Ripple Library: Author Chat With...Rob Hart!

How do you get inspired to write?

 

When it comes to generating ideas? Usually from reading the news, traveling, talking to people. When it comes to actually sitting down and doing the work, sometimes, it's a matter of waiting for the moment where it feels right, and sometimes it's a matter of forcing my ass into a seat to actually get the work done (today is one of the latter days).

 

How do you deal with writer’s block?

 

I have a maybe somewhat controversial view on writer's block, in that I don't think it exists. I just think sometimes you don't want to write—you're tired, stressed, not in the right mindset—and that's okay. Go for a walk, watch something you enjoy, hit the gym. Not to be lowbrow about it but do you go to the bathroom when you don't have to go? It's a little like that. Sometimes the act of not being too hard on yourself can break the cycle.

 

What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?

 

My life is not nearly interesting enough to support a book.

 

What are you currently working on?

 

Currently: the fourth Assassins Anonymous book, a middle grade fantasy book, and a nonfiction book on the culture and history of Muay Thai. The first one I have a contract for, the other two I'm hoping will be ready to send out soon.

 

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

 

Most recent, I guess, is Detour, which I co-wrote with Jeff Rake. And so I got the idea because someone called me up and said, "Hey, the guy who made the TV show Manifest sold a book idea and needs a co-writer." Which was pretty awesome.

 

What kind of research did you do for this novel?

 

There was a lot of stuff on space travel for Detour, but also theoretical and quantum physics, which is always a fun and brain-bending rabbit hole to disappear down.

 

In general, what emotions do you usually wish to elicit with your writing?

 

I want to make people laugh, and sometimes cringe, and maybe sometimes get hit square in the feels. I wouldn't say I'm trying to elicit a specific emotion in other people, mostly I'm trying to dig down and figure things out for myself, and then hope it comes across on the page.  

 

Best advice on writing you've ever received?

 

From Amy Hempel: The biggest mistake young writers make is wanting to be published more than wanting to write well.  

 

What is the weirdest/wildest topic or fact that you’ve had to research or uncovered in your research?

 

It's almost hard to pick one thing here. The research is one of my favorite parts of writing. And while I'm sure I could think of tons and tons of examples, right now, being put on the spot, I'm drawing a blank. Okay, here's a little one: the fourth Assassins novel is going to be called City of Killers and it's set in Bangkok, set around human trafficking, which is run by Chinese Triad gangs. They speak a dialect called Teochow, which originated in the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong, China. It's mostly died out but they keep it alive, so they can communicate without anyone else being able to eavesdrop on their conversations. Not earth-shattering but still pretty cool.

 

Can you tell us a two-sentence horror story?

 

No more elections. Trump is president for life.

 

What else would you want readers to know about you? Where can readers find you online?

 

Just that Detour is out now, and the third Assassins book, Three Hitmen and a Baby, is coming out in June, and if you wanted to buy them it would be a huge help because my daughter is getting closer and closer to having to go to college, and that shit is expensive. You can find me on Instagram at @robwhart1 and at www.robwhart.com.