Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing an author from the South who writes with conviction yet causes the pen to glide with an eloquence rarely seen nowadays. Take a moment to get to know an up-and-coming author who is earning critical acclaim for his first novel.
You’re the author of SEWERVILLE and have one of the best covers I’ve ever seen. You’re forced to change the cover or change the title. What are you going to do?
I’ve already gone through several iterations of the title, so I think I’d have to stick with it as is. For me, it’s a perfect evocation of the story. If I need a new cover, I would turn to my super-talented friend David Denson Rogers, who did the first version. Thank you for the compliments, by the way.
Share your favorite passage from the book in one paragraph or less.
I’m really proud of how the book turned out, but let’s go with this one, which is near the end:
A few minutes later, the roll tide of distant thunder combined with rain’s delicate cadence on the windshield, orchestrating a lullaby that enticed the child into slumber. Her eyelids dropped close, like butterflies landing, and her hands came together, petite fingers interlaced on her chest. When her father looked over, he saw tiny hands clasped in prayer, just as the petals of the pearl white Mountain orchid seemed like tiny hands clasped in prayer. The Mountain orchid. The Mountain orchid. The mountain orchid, the flower which shimmered only on the hillsides of Seward County, Kentucky. The Mountain orchid that adorned the grave of Ellen Slone, the Mountain orchid that she loved so much, so many years ago. So many years before everything tumbled into the darkness. So many years before Sewerville. So many years.
You’ve been presented with the opportunity to be a best-selling author but can never write again or write forever but never have a bestseller. Which scenario sounds more tempting?
Can I keep writing and be a medium seller?
Deal!
If you could live on a college campus and never leave or in a small town but be able to travel, which one would you choose?
A small town and be able to travel. You have to go places.
Okay, how about France or Brazil?
France.
Who is your favorite 90’s band (I’m thinking Counting Crows, Blink 182, Hootie & the Blowfish)?
Probably Gin Blossoms, if you have to stick to bands. If I can include solo artists, Matthew Sweet.
And what about your favorite comedy on TV (I love The Office and Seinfeld)?
Eastbound and Down – Danny McBride is the best.
Is there anything you’re currently working on?
Lots. I just published Lost Change and Loose Cousins, a collection of short stories and essays with Strother Kevin Hall. I’m in the middle of a novel that’s currently called Ripsnorter, which I’d describe as “Sewerville with monsters” and which really has me excited. I’m also plotting out a couple of other stories, including the sequel to Sewerville.
Who is your favorite author and if you could ask him/her one question, what would it be?
Don DeLillo – will you give me the movie rights to White Noise?
Lightning round:
Ocean or mountains? Mountains
Peaches or plums? Peaches
Snickers or Butterfinger? Butterfinger
Happy or sad ending to a novel? Sad ending. Every time.
Beer or wine? Wine
Flying or driving? Driving
Hemingway or Twain? Twain
You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take two things with you as well as two people. What and who are you bringing?
An LED flashlight, a big knife, my wife Leslie, and Bear Grylls.
You’re able to sit down with any leader in world history. Who would you choose, what would you talk about, and would you rather have him over to your house or meet at their place of royalty
I think it would be great to talk politics with Bill Clinton. We can have that discussion in my living room.
You can wish for one thing and one thing only, not world peace and no more wishes. What’s it gonna be?
Five hundred billion dollars in my bank account. I could do a lot of good with that.
Aaron Saylor lives in Kentucky with his wife, Leslie. He published Sewerville: A Southern Gangster Novel to strong reviews in 2012, and followed that in 2013 with the collection Lost Change and Loose Cousins, written with Strother Kevin Hall. He loves a good story, baseball, and horror movies, not necessarily in that order. Let him know if you’ve got a good poker game going.
Connect with Aaron below:
Jackson Paul Baer 
Very cool Cover! ❤ it!
Agreed on the cool cover, and taking Bear Grylls to the deserted island: pure brilliance.
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