An Interview with David Compton
To start this off, why don't you give an idea of what the
book is about?
Nexus is "historical" fantasy. A graduate student
comes across a book in a university library that's in a language no one recognizes. It will ultimately
draw him into a conflict in a parallel world, one in which hes supposed to be the fulfillment of a prophecy no ones really
sure of. This parallel world is very close to 13th century England, but with a number
of frightening differences.
Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life?
I spent my childhood in the Midwest: Illinois
and Indiana. Reading has always been a huge part of my life. I was one of those kids who wanted to stay in and read rather
than go out and play.
Who
were your earliest influences and why?
If you mean which people influenced you the most? I'd have to say
my parents, of course. If you're talking about authors, it would be the science fiction authors of the golden age. (I wont
mention the comic book writers and illustrators.)
How long have you been writing and in what capacities?
I actually
started to write fiction about fifteen years ago. Before that, I'd written several textbooks, because I was always dissatisfied
with whatever the school was using.
Which is more difficult to write - Fiction or nonfiction and why?
Fiction. Not
only do you have to make up an entire world and populate it, but you have to make sure all of the details are consistent with
themselves and whatever world you've brought to life. On the other hand, non-fiction may require quite a bit of research,
but that's beyond the writing part.
What is the hardest part about being a writer?
Living up
to the reputation others have created for you.
Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?
I enjoy trains
(real or model) and winter sports: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Up to this point, I haven't used any of these activities
in my fiction.
What question do you get asked more than any other?
How did you get started?
Whats the coolest thing a reader has said to you?
It would be
my unblinking recommendation that (Publishers name withheld) sign Mr. Compton and publish (name of book withheld).
Do you think that as a writer you are more prone to watching what goes on around you and
observing behaviors than most people are?
Absolutely. Many of my characters are composites
of people of known or watched.
Who are some of the authors you consider to be "don't miss"?
James Michner,
Jean Auel, Albert Camus
If one were looking to start his/her own career as a writer,
what would you suggest his/her first step to be?
Read. A lot.
Constantly. Everything.
What kind of movies do you enjoy?
Romantic comedy or those with a serious
message, but I don't care for horror or gratuitous violence.
What is your favorite city to visit, but one that you wouldnt want to live in?
Boston
Whats the best part of being a writer?
Bringing something to life, be it a story
or a character.
What's next?
I'm working intermittently on a semi-documentary
history of a New England prep school. Various documents (news articles, private papers, diaries, etc.) are interspersed with
first- or third-person accounts of life at such an institution. I've also written a couple of pieces for what I hope will
one day become a threaded novel, to, which different authors contribute.
Betsie's Literary Page thanks Mr. Compton for this
interview, we wish him great success with his book and future works.
