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AMAZON.COM TALKS TO JAMES CAMPION
Amazon.com: Where are you from? How–if at all–has your sense of place colored your writing?
J.C.: I have moved so many times that my best description of where I’m from is earth. Although I often delve into subjects alien to this planet I think my overall outlook and literary voice stems from being bound to earth.
Amazon.com: When and why did you begin writing? When did you first consider yourself a writer?
J.C.: When I was a child I was forced to invent stories to avoid severe punishment and ridicule. Later in life these stories became classics, which not only brought me notoriety, but the impetus to create new and exciting tales to escape retribution. If you think about it, most writers start out chronic liars. I feel it is an asset to the competitive realm of journalism. Those who perfect the art often move onto successful careers in politics or advertising.
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| Also available at Amazon | Also available at Amazon |
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| Also available at Amazon | Also available at Amazon |
Amazon.com: Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way? What books have most influenced your life?
J.C.: The biggest influence on my writing is starvation. If all you can do is throw words together in a world where either skill, labor, or a complete disregard for ethics earns you a decent buck you had better hustle. I gave up praying or clinging to the idea of marrying money back in the 80s’, so writing it is.
Amazon.com: What is the most romantic book you’ve ever read? The scariest? The funniest?
J.C.: Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” changed my life, but I don’t recall that having anything to do with writing. I remember Hunter Thompson having a great influence on my ability to run while being shot at from fifty paces. The most romantic book ever written is “Last Temptation of Christ” by Nikos Kazantzakis. If there is a more frightening book than Vincent Bugliosi’s “Helter Skelter” keep it to yourself.
Amazon.com: What music, if any, most inspires you to write? What do you like to listen to while writing?
J.C.: While writing my first book, “Deep Tank Jersey” a constant flow of Tori Amos was a plus.
Amazon.com: What are you reading now? What CD is currently in your stereo?
J.C.: Whatever crap the Daily News passes for news these days. As far as books, I am currently reading “Notes From Underground” by Fyodor Dostoevsky, which I do not suggest digesting without complete quiet or five belts of strong whiskey. And a brilliantly pieced together biography called, “Lincoln” by David Herbert Donald. He was president, you know? Not Donald, Lincoln. Honestly, I’m sure something by Ani DiFranco is in my CD player. She is quite twisted, and I love hearing someone other than me complain around here.
Amazon.com: What are you working on?
J.C.: I presently labor over two manuscripts. One is on my recent trip to Jerusalem and the next one due out is something I call “Fear No Art”. A cheap and effective way to pump out a second book, it is a collection of my columns, essays, magazine pieces, and demented correspondence. If you enjoyed “Deep Tank Jersey” you will love “Fear No Art”. And I will love you for purchasing it.
Amazon.com: Use this space to write about whatever you wish.
J.C.: I hope to one day pen the Great American Novelette, movie adaption, or sell-out to the highest bidder.
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