Please tell us about yourself and your work.
By day, I’m a mild-mannered author of such books as CURSED, ATTIC CLOWNS, and IN THE FISHBOWL, WE BLEED. By night, I’m Pizza Bear, a superhero who is half pizza, half bear, and all awe-inspiring. My stories and books have been described in many different ways. Horror, scifi, fantasy, bizarro, literary, magical realism, etc.
What made you choose what you are doing right now?
I’ve always loved stories, particularly bizarre and imaginative ones. I grew up watching movies like The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Return to Oz. When I was a child, I spent much of my time playing pretend with my brothers. We created unique worlds populated by strange creatures, and I’m still creating these worlds.
Tell us more about your typical day?
When I’m not fighting crime as Pizza Bear, I’m sitting somewhere writing. I might be in my office, at the library, in a magic forest, in a dimension where everyone has trout for feet.
I write, and I forget to eat and drink. And then, when I return to reality, I wonder why I’m so hungry and thirsty.
What do you do when you are not working?
I spend time with my family. I give high-fives to my cats. I watch bad movies and wonder why I’m not watching good ones. I hand-sew plushie monsters. I juggle yard gnomes. I ride dragons in the moonlight.
Tell us the best part of your work.
I love hearing from fans who have connected with my work. And I love the process of writing itself. Writing can be painful and frustrating. Sometimes I might spend way too long on a single sentence. Sometimes I need to cut myself deep (in a spiritual or emotional sense) to write what needs to be written. At the same time, I don’t know if there’s anything more satisfying than transferring something from your heart and mind and spleen onto the page.
Where do you see yourself and your work in 3/5 years?
More books, more comics, maybe a movie, and perhaps another cat.
What do you think of the worlds obsession with technology?
I believe humans have been fascinated by tools for about 2.5 million years, so it makes sense that we like our smartphones and spaceships. In my mind, technology isn’t inherently good or evil. We can use technology to destroy life on our planet, or to oppress and abuse one another. On the other hand, we can use technology to connect and to change the world for the better. It’s up to us.
Who is your inspiration/role model?
There are so many people who inspire me. My family, my friends, authors, filmmakers, artists. I look up to those who fight for equality, for dignity, for compassion, for peace. I look up to regular people who struggle, but find ways to give to others and enjoy life. The world may be a very dark place at times, but there are good people everywhere.
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say to them?
I’d want to sit outside of my grandmother’s house next to the roses, and talk with my grandmother again. I’d want to tell her about my life, and thank her for everything she’s done for me. I miss her every day.
What is your favorite holiday spot/food/gadget?
My favorite holiday spot is a little mountain town called Idyllwild. It’s a place of trees and animals and magic. These days, I love curries. As for my favorite gadget? My netbook is important to me. I use it to write stories and to communicate with people every day.
What is your next project?
I’m constructing the Pizza Bear Flying Pepperoni Saucer. It should really strike terror into the hearts of the corrupt and tyrannical. In addition to that, I’m writing a gothic novelette. And I have a couple comic book projects in the works.
Suggest five books everyone must read.
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. 1984 by George Orwell. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
What is your message to all teenagers?
A lot of older people like to complain about the younger generation. They like to say “teenagers these days are so blah blah blah.” Don’t listen to the haters. And don’t listen to people who criticize your dreams. It’s important to find friends and communities who make you feel good about yourself. Write, make art, do what you can to make the world a better place, take care of yourself, and enjoy the planet.
What is your message to all Pakistanis?
I’ve never been to Pakistan, but I wish you all the best. I wish you hope and happiness, love and respect.
What is your message to the world?
Earth, you’re a beautiful, terrifying, interesting planet. Thanks for existing.
