We chat with author Jonathan Parks-Ramage about It’s Not the End of the World, which is a terrifying climate thriller, a vicious takedown of the uber-wealthy, and a queer family saga that isn’t afraid to punch back.
Hi, Jonathan! Welcome back! How has the past four years been since we last spoke for your debut, Yes, Daddy?
I’ve been so grateful to see the wide and passionate readership that has emerged around Yes, Daddy. The book has resonated with so many people on such a deep level, and seeing how it continues to find new readers to this day is so incredibly gratifying. It is out in the world, doing the work I always hoped it would.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve loved writing and stories ever since I was a young child. There is a picture book I wrote when I was in elementary school called “Witches in Ditches.” It wasn’t exactly Dostoyevski, but it was my first foray into storytelling. It was—as the title suggests—about witches that lived in ditches!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I remember reading Gerald’s Game by Stephen King way too young. I think I picked it up at the library in 4th grade. And boy did that make an impression. I was simultaneously terrified and absolutely riveted. I suppose I’ve had a taste for darkness in literature since I was a kid.
- The one that made you want to become an author: Agatha Christie was another early influence on me. I remember ravaging the library for Miss Marple mysteries as a kid, devouring them like they were candy. If I could transport people in the way that Agatha Christie transported me, I felt that would be an incredible dream come true.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Trees by Percival Everett. So wildly brilliant, so unlike anything I’d ever read before. Everett is one of my favorite writers in general, he has such incredible range. He can seemingly tackle any subject matter in any genre and absolutely succeed. He is such an innovative thinker, such a gifted prose stylist, and such a wildly unique writer.
Your latest novel, It’s Not the End of the World, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
A bonkers gay dystopian rollercoaster.
What can readers expect?
They can expect a wild genre-mashup, that blends brutal gore, provocative sexuality, disturbing projections of our future, and biting satirical wit.
Where did the inspiration for It’s Not the End of the World come from?
It was born out of my own feelings of dread and anxiety about where America and the world is headed, as we grapple with the oppressive forces of capitalism, patriarchy, and climate change. I wanted to confront my fears head on, and try to imagine how we could find hope amidst so much horror.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
The book is set in the near future, but the dystopia depicted within is not the result of some crazy, world-altering event. Rather it is a grounded projection of where we might be, based on where we currently are as a society. I found the research both satisfying and horrifying, though I did find solace in researching resistance and activist movements throughout history, to see how marginalized populations have fought against oppression in the past.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
The plotting in this book was more complex than in my last, and definitely required significant outlining to make sure everything was tracking correctly.
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on a new novel! I am still in the early writing stages, so I’m still keeping the logline under wraps. But rest assured it will be even more wild than this one!
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
Deep House by Jeremy Atherton Lin is fantastic. I was such a fan of his first non-fiction book Gay Bar, which was a personal history of gay bars. This one takes a similar approach to marriage equality. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors is every bit as good as the hype would suggest! Next up for me is Paul Preciado’s Dysphoria Mundi.
