Truant D. Memphis is the author of Little Thumb Sneezed. In the book, Littlethumb Brooks sneezes one morning while getting ready for school and the whole world freezes (or stops, if you will) in time, sending him to a spirit world in between life and death. The beginning of the book deals with his return from the spirit world, waking up on the same morning as the day the world froze. It is quickly discovered he has developed prodigious artistic talent. The first half of the story follows his rise to fame as a child, guided by his art teacher and an agent (the teacher's childhood friend). It culminates in a horrible tragedy that leaves the world believing Littlethumb is dead. The second half of the book deals with the rediscovery of Littlethumb as an adult, both by the world, and by Littlethumb, who intentionally had his own memory erased. The plot follows a court case to prove his identity, falling in love, and the unraveling of the mystery behind his childhood tragedy. While the premise is based on the fantasy element of Littlethumb traveling to the spirit world, the book is mostly a comedy, with a satirical poke at American popular culture. It is also the introduction of Littlethumb as a serial character. The tone is mostly humorous, with absurd comedic moments balanced by the unfortunate reality of tragedy in life.
Learn more about the author's passion and motivation for writing in his interview below.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing creatively most of my life. I finished my first novel about 10 years ago, set it aside and went to work on another one. Then another one, then another...
What is your most recent literary/artistic project?
I'm not certain if this question is for an available work or one in progress. My first self-published title Littlethumb Sneezed is available now. I am currently waiting on proof copies of a new title, Post Oh!pocalypto Poppycock.
What inspires you to write?
I am inspired to write by 2 main things: The insanity of existence and the happenstance of being born with a vivid imagination. Also, I spent a considerably amount of time alone as a child. the voices in my head had to have some stage to play on.
Who’s your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is Kurt Vonnegut, although Tom Robbins gives him a run for his money. My love for Vonnegut's writing stems from his wry sense of humor and his general style. It's very interesting to start with his early works and see the progression his style takes over the years.
What advice can you give to other authors or writers?
I honestly don't feel in a position to advise other authors, other than to pass along one key piece of advice I absorbed early on that was crucial to me: Develop a routine and stick to it. Also, I saw an old video of John Cleese giving a lecture where he said, and I paraphrase, "you must fiercely defend your creative time." Writing a novel often means sacrificing other things you might like to do so you have time to write, and it can also require a lot of telling other people "no". Wow. I guess that means part of my advice is be a little selfish?
Where can readers go to find out more information about your work?
I have a Goodreads page, newly created Facebook page, and a few twitter accounts. My @truantmemphis twitter account is my feed with my wife and a coworker where we keep up with one another while we work. I also have @bekindhumans where I post jokes, promote my book and do other normal twitter stuff. Here are links: