We continue our mini-interview series by putting 5 Questions to Peter Murphy, journalist at Hotpress and author of the dark coming-of-age novel John the Revelator, highly recommended by Chapters and described (by Cathi Unsworth no less) as "blues noir...with shades of William Faulkner, Flannery O'Connor and Harry Crews."
1. What are you working on at the moment?
Another book. Please excuse the vagueness. I'm superstitious when it comes to blathering on about work in progress for fear it might inhibit the desire to tell the story. William Gibson likened it to taking the lid off a kettle that's trying to boil.
2. Who's the best new writer you've come across recently?
I very much liked Kevin Power's book Bad Day in Blackrock.
3. Do you have any peculiar rituals you do before you start writing?
Cup of tea and a roll-up and I'm good to go.
4. Who's your favourite literary character?
Huckleberry Finn, The Chief from Cuckoo's Nest, Boo Radley, Riddley Walker, Francie Brady, Judge Holden from Blood Meridian, Euchrid Eucrow, Brother William from The Name of the Rose, Preacher Harry Powell, Ida Richilieu from The Man Who Fell In Love With The Moon, Hazel Motes from Wise Blood... the list goes on.
5. If you could be anything else in the world, except a writer, what would it be?
Carny. Burlesque organ-grinder. Revivalist proselytizer.
Peter Murphy soundtracks his book for Largehearted Boy, plus go have a look at the book trailer for John the Revelator. "Well who's that writin'?"
[Padraig]
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