Q&A with philosophical fiction author, Jake Camp
A bite-sized interview for your Sunday morning.
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Read Jake’s short story, "Socks” or his novel:
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Q&A
Is there any standard publishing or writing advice that you disagree with? Or any standard advice that you feel is too often neglected?
I think there’s a tendency to believe that following certain external steps is the path to writing well (e.g., beta groups, writing X number of words per day, etc.). Such steps can be important, but I think what is often neglected is that writing involves looking in the mirror and figuring out what you are capable of, inspired by, and willing to see through to the end. And that’s largely about voice, which is an internal matter.
How do you come up with ideas for your short stories?
By any means necessary! Sometimes that involves walking or driving or doodling. Motion in general seems to help. As does conversation. I once dictated a story into my iPhone while hiking the Grand Canyon with my son. We were bantering about living in a computer simulation. Before that, I had no intention of writing or publishing a story on this topic.
Describe your ideal reader.
My ideal reader likes to explore and be philosophically challenged but isn’t overly political, academic, or religious. Said reader has an unconventional outlook on life, or at any rate has seen her fair share of punk rock shows, though now may lean into the blues. In general, she’s a discerning sort of person, selective about how she spends her time. When she orders steak, it’s a porterhouse, medium rare. When she rides, it’s on a snowboard, with a flask of reposado tequila tucked away. Reading for her is like wandering into a shadowy glade.
Are there any ideas right now that are ripe for fictionalizing?
Stories that explore the threats posed by AI fit that profile. Personally, I am haunted by the thought that AI programs may one day write fiction like Nabokov or lyrics like Dylan. Such possibilities make originality and creativity feel all the more sacred.
Jake Camp is a philosophy professor and author of two novels, Facticity Blues and Banshee and the Sperm Whale. His stories have appeared in The Coil, Griffel, Maudlin House, La Piccioletta Barca, and elsewhere.
When Jake is not teaching or writing, he might be hiking, snowboarding, dadding, talking philosophy or otherwise trying to maximize time.
Medium rare is perfect.