Interview with Lonnie Busch, Author of All Hope of Becoming Human

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write All Hope of Becoming Human?

In the midst of the pandemic, I woke up one night in a cold sweat unable to get back to sleep, my mind ravaged not only by the ever-rising death toll not only from the virus sweeping the world, but also the brutal murders of Black Americans by law enforcement, the protests and riots, the senseless mass shootings by lone gunmen, rampant terrorism and the rise of hate groups, the threat of using the US military against its own citizens, not to mention the constant genocide, warring and unrest across the planet. It was all unimaginable and overwhelming to me. So I got out of bed, brought up my computer and hammered out a three-page single-spaced stream of consciousness that would over the next few years become All Hope of Becoming Human.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of All Hope of Becoming Human, what would they be?

For fearless archaeologist, Rebecca Duccati, it would have to be “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. For Agent Demzey, it would be “Palisades Park” by Counting Crows (he actually recalls some of the lyrics in the book when trying to figure out his partner, Connie Wegman).

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

My favorite is still literary fiction. I enjoyed my “Summer of Dick,” reading thirteen Philip K. Dick novels back to back over the summer of 2022. But I don’t see his work as genre fiction, or even purely sci-fi. Dick’s writing always transcends the genre, delving into weighty themes and with interesting, dimensional characters. I love Stephen King, John Gardner, Antony Doerr, Fredrick Barthelme, Kafka, and… Maybe it’s just great writing I like, and it’s not about genre at all!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“1984,” George Orwell, “Tales of Power,” Carlos Castaneda, “Anna Karenina,” Leo Tolstoy, “Oliver Twist,” Charles Dickens.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

All of them, actually. Approaching a new scene is exciting, as I don’t always know exactly what’s going to happen. I have a rough idea in my head when I start, like the tragic bus scene in India. I wasn’t sure what would happen when the bus full of tourists was suddenly swallowed by a rogue earthquake. Every scene is a process of discovery; that’s what I love about writing.

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

You mean, other than typing with two fingers?

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

“Be the change you wish to see.” Gandhi

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

Though it may not seem like it at times, we all have choices when it comes to how we want our world to be, and our role in forming it.

Lonnie Busch is the author of the new book All Hope of Becoming Human

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