Ask the Author: Sheldon Lee Compton

Sheldon Lee Compton writes about drugs, sex and rock and roll in the December issue, then answers questions in today’s interview about drugs, sex and rock and roll.

What do you find sexy?

Other than the basics, I’d say a sense of humor, intelligence, and the curve of a woman’s foot.   There, I said it.   More specifically, Beckie Rose.

What is your favorite drug?

Nicotine. I’ve even had people mail me packs of smokes. Thanks again, Mel B.   And though I live in Eastern Kentucky, I’ve had surprisingly very little exposure to anything else.

What is your favorite Rock n’ Roll track?

Goin’ Out West by Tom Waits.

Do people have to understand a work of piece of literature before they can truly enjoy it?

On a certain level I’d be tempted to say I believe so.   The whole point is to communicate a way of seeing the world.   But then there is also the simple enjoyment that can come from something abstract but lyrical and beautiful.   Skirted the question a bit, I suppose.   But in the end I think getting across the story is pretty important and has to be kept in mind.

Name three authors that live or lived the rock n’ roll lifestyle as you conceive of it.

Hunter S. Thompson, Bret Easton Ellis and Breece Pancake.   Thompson for the obvious reasons, Ellis for the excess factor alone and Pancake, perhaps a less popular choice, because he checked out shotgun style at the very moment he was beginning to achieve success, a familiar story for many hard rockers.

What is worse: French Rap or New Age Music?

I’ve not listened to much of either, but I would guess that French Rap is less enjoyable than a sledgehammer to the skull.   No offense to the French or whatever.   Well, maybe a little offense, like a misdemeanor.

Is it possible to write well while abusing drugs? Or do writers we usually associate with drug abuse write their best work in periods of sobriety?

People often pose the question what this writer or that might have written if not high.   They wonder how much better the work could have been.   I’ve never, but I think writing while abusing drugs could only dull a writer.   The writer worth anything is an open wound, a raw nerve, picking up what others might miss.   I think drugs would constrict that high sense of awareness, not expand it.

When was the last time you had deja vu?

About two months ago.   It always furthers my suspicion that the world is fake.   I usually spend the day afterwards searching for more proof of this theory.

What branch of science are you most interested it? How has it influenced your writing?

Astronomy.   I’ve had the stratosphere crop up a few times as a character in my work.   I like the whole viewing the scene from above and so there it’s been, the Stratosphere, helping me out with that and being generally awesome.

What is your least favorite trend in current fashion?

Vintage t-shirts, I think.   I actually have no problem with them.   In fact, it’s the exact opposite.   I’ve always liked them.   I liked them when they were not called vintage.   I liked them when they were just cool shirts.   Now it seems I’ve jumped on the band wagon or that I’m a thirty-something guy trying to look hip without a record contract when I wear them.