V.S. Durruti interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

I'm a tad private as a person. What I can give away is that I'm of a certain age, from a farming background and I've had tangential dips into monkhood and yoga teaching. I mention these things as it best explains the background thinking behind 'Sisyphus'. Being brought up close to nature, I can't help but notice nature behind human behaviour and endeavour. But that's not to say there isn't anything 'transcendental' to our Being too.  

When did your love of books begin?

Since childhood. I'm of a generation that didn't have much in the way of stimulation from 'screens' so it was that much easier to get into books. I appreciate the stillness reading requires and rewards you with. Stillness is positively blissful !

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

Later as a teen. Like anyone there's a desire to project and express oneself. I just didn't have anything to say until much, much later and even when the idea struck me, it took a number of years for it all to formulate in my head.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

Oh blimey, I found it pretty gruelling to be honest. I'm sure there are plenty more 'natural' authors out there. I had to treat writing as work. And it's such an antisocial art form - just all those hours, days, weeks, months spent on your own, stuck in your head. I mean, it's been a beguiling and rewarding journey, but I think one can spend a little too long on anything and it can become unhealthy. I've got another book in me but i'm going to have to process a bit and find a way of making the journey more relaxed and spontaneous. 

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Gosh... all of the above ! Plus, (and i'm sorry to be cynical at this point), i've discovered that there's very little publishers actually do for their authors nowadays. Self-publishing seems to be the way. And I guess it's always been the way, but it's shocking how little artists get in their returns, as compared to the 'middle men', the publishers, distributers etc... But, hey, ain't that the point of life - to find light and love in everything ? The non-hippies will balk at that one, lol!

Tell us about your book/books:

I can't really give the plot away but what I can say is 'Sisyphus' is a work of speculative fiction - a third person, walking meditation through a dystopic, not too distant future. The novel is bizarre, gruelling, nightmarish, both prescient and pertinent, but ultimately redemptive. Surreal and allegorical, it is written with a certain gait. It is deliberately idiosyncratic - none of the characters have names and the circumstances in which they find themselves are mostly 'noted' and less 'explained'. Coming from both an evolutionary and anthropological perspective, but with a 'transcendent' overview, it is essentially a philosophical work - a modern day, Dante-esque morality tale. Ultimately the novel is a homage to life and to living.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

I'm something of a noob to this whole game and can't really say I've had much interaction with fellow authors so far, other than on Twitter. I'm sorry but I'm a shy thing. But to all artists everywhere what I can say is, keep on chooglin'!  

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

To the specific readers of 'Sisyphus' ? Erm... just remember, don't take the book too literally - it is surreal and allegorical. There are some obvious allegories and plenty more less obvious. It's slow burning and deliberately disorientating but when you get to the end you'll get it... hopefully ! Hope you enjoy it.  

Where can people connect with you?

Twitter seems to be the best platform for authors and readers to converse because of its conversational nature. Come and say hello @VSDurruti. Sisyphus is available through Amazon.