, mildewed to pages that stuck together. Peel them apart, and mirror images show up. Nice touch.

[Sara]

Yes, love that image, LeAnne.

[John]

Sara, that could be. Somehow I think they have more significance. I try to catch subliminal visuals when I can. A great book is Subliminal Seduction. You'lol never look at a liquor ad the same way again. A real paradigm shift, and easy to read

[John]

LeAnne, I think that is a wonderful idea. I'm a conspirator, I think there is a hidden message. But I like your idea also.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Michael, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for participating in this Q&A. The insights to the literary process that you provided are fascinating. I'd also like to say that we all really enjoyed reading and discussing Rivers. You really hit it out of the park with this one. I am very much looking forward to reading Desperation Road when it comes out.

Don't be a stranger. Keep us posted about what new books you are working on. I'm confident that you will always have an appreciative audience here On the Southern Literary Trail.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Michael, thank you so much for participating with us for our read of "Rivers". You are my favorite "author discovery" for this year, and I will read anything that has your name on it.

[Michael]

I had a good time answering questions and I appreciate the group selecting RIVERS. I hope you'll all get DESPERATION ROAD on your lists for February.

If anyone has any other questions, I'll check back until May 31. Thanks again.

Michael

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Michael wrote: "If anyone has any other questions, I'll check back until May 31. Thanks again."

Much appreciated.

[Connie]

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions, Michael. I'm looking forward to Desperation Road.

[LA]

Michael, thank you for being such a good sport and taking time to visit with us. John had a question about the graphics that are printed on the upper section of each break in the hardback version of the book. Mildewed pages, rust? It's just a little detail we were curious about, but the depth you put into every single character had us each climbing into this story and wanting more. My friends, husband, and I are so happy that you write what you do. Rivers is on our shelf with Cormac and Rash, and come next February, there will be a new spot waiting for you. Thank you!

[Michael]

Yes, the interior artwork was to make the pages look weather-worn.

[John]

Thank you Michael for the explanation. I kept looking for subliminal messages. Completely enjoyed your book and had a tough time putting it down, Living in the Southwest, i never felt so wet. I particularly appreciated the protagonist's ending. No syrup here.

[Michael]

John wrote: "Thank you Michael for the explanation. I kept looking for subliminal messages. Completely enjoyed your book and had a tough time putting it down, Living in the Southwest, i never felt so wet. I par..."

Thanks, John. "No syrup here" I actually take as a high compliment.

[LA]

Y'all, I will post this in our general comment area too but thought you would like to know that there is a GR giveaway coming up for Michael's newest book, Desperation Road. I got my hands on an early copy and was given permission to review it. If Ron Rash and Daniel Woodrell had a baby together, it would be MFS. Outstanding.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

LeAnne wrote: "Y'all, I will post this in our general comment area too but thought you would like to know that there is a GR giveaway coming up for Michael's newest book, Desperation Road. I got m..."

'Coming up ' as in not quite yet? I don't see any sign of it on the book's page.

[LA]

Correct - not yet. Michael dropped me a quick note about it - we are among the first to know. When GR sends up the flag, he will let me know... but in case I am late getting the word out, just keep an eye out. :)

[LA]

FYI, for those of you chomping at the bit for Desperation Road, Catfish Alley Magazine is going to be printing an excerpt shortly. http://catfishalleymag.com/