Hello Readers,

It’s time for another author interview!

Today I’m having a digital sit down with Patrick W. Marsh, fantasy and horror author. Welcome to the fold, Patrick!

Patrick and I met years ago here on WordPress, and I even had the opportunity to meet him at Crypticon MN last year!

I’ve always loved reading his updates on his blog and I even got to read a few of his novels (you can check that out here if you’re interested). I’ve been dying to pick his brain on his creative process and all things writing, so let’s get this interview started!

 

Patrick W. Marsh

Bio:

Patrick W. Marsh (he/him) is a writer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. His work has appeared in Calliope, the Quail Bell Quarterly, Realities, Parachutes, Under Construction, and others. He is the author of the book series the Greenland Diaries, a screenwriter for the 48 Hour Film Project, and head writer for the Hidden Oaks Podcast. Despite writing about faceless monsters, depression, and corpse reanimation, Patrick is a relatively nice guy. He has a dog, kids, a minivan, and Costco membership. Thank you for taking the time to read his work.

Social Media Links

Website

GoodReads

Bookshop.org

Threads

The Interview

 

Thanks so much for stopping by. To keep things interesting, I like to ask my interviewees a random question to get the blood flowing. Here’s yours!

It’s the apocalypse, and you only get to choose two items to take along into the devastation. What would you bring?

Patrick: I almost feel morally obligated to answer this one since I write an apocalyptic horror series. And to follow in that vein I would bring a bunch of pens and notebooks, so I could record what is happening in case something kills me.

That isn’t just shameless marketing for the Greenland Diaries or anything. I actually use journaling a lot in my personal life to manage my various stresses and anxieties. In an apocalyptic environment, there would be a plethora of triggers to deal with, and I would need to process what I’m seeing in some way or another. You could go with more practical things, like a shotgun or iodine tablets, but I’m going to go the self-care route.

Jonny: This is the perfect question for the both of us since we both write apocalyptic stories, and I love your answer! If civilization falls, we’ll have to rely on old school methods of record keeping and that means journals are super important.

Unfortunately I never got into journaling very much, so I think I would go with some type of battery-powered music player and something sharp, preferably an axe or long knife. I’ve gotta have my jams for just about anything these days, and despite being a good shot, manual weapons are more my style.

 

Patrick and the Writing Process

Tell us a little bit about your writing.

Patrick: I write about monsters. In fiction, poetry, and everything in between. I use monsters, whether I invent them myself or borrow them from mythological settings, to explore human behavior. I use them as mirrors, reflections, and backdrops for studying the complexities of life. They’re also excellent catalysts for sociological studies and cultural motifs. Also, they simply fascinate me. They command scenes, force us to question ourselves, and make us more human. They’re both saints and sinners. People tend to focus solely on the sins, but the sainthood is what they show us about ourselves.

Jonny: You’re speaking my language, Patrick! I have a huge love of monsters and they’re so versatile. Like you said, they can be used as a metaphor or something more literal, but they are powerful in their presence and get us to think on a deeper level. I’ve definitely got more monsters up my sleeve in my writing future.

 

How do you find inspiration to write?

Patrick: This is a difficult question. It is fundamentally attached to the abstract within me. I simply don’t know. Writing, whether it is a poem or blog, is a personal interaction with language, emotions, and desires. For me, I’m trying to communicate with you, the reader, and I do it a certain way. With monsters oddly enough. They’re a voice, filter, and funnel to channel the humanity I’ve experienced throughout my life. If you’re alive, life does not stop, it constantly fills in the cracks of reality, so that inspiration is always there. Sometimes, I lack the skills to communicate it. Sometimes the emotions have not expunged themselves and I need writing to do it for me. Whatever the case, inspiration isn’t lacking, just the delivery.

Jonny: I totally get what you mean. Inspiration is a complex thing. It doesn’t always come in the same form and it definitely is not predictable by any means. When my emotions are heightened (usually from stress), I tend to find inspiration much easier, but excess stress isn’t good for anyone, so I guess it’s good that I can make something meaningful out of it. Using monsters to convey humanity through different lenses is genius!

 

What kind of setting do you write in most times?

Patrick: My life has been so turbulent and hectic, I’ve never had an office or study of any sorts. I have had a bedroom or nook to sort of work in, but overall, I’ve been in nebulous living situations for so long that I’ve just been trying to survive. This has forced me to write everywhere. This is sometimes a good thing. It means the muscles are well trained. However, sometimes environmental factors cause me to make mistakes, especially when editing.

Jonny: Same here! Up until I moved in with my partner a couple years back I always had some type of little nook wherever I was living for my desktop, usually in my bedroom. Now I have my own little office, but I also work from home so it’s nice to have a room where I can shut out the outside world and just focus. It’s definitely an advantage to be able to adapt to different surroundings and still use that creativity. I’m okay as long as it’s quiet. Outside noise is such a buzzkill for my creativity!

 

I always find it interesting how authors and writers alike lead multiple lives. What is your dayjob? Do you enjoy it?

Patrick: I work for a technology company that buys and sells refurbished networking equipment on the global market. It has little to do with my writing, but it does provide time for me to write. Seldom do I use my creative writing unless I’m planning a company potluck helping with a marketing project.

Jonny: Oh, that is so cool! I especially love that it gives you some time to focus on writing. I work for a legal firm doing finance work. It’s not as glamorous as some people make it out to be, but it’s basically recession proof and it pays the bills, so I can’t complain.

 

As a writer and blogger, what kind of goals do you set for yourself? How do you achieve them?

Patrick: Goals for a writer/blogger are so fluid, I have a hard time defining them, even a decade since I started doing this with any regularity. For certain I want to have traditional success with writing, along with self-pub success as well. I want all my writing to get out there, be read, and have some tone of success. I want every version of it. However, in reality, I don’t know what that looks like, and I’ll continue to figure it out as I go.

Blogging is an extension of this stumbling and bumbling. I’ve been an avid blogger, or maybe post once a week, it all fluctuates. I think blogging is an extension of what you’re trying to do as a writer. What your message is. Honestly, I’m still trying to figure it out, but the medium is adaptable, which is great.

Jonny: I couldn’t agree more! Both writing and blogging goals can be hard to define, especially with how much life can affect both pursuits. With writing, I feel that my path is much more defined than with blogging. Basically the goal is to keep publishing works at a steady pace while keeping readers entertained with blog posts along the way.

I started blogging shortly before (or was it after? No clue lol) publishing my first book Reaper. I’ve made so many friends (including you!) from it and it’s been so rewarding, but I tend to wander more with what I do in that vein. Thank goodness blogging is adaptable for my random moods!

 

How long have you been writing and blogging?

Patrick: I’ve tried self-publishing, blogging, and getting my writing into the world via the internet for about 12 years. Recently, I’ve been drifting more towards traditional publication. I go through bouts of what I want out of writing. I wish I had some exact directive, but so much of it is where the opportunity is at. Also, the amount of time it takes to push writing in any direction, and what life allows, is part of the equation. You don’t want it to be circumstantial, but at times it is. Sometimes you’re limited by time, energy, and money.

Jonny: Really great insight here. We all have our own personal journeys with writing and blogging. These days I find myself drifting more towards self-publishing. I like having the creative control over things like cover art, and I’ve got a stellar cover artist I’m attached to the hip to. I’ve also yet to find a traditional or small press publication that sees the value in my writing and truly understands my vision.

It is a very circumstantial thing for sure! Publishing can be very expensive if you’re doing it on your own, but going the traditional route can take more time. It’s all about what you’re comfortable with and where you’re at in your personal journey.

 

Why do you write and blog?

Patrick: Discovery. Discovering things about myself. Discovering ways to make language work in a unique way to represent your identity. Discovering ways to make narrative flow and bend according to the characters you want to represent. Even though, after all this time, I’m still terrified by the empty page, I know if I try, I might discover something magical happening in my own diction and story.

Jonny: Yes! I’m a huge believer that through writing and blogging we discover a lot of things about ourselves and find new ways to grow. Certain stories or blog posts demand different things out of us creatively, and rising to meet the challenge by taking a different approach can be very rewarding.

 

What genre is your favorite to write in? Why?

Patrick: I really love fiction. I’ve tried nonfiction and a few other genres, but fiction continues to be my magnet. Experimenting with language in fiction is a bit more difficult, so I tend to posture towards poetry a bit. When I was growing up, I had an affinity for all the classic Squaresoft videogames, like Final Fantasy, Secret of Mana, and Chrono Trigger to name a few. These were excellent bits of fiction, with relatable characters with real emotions and complexities. That took root inside of me as a storyteller, and I’ve been chasing the same feeling ever since. The beauty of good fiction is it reads as nonfiction. That is what I want to achieve, but with monsters.

Jonny: Me too! Fiction definitely speaks to me the most. I’m very picky about the nonfiction I read and typically only choose specific topics I’m very interested in. I’m an escapist by nature, so I will always prefer fantastical stories to anything that resembles reality.

Poetry can be so beautiful, but I’ve yet to crack the code, so kudos to you on that. I tried poetry in high school when I was in my emo phase, and let’s just say it’s probably best that those poems never see the light of day, haha!

Love the name drops! I grew up playing Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and other epic fantasy RPG games, and those are marvelous titles to take inspiration from.

 

If you could give advice to new writers or bloggers, what would you say?

Patrick: Two pieces of advice. One being edit your work. Yes, it sucks. It takes time. It kills the vibe, buzz, or feeling, but it is necessary. Editing unlocks a new level of success with your writing. Also, editing your editing. Change your process on a meta level to make sure you’re squeezing all the juice out of your writing. Workshop it. Edit it. Let it breathe. Revisit it. Writing it is only a small portion of the process. Second, this was given to me at a convention by a guest of honor named Tim Kirk. Be stubborn. That’s it. Be stubborn. Don’t give up. Nobody wants to give up their piece of the piece or their seat at the table. They worked hard for it as well. You’re not the only one with this dream. Be stubborn.

Jonny: That’s wonderful advice, Patrick! Editing is completely necessary when writing and helps smooth out any inconsistencies or errors, and sometimes you can discover new paths you hadn’t thought of before. Many times I’ll get better ideas and implement them all due to editing.

I’m a Taurus, so stubbornness is kind of built in with me, but I agree. If you care about what you’re working on, you have to be persistent, even if it sucks at times. It’s all a part of the process, and when your achieve your goals you’ll be so glad you stuck to your guns.

 

What do you think makes a good story?

Patrick: When you have things both confirmed and unconfirmed about how you feel about the world. When you find a character, theme, or setting relatable, but also the opposite of that. You’re introduced to new ideas, possibilities, and perspectives. A good story can both make you feel like home, and that you’ve travelled abroad. That is why I like genre fiction, or horror so much. You’re taking someone someplace else by the genre itself, but you’re also given something familiar and human. I adore this dichotomy.

Jonny: Well said! I think that every reader is different in what they look for in a story, but there are some bigger concept things we can all focus on that most readers will appreciate regardless of genre. Interesting characters with depth, realistic dialogue, and an intriguing plot with twists, turns, and discoveries along the way are things a lot of readers look for.

 

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Patrick: Occasionally, I’ll get a masochistic urge to it and check them out. You cannot please everyone. Suspend the belief that everyone will like you. They won’t. It is impossible. Criticism is a fantastic teacher, nothing better. However, there is a difference between feedback and pettiness. You must look at feedback and experience rejection to truly know the difference between them.

Jonny: Thanks for the insight! I do occasionally check as well, but I go in with zero expectations and have developed a tougher skin. That’s something that comes with time, especially for new authors. A bad review isn’t the end of the world and it honestly makes sense. Stephen King and the other great writers out there get one star reviews all the time, but they keep on trucking. I believe we should all do the same while keeping an eye out for more constructive critiques that we might consider applying to our work.

 

 

Fun Facts About Patrick

What’s your favorite place that you’ve travelled to?

Patrick: Waikiki Beach on Oahu. My dad worked in Hawaii while I was growing up. I have an affinity for it. I would travel there three times a year if I could. I’d live there. It isn’t just nostalgia either, but I truly love the mix of metropolis and beach life. They’re right next to each other. You can get both worlds, rural and city, within a few miles.

Jonny: Oh man, I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii! I love how close rural and city life are to each other, even if I’m not much of a beachy guy. Most of my travel has been local lately, but so far I’ve really loved Seattle the most. The city is so clean and welcoming. Would go back in a heartbeat!

 

Are pineapples on pizza blasphemy or no?

Patrick: A delicious ingredient to any pizza topping scheme. Takes a refined palette to enjoy them. If you like pineapple on your pizza you’re simply a better human. That’s a fact. It was written in the stars long ago.

Jonny: Haha, nice! I’m definitely going to have to give it another try sometime soon. I’m pretty adventurous with pizza, but I can be a little picky when mixing sweet and savory taste profiles. Taco or spinach alfredo pizza tend to be my faves.

 

What are your favorite tv shows and movies?

Patrick: These are tough. Many choices. Cowboy Bebop, Attack on Titan, Community, Regular Show, Invader Zim, SpongeBob, Madmen, Haunting at Hill House, Yellow Jackets, Orange is the New Black, and many others for television. For films it varies. Spirited Away, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Bladerunner: Director’s Cut, Arrival, Last of the Mohicans, Alien, and Aliens for a few.

Jonny: Oh there’s always too many options with all the platforms out there, but you made some really great choices. I love Attack on Titan, and Invader Zim is such a classic. Definitely going to try Yellow Jackets soon. Great movie choices too. I’m addicted anything horror or paranormal, so those genres are my go tos with movies. No rom coms for me!

 

Who are your favorite writers?

Patrick: Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, Wallace Stevens, Walt Whitman, Seamus Heaney, Sylvia Plath, Ray Bradbury, Haruki Murakami, John Gardener, Bill Watterson, Rumiko Takahashi, and so many others.

Jonny: Ah, the classics! I recognize most of these names even if I haven’t read too terribly much of their work. I get a little antsy about reading classics, but some of my recent favorite authors are Erin Bowman, Kenneth Oppel, Teri Polen, Jon Tilton, and Tammie Painter. I have a profound love for all my indie authors out there!

 

What are you reading now?

Patrick: I’m reading a big ole’ compilation of all of Anne Sexton’s work. She is an incredible poet. So tragic and powerful. I can feel the depression, hopelessness, and utter weight of life oozing through her prose. Her words and images are so fantastically complimentary. Truly a towering poet.

Jonny: I’m not familiar with Anne Sexton’s work, but I just gave one of her poems a go and you are spot on in your description. You can really feel the emotional weight behind her words.

Right now I’m in between books, but I’m in this phase where I pick up a book and if the first page doesn’t speak to me then I try something else until I find one that connects. Definitely veering towards being more of a mood reader these days.

 

What is your favorite genre to read? Why?

Patrick: Poetry. I wish it was something else like science fiction or fantasy, but poetry. I have a hard time leaving a bookstore without a new book of poetry beneath my arm or dangling from in hand in a plastic bag. I love it. The exploration of language. The vague narrative constructions. The emotional edge. Sign me up.

Jonny: Oh, I love that! I’m pretty much constantly reading horror/scifi/fantasy, but I’m adventurous and break that mold pretty often.

 

If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

Patrick: It is going to be okay. You’re going to heal. It won’t be overnight. It won’t be over a year. It’ll happen though. Just be patient.

Jonny: Digital hugs to your younger self! It takes time to heal, and patience definitely is a virtue worth working towards. I think I would tell my younger self to stop caring what people say about you. For a long time I tried to fit into the status quo out of fear, but it’s a terrible way to live when you could embrace who you are fully.

 

 

Patrick and His Works

Tell us about your new book.

Patrick: My newest book I self-published. It is the sixth book in my Greenland Diaries book series. It is the Greenland Diaries: Days 291 – 330.

Jonny: Oh my gosh, congrats! For those reading that don’t know, I read the first two of Patrick’s Greenland Diaries novels so far and loved them! If you like an apocalyptic journey filled with terrifying monsters you can’t go wrong with this series.

 

What was your favorite part about writing this book?

Patrick: Just getting closer to finishing this story. Giving the audience some well-deserved answers to the many questions I’ve created for them. So close. Over a decade spent writing this series. I can’t wait to finish it. That’ll be so bittersweet.

Jonny: Oh, that’s got to feel so great after all that hard work you’ve put into it! I can’t wait to continue reading your series and getting to some of those answers. You really have done a great job crafting this complex mystery behind the monsters.

 

What did you find was the hardest part about writing this book?

Patrick: The time. Finding the time to write and edit it. Also, I hadn’t written a book in that narrative form for a long time. Over two years. Had to get back into the swing of an apocalyptic diary. Also, so much plot has happened. I didn’t want to repeat myself too badly.

Jonny: You are preaching to the choir on this one! I am in a constant battle every week against time. It really is the most precious resource, and it’s always a struggle to find a decent balance. I’m so glad you were able to get back into the swing of things with this novel!

 

Was there a message in your book that you were trying to convey?

Patrick: Overall, this latest book in the Greenland Diaries is still about the general concept of communication through my portrayal of the Unnamed. I can’t give away any spoilers, but the monsters have a secret meaning. It’ll become clearer as time goes on inside the story. Also, I’ve always wanted to have a few general themes in the Greenland Diaries be apparent. One being that the apocalypse should not be glamorized or celebrated. These are very hard things to be going through that would leave you scribbled with trauma. Second is that when bad things happen, or monsters appear, you need to make space for them in your life, or they will consume you. Find a place for it to be. The Unnamed are not going anywhere.

Jonny: Oh this sounds so exciting! I like that you aren’t sugar coating anything within your apocalyptic universe. I took a similar stance with Reaper. There’s nothing great about an apocalypse. It’s survival of the fittest, and things can go terribly wrong in a matter of minutes or even seconds.

 

Alright, Patrick, it looks like our time here is almost up. Before we go, do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events, and special offers?

Patrick: You can find all my information and links and tidbits at www.patrickwmarsh.com

Jonny: Thanks again for doing this with me, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you as an author!

 

 

That’s a Wrap!

Alrighty bookworms, that wraps up my interview with Patrick Marsh. I had a great time chatting it up with him, and I hope you enjoyed the experience too!

If you’d like to learn more about Patrick and his work, he can be reached at the social media links provided at the beginning of this post.

If you like what you see, please consider leaving a tip to help keep this website up and running, or check out my other author interviews below. Thank you for stopping by, and have a great day!

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Meet the Author: Autumn Green 

Meet the Author: Vanessa Kramer

 

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