Today I'm happy to feature Penelope Przekop's
Aberrations as the latest title on my
reading resolution. Not only am I happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed Przekop's novel, but I also had the opportunity to interview her about both her book and her writing process.
That's not the best part, however!
I'm also proud to host a giveaway of
Aberrations -- and trust me, this book is one you'll want to read. For details about entering to win a copy, read to the bottom of this post. But first, my review.
THE REVIEW
Angel doesn't have your normal, run-of-the-mill problems. She's never filled the void created by her mother's death, her father is untrustworthy, and she's screwing a married man. But that's not the worst of it all -- she's a narcoleptic to boot. When her father decides to move on (and move in) with his girlfriend, Carla, Angel doesn't handle it well. It soon becomes clear that her father is hiding a secret about Angel's past, and she's determined to discover the truth at any cost.
The above synopsis might make
Aberrations sound like a superficial mystery -- but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Przekop delves into the nature of aberrations, the good and the bad. One's aberrations, like anything in life, can be viewed positively or negatively; it's our perception of our differences that truly matter. Do they define us, limit us, constrain us? Or do they add spice, becoming a venue for thought, discussion, and growth?
Angel's journey is one we all share, even if we don't share her narcolepsy. At the novel's beginning, Angel is defined by her narcolepsy and lets it control her life. By the end of the novel, Angel has learned some profound lessons and has come to view narcolepsy as only one small piece of her pie.
Overall,
Aberrations is a thought-provoking, well-written novel that was a joy to read. Przekop reminds us to celebrate our differences and learn from our own personal aberration.
In a nutshell: Fast-paced and profound,
Aberrations reminds us to celebrate what makes us individuals and grow in the process.
Bibliolatry Scale: 5 out of 6 stars
THE INTERVIEW
What sparked your interest in aberrations as a theme? Of all the hundreds of "aberrations" in the world, what made you focus on narcolepsy for your main character?The theme emerged based on my initial interest in writing about narcolepsy, as well as some of my own aberrations. I have a degree in Biology, and after learning about it, had always found narcolepsy fascinating from a biological perspective. I recognized that it was usually made fun of in movies and television, and that it had not been fully addressed in the literature. I also thought it could serve as a metaphor for how we can all be susceptible or guilty of sleeping through our lives at times. And it’s an aberration that isn’t easily hidden. It provided a perfect avenue to show Angel’s loneliness and seclusion.
Do you think a happy life is the result of ignoring or embracing one's aberrations? How can our own aberration(s) become a vehicle for happiness, in your opinion?Well, I don’t want to sound like Dr. Phil or Tony Robbins ... but I don’t think it’s wise to ignore our aberrations. I do believe that embracing one’s aberrations whether emotional, physical, or situational is a good first step to figuring out what to do about them. What you choose to do, feel, say, and think about them makes all the difference. My belief has always been that no matter how bad something is, if we choose to think positive— positive outcomes will result. In a way, it’s a “Captain Obvious” concept, but one that alarming numbers of individuals can’t seem to put into practice. I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s hard as hell sometimes, but choosing the alternative feels like giving up.
Why did you choose Darwin as Angel's study of interest? How does his evolution complement Angel's?I actually wrote a graduate term paper on Charles Darwin for my History of Science course in college. I was fascinated with his story of holding back what he knew or believed for the sake of his family and society. As I developed the novel, it seemed to fit on multiple levels. Angel is evolving, as are the other characters. Her father is holding back and suffering, and while we come to understand why, we also struggle with his decision to do so, and how in part that decision is based on fear. Darwin’s evolution complements that of Angel’s father although she’s also evolving. What she learns about Darwin gives her an avenue to discuss and confront her feelings about her father.
Carla believes that Angel needs "to relearn her ABCs." How can one apply this idea to her own life?At the beginning of the book, Carla believes, like Kimmy, that life is supposed be a certain way, and that anything that doesn’t follow that path is a deviation from the norm. However, neither of these characters is enjoying the ABC reality they feel so strongly about. Throughout the story, Carla learns that life can’t occur in ABC order, and that it’s okay. This slow and subtle realization begins to soften her and enables her to bond with Angel in a way that doesn’t seem possible at the onset.
Can you discuss your writing process? Do you compose with a pen and paper, or on a computer? Do you use dictation? How do you edit, by hand or as you type?I write using a combination of pen and paper, and computer. I do edit a lot by hand however. Ultimately, I have to read what I’ve written on a printed piece of paper. I read out loud a lot because I need to listen to the flow and music of the words. I’ve come to appreciate how much creative writing is a combination of left and right brain thinking. There is the imagination, emotional investment, and the beauty of words, but there must also be planning, order, and strategy. I plan out as much as I can before I begin writing a novel (I’m on my third now). I’m a bit methodical initially. Then I put apply my right brain to the left brain plan. I wrote a blog entry about using both sides of the brain for creative endeavors. If interested, you can read it
here.
Is there a particular time of day during which you're more productive? Are certain times of day better for certain writing tasks, such as composing or editing?For years, I only wrote at lunch time and at night. I had so little time to write that I learned to write almost anywhere that I could find 15 free minutes. Now I’m able to write more throughout the day. I haven’t established a solid routine yet because I happen to be traveling quite a bit these days. I set creative goals for the week, and then map out when I will work on what. I paint as well so I factor in time for that. I’ve done a lot of writing on airplanes and in hotel rooms lately.
Do you have any writing rituals? Candles? Food and drink? Music?I don’t have anything that I’d call a ritual but I do always listen to music when I write.
Do you ever find yourself faced with writer's block? If so, what techniques do you find most helpful in overcoming it?If I have a plan to write (which I always do), I usually do it even if I don’t feel like it. I’ll just write whatever comes to mind even if it’s horrible— just to keep moving forward. I’ve learned over time, that once I have something on paper, I can always make it better. When I’m not in the best writing mood, I just accept it and forge ahead. It used to bother me, because I’d read what I wrote, and get into an “I stink” funk, but now I have more confidence in myself and my ability to eventually get it right. I coach myself through the “off” times. Sometimes I’m so “on” that I have to jump out of bed to go write, or pull off the side of the road to write things down. I’m lucky I haven’t had a car accident over the years. Those are the times when I can usually fix all the crappy stuff I wrote the day before. So my advice is that if you feel blocked just write stuff, even if you know it’s bad. The other thing that works for me is that I often write dialogue when I’m in a “non-writing” mood. That’s the part that comes easiest for me so I focus there.
Which author has most influenced your writing? What book has?This is a tough question to answer. The authors who have most influenced my writing overall are Dostoevsky for his ability to illuminate the human condition, Ayn Rand for her ability to make a novel stand for something beyond the story, and James Michener for his ability to create a believable world inside a book. These are writers I read when I was younger. Some of my more recent influences are Philip Roth, Junot Diaz, and Albert Camus.
If I had to choose one book, it would be
Crime and Punishment. I’ve always been an avid reader, and have wanted to write, but when I read
Crime and Punishment in college, something in me absolutely knew that I not only wanted to write, but that I wanted to say something honest, powerful, and timeless. I wanted to find my own way to do that. For some reason I knew that going the English Degree way wasn’t going to get me there so I kept studying Biology. But I knew I would be a writer ... someday ... At the time, I didn’t know what I would have to say yet but I knew it was brewing. It’s still brewing and I’m still working on it. I don’t feel that I’ve arrived yet.
As a reader, what annoys you the most? What annoys you the most as a writer?As a reader, I think superficial books annoy me the most. Of course, I love to be entertained but I only have so much time on this Earth, and when I spend hours reading a book, I want to learn something from it. As a writer, I get annoyed and frustrated that the time I have to write is limited. It’s not so much how many hours in the day I have, but rather how many years I have left. I’ve been writing for a long time but it’s been slow because I’ve had to deal with other priorities. I’m not bitter about that but I fear that I need more brewing time, and that I may not meet my writing goals in what happens to be my lifetime. I realize that it may sound a little morbid, but that thought is a strong drive for me, especially now that I’ve hit middle age. You start to realize that you have less and less time to waste.
If forced to choose, which three books -- excluding your own -- would you want to have with you on a deserted island?Assuming that I have to take three novels, I’d choose
Crime and Punishment,
The Scarlet Letter, and
The Fountainhead.
What is the best advice you can offer to aspiring writers?Don’t give up if it’s what you really want. Reality Check: If there’s something else you want just as much, focus on that instead because becoming a successful writer is a long road that may never end. But if you’re in it for the long haul, be more methodical. Set short term goals and stick to them. Before you know it you’ll have met your long term goals. Also read as much as you can! Don’t copy anyone else’s style or voice. Listen to your words; use your ears more when writing.
Besides reading and writing, what are some of your favorite hobbies?I love to paint. It’s my fairly new hobby for me but I’m extremely serious about it. I also love to go camping. We go a few times a year. We’re not hard-core campers; we have a fridge in our trailer. I love movies, and can’t see enough of them. I’ve thinking about taking a stab at adapting
Aberrations or my other novel for the big screen. I may tackle that after I finish the novel I’m currently working on.
Finally, do you have any future projects planned? Anything for us to anticipate?Yes, I have four projects that are currently being handled by my agent. One is another novel called
Boundaries. The other two are non-fiction projects. One is called
War & Peace: Tales from the Delivery Room, and the other is called
Aberration Nation: What to Read When Life Sucks. It’s based on my blog,
Aberration Nation. I’m also half way through a third novel called
Centerpieces. I’ll also be completely overhauling my web site and blog over the next couple of months, and am quite excited about that. I’m fairly diverse in my creative endeavors, which I hope will work for me, and keep people interested in what I have to say. So as you can see, I have several irons in the fire. I made a commitment last year to downgrade my career in the pharmaceutical industry so that I can focus more heavily on my creative endeavors. Hopefully I can make a bigger splash over the next couple of years. I’ll never give up!
Thanks, Penelope, for an awesome interview. And may I just say that I'm quite chagrined by the four -- FOUR -- major projects you have underway. I'm still slogging through the same book from a few weeks ago. Ugh.
Anyway, on to the *really* good stuff -- it's time to give away a copy of Aberrations!
THE GIVEAWAY
What to win a copy of
Aberrations? Silly question, I know -- of course you do. The winner will be chosen at random; to enter, read on:
- to enter once, simply leave a comment in this post
- to enter again, post about my giveaway on your blog (just be sure to return and leave a link in the comments!)
The giveaway ends Friday, March 13th (cue the ominous music). The winner will be announced via a post on this site, so be sure to check back or else subscribe to my feed so you don't miss it.
Best of luck to you!
Dangerous Laughter: Thirteen Stories
and originally appeared in Jarman's 
