Joseph Fulkerson On Books And Writing

I recently got in touch with Joseph Fulkerson. Fulkerson runs Laughing Ronin Press and is the author of fifteen books and chapbooks. His novella, “East Jesus Nowhere,” will be published by Anxiety Press.

This interview has been edited lightly.

Would you tell me a little bit about your forthcoming book?

Absolutely. It is a novella-length work of fiction loosely based on some of the experiences/predicaments one finds themselves in when they are drinking and hanging out. The story follows Jimmy Lane and his buddy Big Mike at one of their favorite watering holes in town.

This town is located in western Kentucky, which is ripe with machismo, bourbon, and religion. I’m sure we’ve all driven through or been in a town like that at some point. Guns, babies, and Jesus.

How long did it take to write? Do you have a writing routine?

I spent a week at a Trappist Monk Monastery last year, and wrote it during that time. What was interesting about the time I spent there was it was a silent retreat. We weren’t allowed to talk to the other participants, the monks, the workers … it was complete silence. If you’ve never experienced that, I’d highly recommend it. You’ll find out some things about yourself that you wouldn’t otherwise.