David Nash, author of In Wells’ Time
Novel & Short Story Category, sponsored by Minnesota Humanities Center
Each week leading up to the 37th annual Minnesota Book Awards, we are featuring exclusive interviews with our finalists. You can also watch the authors in conversation with their fellow category finalists here.
What inspired you to write this book – or inspired you while writing it?
In short, I stumbled into a sleepless spiral panic attack worrying about eternity and how fast time was slipping by. I began to think about how to slow down time, and then I went on a lot of long jogs where the scenes from the book started to come together.
I listened to a lot of music while writing. I would write until the end of a record, and then take a break. Oftentimes the emotions of the albums would give me a rhythm.
What is one detail you wanted to include in this book, but couldn’t find a place for?
I wrote a set of mirroring chapters that revolved around shoveling a driveway. I love shoveling snow, so these were some of my favorite scenes. Unfortunately, they seemed to take away from the story, so they didn’t make the cut :).
Tell us about someone (whose name isn’t on the cover!) who proved instrumental to the creation of this book.
Ha. Just one person?? Well, my wife of course. She tolerates so many of my hobby missadventures. Then there is my brother (a great writer) and my mother who both were early readers. Cari Rohe was so enthusiastic as an early reader that I felt inspired to submit to publishers. That brings me to Summer, the kick ass owner and operator of Unsolicited Press. She doesn’t take shit from anyone, and I love her for it. She took a chance on this book and is the reason it is here.
Please tell us something about yourself that is not widely known. (It doesn’t have to be about the book in question – or even about your writing at all!)
I have a small grove of peach trees in my kitchen. Grown from seed, I’m hoping two of these ten babies end up in our yard somewhere. They have a lot to survive. Elements. Rodents. Me. Fingers crossed and in 3-5 years we will have a couple of fruit-bearing trees on our hands.
Share your thoughts about the role and value of libraries.
I think libraries are akin to folk festivals, except instead of lasting for a single weekend, they last all year long. They bring knowledge, feeling, awareness, and light to communities.
David Loring Nash is an author and singer-songwriter from Southeast Minnesota, whose works include the novel The Man in the Pines. He attended Augsburg University.