Jay Caselberg

answers the Usual Questions

Jay Caselberg

In 1996 Jay Caselberg started writing with a passion. For nearly the next two years, he wrote full time and garnered his first few publications writing as James A. Hartley.

He writes across many genres, both at short story and novel length, crossing the boundaries of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, and the Literary, generally with a dark edge. He writes under both names now.

Has your interaction with fans, for example, at conventions, affected your work?

One always listens and always watches. This is bound to have an influence.

Is there any particular incident (a letter, a meeting, a comment that stands out?

The back and forth at panels during conventions is always instructive, just as much from fellow authors as the fans. It's a big mix, a mindmeld.

Do you have a favourite author or book (or writer or film or series) that has influenced you or that you return to?

1940's cinema. Film Noir generally as a genre. As far as authors go, it's way to many. Standouts are probably Gene Wolfe, Franz Kafka, Ray Bradbury, Shakespeare.

Who is the person you would most like to be trapped in a lift with? or a spaceship?

book cover, Empties, by Jay Caselberg; 180x242

See, that's really difficult because I am sure that the expectation would pale with proximity. Generally, as a reclusive author type, I don't play that well with others, and in close confinement, hmm, well... Anyway, were it to be anyone, maybe Albert Einstein.

Who is the person you would most DISlike to be trapped in a lift with? Or a spaceship?

Several of the people I've worked with over the years.

What would you pack for space? (Is there a food, beverage, book, teddy bear, etc that you couldn't do without?)

My Kindle, fully loaded. Oh and about 600 cows for sustenance.

What is the most important thing you would like to get/achieve from your work?

The ability to change people's thought processes, to mess with their heads.

What is the special satisfaction of your work?

See above. To touch the darkness within and stir it.

submitted by Jay Caselberg

4 August 2014

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Just the facts:
Born: Camden, NSW
Resides: Frankfurt, Germany
Bibliography/Awards:
All at http//www.jaycaselberg.com/pubs.htm