Mundanity received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Jonathan Carreau.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Mundanity. It was released on Bookbaby on 05/06/2022.
What’s the book’s first line?
Vince tapped his fingers on the kitchen counter.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch.
On its surface, Mundanity is a coming-of-age story about a young man learning about the world around him, but it’s really about how entrenched attitudes about beliefs and identity shape the world around us, and how we can address the subject of diversity without succumbing to prejudicial hatred.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The 2016 US election, the Islamophobia of the 2000s, Gamergate, and anti-LGBTQ activism.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Assuming the reader isn’t put off by the fact that the book is about diversity, Mundanity seeks to cut through the confusion of rising bigotry in the world. Why is it happening? Am I bigoted and don’t know it? If so, what can I do to be better? Just how much prejudice is there in the modern world? And does it really shape our lives to that degree? Not to mention it presents ideas of how to combat injustice in a world like ours.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The most distinctive aspect about Vince, the main character, is his willingness to learn. He studied hard to get the job he starts off with at the beginning of the novel. He’s not always right about everything, but he’s always willing to learn. This open mindedness is not shared with some of the other characters. Vince is not based on anyone in particular, but some of the things that happen to him are inspired by events in my own life.
When did you first decide to become an author?
The year 2011. My local newspaper put out an article about self-publishing books on the internet. I had dreamed of being an author, but thought there was no chance a publisher would ever be interested in what I had to write. 2011 was when I got serious about writing.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No. This is my second full-length novel, although it is the first I’ve made available in physical copies.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
30 to 60 minutes usually. I’m not a voracious writer. Words don’t always come naturally to me.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do every single little thing by yourself. Not everyone is a con artist trying to grift your money or ideas.
Is there something in particular that motivates you?
Being able to live off just creative endeavors like my novels is one part, but my biggest motivation is to change the world for the better. If I can convince one person to recognize their mistakes and become a better human being, I will have done my job.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
07Ryukishi, the creator and author of When They Cry from Japan.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.