Below is an interview with author Brendon Luke, author of three books, most recently Unhinged, a memoir/self-help book. Find out about this Australian’s love of wine, sloths, and the beach. Be sure to check out his books, and follow him on Instagram!
About the Author
One gay, writing to the world, about the world. One man writing about what he has done and probably why he has done it. One driven human being, one being, maybe sometimes more, that discovered, that once you decide to do you, things can be a hell of a lot easier. Welcome to my life, welcome to my story, welcome to everything that is to come. Pick me up, the book, idiots. I hope you enjoy it.
Author Name: Brendon Luke
Book titles, genres, and links to buy:
Just Another Ordinary Boy – Gay Lit Biography
Public Enemy No.1 – Travel Adventures
Unhinged – Mental Health
Book Summary
Unhinged, A self help guide on how to fuck up your life. Is a series of short stories that eventually lead the author to his own sanity through the growth and years of his mid 20’s. It’s a satire at nature but highlights some confronting issues like suicide, anorexia and alcoholism. Unhinged is the third book from author Brendon Luke in his series of self-published stories based on real life.
Talking Shop
What is the central theme or message of your story? What do you want readers to take away from it?
The central theme of my books, as corny as it sounds, is to be you! Throughout my life I have been ostracized, bullied and criticised. Every cruel moment has allowed me to embrace myself for me. When I finally started to stop caring what others thought of me, or how they viewed me, a weight was lifted from me, much like that of when I came out to my parents. Life is short, but only you can make it sweet!
What’s the best review/compliment that you’ve received about your book?
I constantly seek advice before a book release from reviewers, I take in as much as I can without trying to lose the core of where my story is coming from. I tend to write from my heart, writing is a passion for me, so it is difficult to take someone else’s take on something so personal. Criticism is hard, but it can also make you so much better.
The best review/compliment I have received was from a reviewer called Rose. Rose wrote to me, “Only you know what story you are trying to tell here.” Rose’s comment really resonated with me; it’s basically my motto for all my writing now.
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
I have been very fortunate with my writing and ideas. It all started one night when I had had too much red wine and was slightly angry at the world and the company I was working for. I decided to do a healthy “rage writing act” to let the angry leave my body to be encapsulated onto the pages in front of me. It was from there that I was inspired to continue such an activity.
It was not only confronting, it also put my mind at ease. Before I knew it, I had written over 200,000 words. It was a pile of mess to begin with, but once I started sorting, they became three books. I had put so much effort, time and love into these books, I couldn’t not allow my lazy self to not publish. So off I went to Google. I typed in, “How to self-publish.”
Do you have a writing ritual or any odd habits or superstitions?
When I first started spilling my thoughts onto the pages, it was definitely more of a healthy outlet than anything to me. Then it became more of ritual, then a habit. I think all writers have a pretty weird sense when it comes to their superstitions about their writing habits, what works, what doesn’t? I do find, though, a glass of wine in hand always helps, and rather to over think, just let the words spill onto the page, worry about the technicalities of it all later.
What is the most fun part about writing? The most difficult?
The best part of writing is the joy I receive from it, this undying love that I never thought could exist for anything. I think the most difficult part is to not over analyse your work, or be frustrated by your lack of creativity that day. You need to embrace every part of it.
“What If” Scenarios
If your book ever becomes a movie, and you get final say over the cast, which actors would you hire to play your characters?
I love this question! Mostly because the first paragraph of Just Another Ordinary Boy states this exact question. I would get Neil Patrick Harris to narrate, due to his shear brilliance and comedic value. To play the infamous me, I would have to go with Chris Hemsworth, not just because he’s super attractive, he is also Australian like me.
If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?
I would pick my grandmother if she was still alive. She was a big part of the inspiration of Unhinged. I also never got the chance to come out to my grandmother either. So to have that lost time and opportunity back would be the most miracle thing I could ever hope for.
If you could be in a writer’s group with up to four famous writers, who would they be?
This one’s easy. Phoebe Waller Bridge, Flea Bag star and writer. Flea Bag, Killing Eve and Run are all genius writing to me. The level of dry humour and sarcastic nature of these pieces really connect with me.
I would love to write a screenplay for a hit TV series with her any day! I wouldn’t want to over complicate the ideas of the script. So I’m going to be super selfish here and only pick Phoebe so I can have her all to myself.
You’re offered a contract to rewrite your book in another genre. Which genre do you choose and why?
I would have to pick SCI-FI or a good old 1990’s serial bomber/crime thriller. SCI-FI is my second love, anything from SCI-FI horror like Event Horizon or The Cell I find really obscure and exciting. I’m also a sucker for great crime serial bombers in 1990 films like Speed or Blown Away. I just think they are really interesting concepts that have sort of been lost behind.
Would you rather own your own book store or your own publishing house, and what would you sell or publish?
Publishing House.
To be able to have the opportunity to own and run my own publishing house would be a dream come true. I would publish struggling young authors who are trying to create a name for themselves or anyone with a great, unusual, fresh concept that may not necessarily appeal to the masses.
Just For Fun
Your trademark feature.
Well, I have currently moved down south to a pretty remote area on property amongst the mountains. So I have run with the theme and started to grow my hair again. It is currently down to my shoulders, and soon I will be the beach bum that everyone dreads.
A movie or piece of music that changed your life.
Music: Stevie Knicks.
I love the weird quirkiness of Stevie. Her songs have actually also inspired me to write a few chapters on a new book I’m working on. Also, glass of wine in hand, music in my headphones, the lyrics inspiring the words that fall onto the page. Plus, you can just listen to Stevie over and over, there is so much choice and so many brilliant hits to discover.
Favorite place you’ve visited/place you want to visit.
Favourite place I have visited is Portugal. The beaches and clear waters are everything you could imagine. Algarve was a small town I particularly fell in love with, small woven streets lined by great pubs and music, with always a hot warm seas salt breeze than came off the beach.
Place I really want to go next is to India. I have always felt drawn to chaotic places. So this one is definitely next on my bucket list!
Food you’d like to win a lifetime supply of.
Wine. It would save me so much money!
Your most unrealistic dream job.
Sloth conservationist and carer. Kristen Bell was on top of this one when she showed off amazing videos of sloths on Ellen’s day time TV program. I just love how slow and adorable they are. Yet in water, they can swim like a pro athlete. They just interest me, are beyond cute, and there is this certain warmth they give off towards you.
Favorite Halloween costume ever.
Myself. I was born on Halloween.
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Really relevant topic, great book. Neat interview!
Book looks like it probably is informative, yet if presented in a fun, interesting way being it’s a satire. Congratulations on your new book and “doing your thing and being true to you”!!
Really nice interview and book!