Evacuation Route follows a 57-year-old man looking to start life over after two divorces, two stints in jail, four tours in rehab, alienated children, and a stream of short-term menial jobs who comes into a large inheritance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

First, I wanted to write a literary novel in the style variously known as dirty realism, trailer park realism, or WalMart realism, but more literary than not. I’ve had some experience, long ago, with addiction, and I’ve met some characters where my family has a Florida winter retreat. Yes, a seedy trailer park. I won’t go there anymore for political reasons. I have also been in Florida during hurricane season, though never actually in one. 

Your characters go through many deep and conflicting emotions that they are trying to work through. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

Weaknesses and flaws that are sometimes overcome. Walt is making an effort, at least. Also, the changing sexual mores of persons of a certain age.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book? 

Redemption. Forgiveness. Resilience (sometimes) of the human spirit.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I’ve begun a dystopian novel about a character similar to Walt who is trying to survive and wring some happiness out of life as America descends into an unrecognisable state of fascism and economic collapse. Hope it will be literary, and a door-stop again.

I will be 78 if I can finish in three years. I thought that one would be enough but I missed the certainty of daily work on something that is already an idea. I’m also contemplating a third collection of short fiction. Ideas for stories are less reliable to come by. 

Author Links: X | Facebook