Book Nerd Interview
James Hutchings lives in Melbourne, Australia. He fights crime as Poetic Justice, but his day job is acting. You might know him by his stage-name 'Brad Pitt.' He specializes in short fantasy fiction. His work has appeared in Daily Science Fiction, fiction365 and Enchanted Conversation among other markets. His ebook collection The New Death and others, is now available.
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What fiction most influenced your childhood, and what effect did those stories have on your writing?
I used to like the Narnia books a lot (I competely missed the Christian allegory), as well as a lot of science fiction, mostly from the 60s or earlier. I think the most obvious influence on my writing is in the fact that I tend to write short stories.
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Sydney, and now live in Melbourne (both in Australia).
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Sydney, and now live in Melbourne (both in Australia).
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
JRR Tolkien and Jack Vance for the elaborate dialogue. Robert E Howard for the general atmosphere. Terry Pratchett for the humour. and Lord Dunsany for the use of Fame, Time and so on as characters.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Apart from 'The New Death and others', I wrote a very short collection called 'Two-Fisted Tweets', and years before that a novel for teenagers. 'The New Death and others' is my favorite.
Where did you get the idea to do a collection of short stories instead of a full-length novel?
The writers that have most influenced me tended to write short stories rather than novels, and even when they did write novels (as with the Narnia series) they were much shorter than modern fantasy novels, and were often originally writen as short stories and then strung together. I was also eager to avoid writing another Tolkien clone.
Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I know a lot of writers talk about feeling compelled to put pen to paper and so on, but I'm quite skeptical. I think writers tend to present writing as more of a struggle than it really is.
What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Apart from 'The New Death and others', I wrote a very short collection called 'Two-Fisted Tweets', and years before that a novel for teenagers. 'The New Death and others' is my favorite.
Where did you get the idea to do a collection of short stories instead of a full-length novel?
The writers that have most influenced me tended to write short stories rather than novels, and even when they did write novels (as with the Narnia series) they were much shorter than modern fantasy novels, and were often originally writen as short stories and then strung together. I was also eager to avoid writing another Tolkien clone.
Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
I know a lot of writers talk about feeling compelled to put pen to paper and so on, but I'm quite skeptical. I think writers tend to present writing as more of a struggle than it really is.
What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
One reviewer said that they couldn't work out whether I loved cats or hated them.
When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
This one.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
It's 'The New Death and others'. In 30 words or less:
Death gets a roommate...
An electronic Pope faces a difficult theological question...
A wicked vizier makes a terrible bargain...
44 stories. 19 poems. No sparkly vampires.
If I came to your house and looked in your closet/attic/basement, what’s the one thing that would surprise me the most?
I actually don't have a closet, attic or basement! Or even a garden shed.
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
I don't eat breakfast cereal or 'breakfast food' such as eggs and toast. I generally have the leftovers of last night's dinner, or if I have to go somewhere I buy some fruit on the way.
What was a time in your life when you were really scared?
Yes, quite a few. One was when I saw a made-for-TV movie called 'The Woman In Black' (I think they're turning the same story into a feature film). It actually terrified me for years afterwards.
What are 4 things you never leave home without?
I always take a notebook and a pen in case I get an idea. I often try to write in 'downtime' like while I'm on the bus.
Favorite Cartoon?
Probably Fantastic Planet, or La Planète Sauvage.
Where can readers stalk you?
I blog every day at http://www.apolitical.info/teleleli
If you're interested in looking at 'The New Death and others', here are the places I'm selling it:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q8Q8DY
Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92126
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-new-death-and-others-james-hutchings/1106579897
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q8Q8DY
Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92126
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-new-death-and-others-james-hutchings/1106579897
Death gets a roommate...
An electronic Pope faces a difficult theological question...
A wicked vizier makes a terrible bargain...
44 stories. 19 poems. No sparkly vampires. There's a thin line between genius and insanity, and James Hutchings has just crossed it - but from which direction?
James Hutchings’ The New Death and Others is a fascinating blend of short stories and poems that are amusingly dark and disturbing. The collection did not have any valid reasons to the way it was assembled because the stories were very random. I found that this unpredictability to be a delight as each story or poem was something new. Aside from being dark, there is certainly humor in it.
Hutchings delivers a very witty and entertaining book. He touches serious topics like death and not-so-serious ones like the relationships with our phones. I love how Hutchings take everyday things and convey them in an entirely different and original way. There are very important matters in each story that are disguised very well. You will have to think outside of the box to fully appreciate the meaning behind each story.
The stories are definitely dark fantasy, humorous, and flat-out cynical. Hutchings’ creative way to write a serious matter into something hysterical is brilliant. He is like the blacksmith of words: hammering, bending and cutting words and forging them to create a beautiful story. If you enjoy sharp and twisted stories, I highly recommend this collection.
You can purchase The New Death and Others at these following Retailers:
And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you James for making this giveaway possible.
5 Winners will receive one e-book copy of The New Death and Others by James Hutchings.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
3 comments:
i absolutely LOVE kit harrington who plays jon snow on Game Of Thrones tv show :)
Hugh Jackman I love him :)
This book has been recommended by several of my book buddies, looks good. thanks for another fab giveaway!!
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