Interview with Author Billy O’Keefe
These Are My Friends on Politics:
A Children’s Book For Adults Who
Occasionally Behave Like Kids
1. What inspired you to write your book?
It all started with the name. It was near the merciful end of the 2012
election, I was waiting on a few friends at a restaurant, and I was seated near
a table of folks who were enjoying pleasant conversations about any old thing
when, suddenly, someone mentioned the election and the whole tone of the table
turned on a dime. No one broke any dishes or threw food or anything, but the
verbiage was ugly in a way that compels people (like me) to stare, and the
speed with which it turned personal would have been impressive had it not been
so distasteful. It was like a drug or some kind of hypnosis took over. And,
when one person abruptly suggested they all drop it and the conversation just
as quickly reverted back to smiles and pleasantries, it was as if that drug or
trance just wore off. I'd seen this effect in action before and always
found it amusing (if a little scary). But for whatever reason, that
conversation put the book's title in my head, and I scribbled it down as a
potential idea for a drawing. In the ensuing days, as I thought more about it,
I realized there was more material than a single drawing could take on. A few
pages full of scribbled half-ideas later, a book idea was born.
2. What is it about?
It's a children's book for adults about what happens when fully-grown,
ostensibly mature adults start discussing politics with one another.
3. What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish
your book?
I hope people take to heart the notion that we're a lot more similar
than we are different, and that we all want many of the same things despite
politicians and commentators working so hard to make our differences seem
irreconcilable. But more than that, I hope simply to make people
laugh a little about this nightmare of an election year we endured. I feel like
a lot of folks will need a deep breath in November no matter who wins, and
hopefully this will help with that.
4. What advice do you have for writers?
Honestly, this is such cliched advice at this point, but just sit down
and do it. That's the hardest part. Writing a book, even a kids book that's more pictures than words, is
intimidating, and there are countless ways to talk yourself out of ever getting
started. Same with trying to promote and sell the book later. Doubt, anxiety,
imposter syndrome and any number of other ailments come with the territory when
embarking on a career to which there is no invitation. Face and respect those
obstacles, but don't let them talk you out of bringing a story you believe in
to life. As bad as doubt is, regret feels far worse. And you don't need an
invitation or anybody's approval to tell your story.
5. Where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
I have no earthly idea. As romantic as the notion is that anyone can
publish their own book at any time without the middleman telling them they
can't, selling books is part of the job, and that's still extremely difficult
to do without help. Curation will always be crucial and I don't think we've
found a good method for it when it comes to self-published books. If that ever
happens, we could be in for a revolution. Until then, I don't know if I see
much changing, though I am excited to see what the likes of Inkshares and
Unbound look like in five years. That intersection, where DIY entrepreneurship,
curation and traditional publishing infrastructure meet, is what I hope
publishing becomes.
Also, with sincere apologies to trees everywhere, I'm delighted physical
bookstores have endured and have their arrow seemingly pointing back up. I love
my Kindle, but the tangible book still holds considerable value to me, and that
holds doubly true for tangible bookstores. Twenty years in, browsing online for
books still isn't a good experience.
6. What challenges did you have in writing your book?
The notion of translating this from a one-note joke into a full-blown
story provided some roadblocks. I wanted to make something that told a story
and nudged people into being a little nicer, but without hitting them over the
head with some obnoxiously preachy lesson. It had to remain funny no matter
what. That took a few (dozen) passes at the initial draft, but I think I got
there.
7. If people can only buy one book this month, why should it be yours?
Observe the sheer amount of arguments, Facebook rants, hot takes, ironic
hashtags and screaming cable personalities swirling assaulting your eyes and
ears every day of this election year. If you need a breather and a laugh, this
is here to give you both. If you need a holiday gift that will provide some
perspective to the more politically insufferable friends in your life without
making it blatantly obvious you're doing that, this also is it, because they'll
enjoy it too. This might be the one politically-related book you
can give to your political argument arch nemesis and enjoy reading together.
It's that kind of book. Remember, a few weeks after the election ends, the War on Christmas
resumes. Seize on whatever happy respite you can.
For more information, please consult: https://www.inkshares.com/books/these-are-my-friends-on-politics-0985
and http://friendsonpolitics.com/.
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