Interview with Douglas Peiffer, Author of Big Blue

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Big Blue: A Parable of Modern-Day Migration?

Big Blue was inspired by actual events during President Trump’s first term in office: migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, anti-immigrant sentiment, tariffs, trade wars, and federal raids of U.S. farms and businesses. Over six years ago, when I began researching and writing Big Blue, I never imagined how even more relevant these same topics would be today during President Trump’s second term in office.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Big Blue: A Parable of Modern-Day Migration, what would they be?

If Big Blue had a playlist: Luke Bryan, Here’s to the Farmer; Toby Keith, Stays in Mexico; Tim McGraw, That’s Why God Made Mexico; George Straight, The Seashores of Old Mexico; Natanel Cano, Amor Tumbado; and House of Pain, Jump Around.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I enjoy reading general, upmarket, and contemporary fiction, which are also my favorite genres to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I recently finished reading James by Percival Everett and The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. On my TBR (or more accurately, my TBF, “To-Be-Finished”) are Martyr by Kaveh Akbar, The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa, and Prophet Song by Paul Lynch.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene at the federal checkpoint in Pine Valley, California.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No quirky writing habits that I can think of.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Failure is not only a natural part of life but a necessary part of living. Show me a person who has never failed, and I’ll show you a person who has never truly lived.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Seasons change…

Douglas P. Peiffer is the author of the new book Big Blue: A Parable of Modern-Day Migration

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