Author Q&A with Christopher P. Mooney

Pushcart-Prize nominee Christopher P. Mooney (He/Him/His) was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1978. At various times in his life he has been a paperboy, a trolley boy, a greengrocer, a supermarket cashier, a shelf stacker, a barman, a cinema usher, a carpet fitter’s labourer, a leaflet distributor, a foreign-language assistant and a teacher. He currently lives and writes in a rented house near London and his debut collection of short transgressive fiction, Whisky for Breakfast, is available now from Bridge House Publishing.

Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)

My debut collection of short fiction, Whisky for Breakfast, was published by Bridge House Publishing in November 2020. It is my first single-author collection. The stories are mostly transgressive, although it’s fair to say there are some semi-autobiographical elements that will likely be familiar to the people closest to me.

Where’s your favourite place to write?

I do most of my writing at the dining table in the living room of the house I rent near London. When the house is full of kids, – and, therefore, full of noise and noisy distractions – I hide in the conservatory and try to keep my focus.

How do you approach starting a new book?

Typically, my stories – no matter the length – short story, novella, novel – originate with a scribbled note – I write all of my notes and first drafts in pencil – or a scene or a character study. More recently, because, learning, I recognise that, at least for me, that is not a particularly effective approach. I have been trying to be more organised – more patient and more measured, too – by outlining plots and scenes, etc, in advance.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

I enjoy reading transgressive fiction. Some of my favourite transgressive writers are Charles Bukowski, Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis, John Niven and Hubert Selby Jr. I like crime novels and thrillers, too. And I love Shakespeare.

Have you always wanted to write?

I’ve always loved stories and I’m fascinated with words and with language. Since 2015, I’ve committed considerable time and effort into putting my own words on the page. Why? Because I feel compelled to do so.

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

Having writer’s block used to bother me. When I didn’t have any ideas, when the words wouldn’t come, I’d worry that I’d never write again. But I’ve learned that my creativity and my creative output are cyclical; sometimes I’m stuck and sometimes the ideas pour out of me. It’s all part of the process.

Do you do research for your books? If so, what kind of research?

The novel I’m writing, provisionally titled The Fifth Philosophy, is a piece of historical fiction that begins in first-century, Roman-occupied Palestine. It’s possible I spent more time researching it – which included reading at least two dozen books – than I did writing it. Although the characters and especially the plot are essentially fictitious, I wanted the details to be as accurate as possible. Achieving that level of authenticity, when possible and relevant, was important to me.

How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

I have kids and a full-time job – a job that involves a lengthy daily commute – so I don’t have much time to write. I have lots of ideas and there are always multiple projects on the go but, unfortunately, I’m not in a position to dedicate as much time and effort to them as I’d like to. I’m finding this increasingly frustrating.

Tell me about your current work:

In addition to my novel, I recently finished the first full draft of my second collection of short stories. Its provisional title is Amorous Mo(u)rning. It’s a very personal collection of creative non-fiction that was often difficult to write. I’m also, already, working on a third collection that includes a novella – Gut Shot – and about twenty short stories.

Would you want your book made into a film?

Yes, please! I think both the novel and the novella – especially the novel – have the genuine potential to be developed into films. That would be cool.

How many books do you own?

I would say not enough and other people might say too many. I estimate I have at least seven hundred books. Having recently moved out of a small flat and into a house, I’m in the process of putting all of them out on shelves for the first time ever, which will be a dream come true.

Your website : https://christopherpmooney.com/

You can find Christopher on Twitter

Author Q&A with Christopher P. Mooney