All Things Pankish

Ask the Author: Steve Himmer

In the December issue, Steve Himmer offers a novel excerpt that leaves the reader wanting more.  In today’s interview, Steve and Guy discuss the proper reading material for quitting a job, punishment, and the funniest short stories they ever did read.

1) Is there any author or book you did not appreciate before you started teaching that you gained an appreciation for after you started teaching?

I always learn to appreciate them more, because articulating what I think is valuable in a book makes me think about it in new ways. But what’s most exciting is when a book I’ve grown used to shows students a whole new world of literature, and I get inspired by that energy. I’ve probably gotten that reaction to Alasdair Gray’s novel Poor Things more than any other, yet the first time I used it I was afraid it wouldn’t speak to my students at all – what a great surprise that was.

2) When was the last time you were punished? What was the punishment and what were you being punished for?

It’s been a very long time since I was punished for anything, which I suppose means I’ve become staid and dull. I’ve had some unpleasant setbacks and losses in the last couple of years, so those might be karmic retribution for things I did a long time ago that are only catching up with me now. But lots of good things have happened, too, so perhaps it’s not punishment at all but just life. Maybe there isn’t much difference. I probably shouldn’t think about that for too long.

3) Have you ever written a story based on things you used to pretend when you were a child?

Not a whole story, but I’ve used some really specific memories and details from my childhood – of a big, muddy ditch I used to play in, and of talking through a box fan and pretending to be a robot. Then again, as a kid I liked to build shelters out of branches and and holes, and pretend I lived in the forest; now I’ve written a novel about a guy who lives in a cave in the woods.

4) Why do people in Boston drive so cruelly?

“Cruel” may imply too much awareness of other people being on the road. I think we’re generous drivers, because we’re always offering each other a chance to hone our defensive skills and alertness. I should admit here that I avoid driving any time I can, especially in the city, so what do I know?

5) When you write do you turn off your phone? Do you limit your access to the internet when you write?

I don’t have to turn off my phone because it’s off already, and everyone knows not to bother calling. I can’t find a cell plan small enough – I average about three minutes a month and that’s only because I check my voicemail once every week or so when I remember I own a phone. The internet I can’t escape, though I do try writing in full screen mode so I can’t tell when I get emails or messages or be reminded of what’s going on behind the window of my word processor. And check for thrilling new casual games.

6) Have you ever edited a Wikipedia entry?

Yes, a number of them. Sometimes making corrections to existing articles, or to add — for instance — my local statue of Robert Burns to the page listing all statues of Robert Burns. Important things like that. I love the process of Wikipedia, and I’ve had classes write both on and about the site for assignments. A few times – that I know of – my students have changed things on Wikipedia because I’ve made up some silly example of the type of erroneous information to watch out for. I was indirectly responsible for some very unlikely details about the moon landing, but they didn’t stay up very long.

7) What is the funniest short story you’ve ever read? Do you consider it one of the best short stories you’ve ever read?

Ever? That’s a lot of pressure. I don’t even know where to start thinking about that one. Now I’m worried that all my reading is too serious because I can’t even think of a single funny story except Mark Twain’s “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” I can think of funny  novels, though. Magnus Mills is pretty hilarious, and Jim Krusoe writes wonderfully sad/funny stories. And Stanley Crawford’s Some Instructions To My Wife. And Flann O’Brien’s The Poor Mouth is the funniest novel ever. Actually, now that I’ve mentioned it, “The Notorious Jumping Frog” is really funny if you get the edition with the translation to French then back to literal English.

Do you own any firearms?

No way. First, because guns make me really nervous. Second, because I make myself really nervous – I’m a pretty clumsy guy, and already manage to hurt myself in all sorts of dumb ways with innocent, ordinary household objects. An object intended to cause harm is the last thing I need to be around.

9) What is worse: being  boring or being stupid?

Harmless, helpless stupidity is fine, but dangerous stupidity – stupidity with power – is awful. Even at its worst, boring is harmless Plus, I don’t believe anyone is ALL boring – it’s just a matter of asking the right question, about something that drives them. No one is boring when they talk about their favorite thing. Crazy, maybe, but never boring.

10) What book should someone read if they are considering quitting their job?

I’ll go with How To Be Idle, by Tom Hodgkinson. And would it be really obnoxious to say, “Mine?” Yes, I guess it would. Especially since “mine” isn’t a book, just a manuscript. But it is about a guy finding what he wants by losing his job.