Featured Interview With Author Rob Roy O’Keefe
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
At a young age, I pursued my desire to see the world despite my fear of heights, open spaces, and waffles. My first job entailed working as a sherpa on the world’s smallest mountain, Mount Wycheproof in Australia, rising 138 feet above the surrounding terrain. There wasn’t much call for carrying climbing equipment or navigating treacherous terrain, but occasionally a hiker would call down from the top of the mountain for a glass of water or directions to a nearby hotel.
From there, I moved back to the wilds of New England and started a chipmunk farm, training my charges to be stunt doubles for major Hollywood productions. My greatest accomplishment was securing work for my prize student, Rocky, as a stand-in for Tom Cruise in the third Mission Impossible movie. That’s not Tom riding a motorcycle off of a cliff in Norway!
Today, I enjoy a life of leisure, growing an impressive stump collection which features a variety of hardwood trees, making pot holders from old quilts and quilts from old pot holders, and teaching Esperanto to farm animals.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I don't think I have a fascination with books. That would be like saying I have a fascination with air, food, water, and shelter. I need them all to exist. Oh god, that sounded so contrived. Let's start again. I like stories. Especially stories that introduce the unexpected, except for zombies, talking animals, orthodontists, and zombie orthodontists who also happen to be talking animals.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
There are two books that I read over and over again – Jack of Shadows by Roger Zelazny and Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
A little tale of trial and error. Okay, mostly error.
Duncan and Maya Small have just moved to an out-of-the-way town filled with odd characters, quirky customs, and a power-obsessed local official who one day hopes to be declared emperor. Duncan is sharp enough to know something needs to change, and delusional enough to believe he's the one to make it happen. The only thing standing in his way are feral ponies, radical seniors, common sense, and Duncan's inability to do anything without a list.
Small Stories: A Perfectly Absurd Novel, is a tale of power, bake sales, manipulation, the Welcome Wagon, and diabolical forces at work in the shadows (mostly because they can't afford to pay the light bill), although the Smalls soon discover nothing is at it seems. One thing is certain, however – there's something funny going on.
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