I really have no idea what the French think of my characters, or why The Devil All the Time did so well there.
Knockemstiff is a collection of short stories set in the holler of the same name in southern Ohio where I grew up. I tried to link the stories together through the place and some recurring characters.
I sort of like writing about weird characters, I guess.
The way I saw the characters these things just happened naturally. At the same time - and I know it's probably not apparent when you read the book - but I really tried to hold back because I didn't want it to become a cartoon.
I don't think I'd call [mood] a major force, but it is important as far as hitting the right notes or nuances with a character or scene.
I think my characters - well, at least a few of them - are hoping or searching for some kind of contact with god.
