An interview by Alicia Cole.
R.K. Gold is the author of Just Under the Sky, Brinwood, and Lost in the Clouds. He received his BA in English from University of Maryland and his MS in Economics from the University at Buffalo.
Black Fox Literary Magazine: Why do you write?
R.K. Gold: I like it. I mean why not? It’s one of those things I enjoy doing and never regret doing so why would I not try to do it as often as possible?
BFLM: What are the most pivotal experiences in your development as a writer?
RKG: I’m really not sure. I guess when I first read On Writing by Stephen King. It was one of those moments where writing for the rest of my life felt possible.
BFLM: Of your works, do you have a favorite? If so, why?
RKG: Probably Lost in the Clouds. I feel like I become a better writer with each new project so by the time I publish my next book that’ll be my new favorite, and so on. I don’t think I get to look back on my old work and miss the writer I used to be when I still feel myself changing so drastically as a writer. It almost feels like I’m not good enough to regress, like if I became any worse I just wouldn’t be a writer anymore. I don’t know.
BFLM: Your new novella Lost in the Clouds focuses on the rich and fascinating concept of the afterlife. How did your understanding and interest in this topic develop?
RKG: I don’t really have an understanding of the afterlife. I mean does anyone really? I just remembered writing a story in 4th grade about a man lost in a spirit world talking to a spiritual guide (back then it was loosely based on Goku and King Kai) and so I thought I should try writing something like that again. This time though my writing was more influenced by the Gita, and my very limited understanding of Chakras.
BFLM: Neville Canton, your protagonist, undergoes an initiatory process in his journey through the afterlife. What were your inspirations in the development of his journey?
RKG: Mostly just followed his chakras and gave each a test. As I mentioned before I was influenced by the conversation between Arjuna and Krishna in the Gita.
BFLM: What inspires you as a writer?
RKG: I have no idea. I listened to a Colson Whitehead interview recently and I really liked his answer though, of how his writing is basically asking a lot of what if questions.
BFLM: If you could choose three, and only three, books to take with you into the afterlife, what would they be and why? Would you send a message back from any or all of them?
RKG: Shit, I have no idea. I know Confederacy of Dunces would be one but my favorite books are changing constantly. I’d probably pick humorous books though, since eternity is a long time and I wouldn’t mind spending it laughing.
R.K.’s poetry appears in Black FoxIssue 10.
