BooksChatter: ℚ In Defense of the Moth Or a Meaningless Dance in Blinding Heat and Light

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Johnny Newport to talk about In Defense of the Moth Or a Meaningless Dance in Blinding Heat and Light (15 January 2016, Gnome On Pig Productions, 152 pages), a Literary Fiction novel.

"In addition to thinking about what I was reading, I was conscious of thinking a lot about what I thought of what I was reading, which is pretty unusual for me. Truth be told, most of the time I wasn't sure if I liked it or not -- but there were times it had me under its spell. It was different. It made me think. I reread paragraphs and pages more than usual, trying to squeeze a little more out of them. I don't know if I can say that I enjoyed reading it, but I'm glad that I did. I realize this says more about my experience reading it than it does the book -- but sometimes that's all I've got. [..] I'd encourage you to give it a shot -- you won't read much like it this year." - The Irresponsible Reader

"I found the writing to be vastly entertaining, clever, and very well done. I highly recommend "InDefense of the Moth" by Johnny Newport. It is a distinctive story that will stimulate consideration,long after reading the last sentence." - ReaderViews

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

Hello Johnny, 'The Moth' - welcome to BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for In Defense of the Moth ?

"Gosh, I guess the inspiration was to try and explain to the people I love in my life why I was justified in my then self-destruction.

It was a narcissistic and ego-driven attempt to rationalize what I was feeling and thinking because I didn’t trust my ability to articulate in person and on some level, I believe now, I assumed I wouldn’t be around for the opportunity to explain."

Gosh! I did see that on your website you refer to it as "a Platonic apology for alcoholism and acute insanity", so that pretty much already answers my next question; how much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"It’s extremely personal and experiential in that the book is an allegory for what I perceived and diagnose as acute-insanity and addiction. There is a lot of me reflected here, in other words."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for In Defense of the Moth - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The moon is an integral character and serves as the central metaphor for my books and I loved the vaudeville look of the hanging stars and moon.

The color scheme really worked for me as well, and I was a little peeved when I saw the Harper Lee book shared the colors."

Why should we read In Defense of the Moth and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"Ultimately the book is one that puts forward an honest and serious philosophy worthy of consideration. It’s intelligent while also being accessible. One not need be an alcoholic like I am to get something out of the book."

Can you tell us something quirky about In Defense of the Moth , its story and characters?

"The story might seem pretty ridiculous but the story and arc is rooted in reality."

Who would you recommend In Defense of the Moth to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy books that are character driven, more than plot driven. Trigger warnings for people who suffer from anxiety, addiction and malaise or who might be tow truck drivers."

Tow truck drivers...?!

If you could / wished to turn In Defense of the Moth into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I’ve actually thought about this recently and I believe the vision of my book would best be preserved if a true alcoholic like Shia LaBeouf were to be the protagonist or someone who plays a damn good one, like Jonah Hill looking for his own Dallas Buyers Club success."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I like to write about privilege and being a dad, mostly."

What is your writing process?

"I write longhand in a moleskine, then take the long hand and type it out in MS Word. This gives me the benefit of when I’m finished with my first rough draft, it’s really like a Rough Draft version 1.2"

What is in store next?

"I’m glad you ask! I am finishing the first draft of a collection of short stories. The short story collection is interesting (to me) in that I am writing in an experimental style; a single narrative which is composed of my short stories which are interconnected by the segues of the (unnamed) narrator.

This collection ranges from urban realism to fabulism and is told through the prism of an unnamed narrator. The thematic glue for the collection is this narrator who toes the line between haught (or at least a well constructed ego) and a deeply-flawed, human vulnerability familiar and worthy of our sympathy.

A few of the stories that have been published that are included in this collection:

* La Tortuga, (Limestone, University of Kentucky MFA journal)
* He, Who Controls the Spices (Euphemism, Illinois State University graduate journal)
* I Blame Lolita (Moth magazine, Ireland’s premiere literary review)
* Letter to the Jew’s Mom (The Vehicle, Eastern Illinois University online journal)"

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I have a pet cat my loving and beautiful and amazing and patient and awesome wife rescued."

Hey! Black cat - excellent :-)

Thank you so much for talking to us so candidly Johnny, I am now really curious to read your book and some of your other published works. Have a great tour!