Out of Furry: A Novel
Step into the gritty world of 1970s America, where dreams are shattered and secrets lurk in the shadows. Meet Jack, a struggling writer with fire in his veins, desperate to break free
from the chains of obscurity. His talent burns like a wildfire, but it seems the world is blind to his brilliance. In the depths of his dingy New York City apartment, Jack pours his heart into his typewriter, yearning for the day when his words will ignite the world.
But fate has a twisted sense of humor, and one fateful day, Jack's solitary existence is shattered by a phone call that sends chills down his spine. On the other end is Sarah, a mysterious woman with a voice that drips with wealth and privilege. She offers Jack a chance at redemption, a ticket to the fame and fortune he so desperately craves. All he has to do is write her memoir.
Out of Furry will be published by ScriptMind this winter.
Mr. Payne, what was the idea behind writing Out of Furry?
The allure of money and recognition is an intoxicating elixir, and my protagonist, Jack's resistance crumbles like sand in a hurricane. It happens to the best of us. (laughs.)
He accepts the offer, plunging headfirst into Sarah's glamorous world of opulence and deceit. But as Jack peels back the layers of Sarah's past, he uncovers a secret so dark, so sinister, that it threatens to consume them both.
So, the novel is depicting Sara's world from Jack's perspective. Story of a character being told from another imaginary character. Could you please tell us a little more about Sarah's world?
Sarah is a woman haunted by her own demons, desperate to keep her skeletons locked away in the closet. She begs Jack for his silence, for his unwavering loyalty in the face of moral ambiguity. The lines between right and wrong blur, and Jack finds himself teetering on the edge of his own conscience. The goal was making reader uncomfortable. To make them think about their life and their existence as a whole.
As we are reading about Sarah's life, it's actually about Jack, right?
Exactly. The main character is Jack. The tension crackles like electricity between them as they navigate a treacherous dance of desire and deception. Jack is torn between his hunger for success and the nagging voice inside him that whispers of integrity. Can he betray his own principles for the sake of fame? Can he ignore the pounding of his own heart, the screams of his own soul?
What inspired you to write a story set in 1970s America?
There were a few factors that inspired me to set the story in 1970s America. Firstly, I have always been fascinated by that particular era and the cultural and political changes that were happening during that time. The 1970s was a period of great social upheaval, with the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Women's Liberation Movement all playing a significant role in shaping the country. I wanted to explore how these events impacted the lives of ordinary people, and how they navigated through such turbulent times.Overall, I felt that setting the story in 1970s America would provide a unique and compelling backdrop for the narrative, allowing me to explore both historical and personal themes in a meaningful way.
Can you share any challenges or surprises you encountered while writing this book?
While writing "Out of Furry," I encountered several challenges and surprises. One of the biggest challenges was creating a relatable and authentic protagonist. I wanted the readers to connect with the character and feel invested in their journey. It took a lot of thought and revision to ensure that the protagonist's struggles and growth felt genuine and resonated with readers.
Another challenge was striking the right balance between addressing serious topics and maintaining a sense of hope and optimism throughout the story. The book deals with themes of identity, self-acceptance, and overcoming adversity, which can be heavy at times. I had to find ways to address these issues sensitively while still infusing the story with moments of lightness and humor.
Surprisingly, I found that certain scenes or plotlines took unexpected turns as I was writing. Characters developed in ways I hadn't initially planned, and new ideas emerged as the story unfolded. While this sometimes required me to revise my outline or make significant changes to the plot, it also added depth and complexity to the narrative.
Overall, these challenges and surprises enriched the writing process and helped shape "Out of Furry" into a story that I hope will resonate with readers.
What do you hope readers will remember most about Out of Furry after finishing it?
My hope is that readers will remember the underlying message of resilience and self-discovery. Throughout the book, the protagonist goes through a transformative journey, overcoming various challenges and ultimately finding their true identity. I want readers to be inspired by this journey and reflect on their own ability to navigate difficult situations and discover their authentic selves. Additionally, I hope readers will remember the importance of empathy and understanding towards others who may be going through similar journeys of self-discovery. Ultimately, my goal is for readers to feel empowered and encouraged to embrace their own unique path in life.
Out of Furry is a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the dark underbelly of ambition and morality. It grips readers by the throat, refusing to let go until the final page is turned. With its tantalizing twists and turns, this gripping tale will leave you questioning your own values and the lengths you would go to achieve your dreams. Buckle up, because once you step into Jack's world, there's no turning back.