Interview with Capes, Author of West of Jaws
16 Feb 2023
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write West of Jaws?
I wanted to blend fantasy and pop culture. I wanted two characters to be in love and for that love to fail them, combining interpersonal realism with fantastical, sexy nonsense. Like if Terry Pratchett and Carrie Bradshaw sat down to rewrite The Witcher.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of West of Jaws, what would they be?
West of Jaws includes published songs by a South African producer named Lazarusman. Lazarusman is a real-life musician who agreed to be featured in the book! His lyrics from ‘If You Leave Tonight’ and ‘Searching’ are part of the story, along with his name and likeness. He’s so cool. My characters adore him. So do I.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre is what I write in – fantasy-romance. I also enjoy historical fiction, metaphysical and visionary fiction, and magical realism. Whatever keeps reality at bay and isn’t too steeped in Western ideology.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
‘The Bear & the Rose’ by Erin K. Larson-Burnett.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene where Samson admits to the seething in Cadmium. And any scene where the MCs get intimate.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I don’t think I have many quirky writing habits. I invest a lot of time imagining plotlines, like preparatory daydreaming.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
The best things in life are useless.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
A sensation of playfulness and wonder.
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