Interview with Author Joe Johnson

Absurdity comes in many flavors in fiction. As editors, we love finding stories that bring in new tastes of the weird and absurd, and Joe Johnson's story "Robot" certainly shares some satisfying elements of both. Read on to learn a little more about the author below!

What makes you keep writing, even when it's hard?

Have you ever seen the documentary Anvil: The Story of Anvil? I watched that and thought, “These guys are nuts. They don’t know when to quit.” It’s something like that.

Advice on creating that you’ve learned by trial and error.

Do not create with the goal of earning the love, respect, or attention of family or friends. This kind of focus-group work makes creation tame and apologetic. God had no focus groups and created scorpions. 

What's your favorite underappreciated novel or short story (a work you never hear anyone else talking about)?

Kafka’s “Poseidon” runs three paragraphs, each shorter than the preceding. It achieves more imagery, characterization, and feeling (of despair, desire, existence) than most novels. 

Do you have a favorite book on writing or creating that's been a helpful resource?

Two: Mystery and Manners by Flannery O’Connor and Consider This by Chuck Palahniuk.

What’s your favorite musical instrument? Why?

Acoustic guitar. Human + acoustic guitar = song. The official instrument of Paul Simon, Phoebe Bridgers, and campfires.

What is your writing strategy? Do you write every day with a rigid schedule, or are you more flexible with your practice?

Discrete selfishness. I take the time I can steal. Then I try not to talk about writing, so not to draw attention to the 8-10 hours each week I’ve vanished into a quiet room. If time is left unguarded, I take it and write more. Sometimes, though, guilt kicks in and I give the stolen time back (plus interest).

How is your closet organized? 

With the same care as a Goodwill appliances aisle.

Have you ever had a supernatural encounter?

I’m Catholic. So, yes and no.

Do you know any magic?

See above.

What’s the one problem with the human condition you wish could be fixed? 

Fear of scarcity.

Why are manholes round?

Because Microsoft.

What is your favorite museum or gallery?

The Maryhill Museum was built as a castle by a utopian nineteenth-century industrialist. It looks south toward the Columbia River. As someone who grew up in art-and-culture-deprived central Washington, it offered my first glimpse at a larger and bigger world, including my first Rodin. It also has the weirdest chess sets.

What do you hope readers gain from your work? 

Surprise, movement, and a glimpse of the eternal.

Joe Johnson writes fiction. He grew up in the Yakima Valley among the hills and river and growing things but moved to Portland in the months before the pandemic. He and his spouse love Chick-fil-A sauce, even though supporting Chick-fil-A divides the family. They buy new bottles because the old ones get trashed by family members or forgotten at restaurants. (joejohnsonwrites.com)