AUTHOR PROFILE
Jimmy Banta is a writer who loves all things sci-fi. He’s had work published in October Hill Literary Magazine. You can find more of his work at jimmybanta.com.
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Jimmy's work appeared in Pond 66
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Why do you write?
When I write, the Earth melts away, replaced by the world I’m creating. Time seems to slow down and speed up at the same time. And my characters wake up and start speaking through me. Put less mystically, I write because it feels absolutely incredible. I write because I love stories, and the ability to create them out of thin air feels magical.
I would write even if I were the last person on Earth. The fact that there are other people who may get something out of my writing is a wonderful bonus!
I would write even if I were the last person on Earth. The fact that there are other people who may get something out of my writing is a wonderful bonus!
What other creative activities are you involved in?
I love to play piano and guitar. I’m not very good, but even at my solidly amateur level I get similar feelings that I get when writing.
I love making movies – every step of the process, from writing to editing.
I deeply love cooking, if you consider it a creative activity (I do).
In general I love most creative activities, but I’ve never gotten into visual arts like painting/drawing. But life is long and I’m sure I’ll take them up at some point.
I love making movies – every step of the process, from writing to editing.
I deeply love cooking, if you consider it a creative activity (I do).
In general I love most creative activities, but I’ve never gotten into visual arts like painting/drawing. But life is long and I’m sure I’ll take them up at some point.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I always feel a little weird answering this question.
One answer would be Kurt Vonnegut; but the reason why would simply be because a) I like him and b) he’s the author I’ve read most.
Mary Doria Russell (author of The Sparrow, maybe my all-time-favorite book) may be my real answer, but I’ve only read two of her books. But I absolutely love them both – her ability to write characters is absolutely incredible.
Robert Heinlein would be a close second. I love the way he uses his books to express challenging ideas – I feel that, through his books, I’ve become a better person.
One answer would be Kurt Vonnegut; but the reason why would simply be because a) I like him and b) he’s the author I’ve read most.
Mary Doria Russell (author of The Sparrow, maybe my all-time-favorite book) may be my real answer, but I’ve only read two of her books. But I absolutely love them both – her ability to write characters is absolutely incredible.
Robert Heinlein would be a close second. I love the way he uses his books to express challenging ideas – I feel that, through his books, I’ve become a better person.
Tell us about the mechanics of how you write.
Walking is absolutely critical; when I’m ready to write a story, I’ll go on a long walk where all I do is think about it – and somehow my mind just starts churning out ideas. I’ll put all the ideas together on a piece of paper, and do some level of planning. And then I just start writing.
I always write on pen and paper – I’m a stubborn luddite when it comes to this. Does it actually make my writing better? I’ll never know, but I enjoy writing on pen and paper more than typing on a computer.
I always write on pen and paper – I’m a stubborn luddite when it comes to this. Does it actually make my writing better? I’ll never know, but I enjoy writing on pen and paper more than typing on a computer.
Finally, what do you think about Carp, the fish, not our website?
The word carp also means to complain; someone who is carping is someone who is never pleased. What does this have to do with a fish – a creature that can’t speak to save its life?
Carp speaks to the fundamental mystery and randomness of language.
London is a city that slowly emerged over centuries; Manhattan, with its straight lines and boxy blocks, was planned.
Language is like London. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense; sometimes it contains wonderful, random surprises.
In today’s Newspeak world where vowels seem to be disappearing (my favorite is MUD/WTR, a coffee alternative), enjoying language simply for its own sake is under threat. Carp reminds us that language is random, language is spontaneous, language is wonderful and delightful.
Carp speaks to the fundamental mystery and randomness of language.
London is a city that slowly emerged over centuries; Manhattan, with its straight lines and boxy blocks, was planned.
Language is like London. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense; sometimes it contains wonderful, random surprises.
In today’s Newspeak world where vowels seem to be disappearing (my favorite is MUD/WTR, a coffee alternative), enjoying language simply for its own sake is under threat. Carp reminds us that language is random, language is spontaneous, language is wonderful and delightful.