CrimeReads recently published an interview with James Reich conducted by author Matthew Binder (Pure Cosmos Club, Stalking Horse Press; The Absolved, Black Spot Books). In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss independent publishing, melancholia, and taking risks as artists. Binder describes the origins of their creative friendship and asks some fine questions about The Moth for the Star. From his introduction:
In 2017, I read the novel Patricide, by D. Foy. It’s a brutal and challenging book, full of ungodly sorrow and heartbreak. It’s the kind of book you can’t read before bed because it’ll make sleep impossible. But it’s also a beautiful and tender piece of work. I was curious who would publish such a troubling and unwieldy tome in our current era of idling conformity. The answer is James Reich, the founder and editor of Stalking Horse Press.
In addition to running a publishing house, James is many other things: Englishman, vegan, novelist, essayist, journalist, punk rocker, and ecopsychologist. Shortly after reading Patricide, I learned that James lives in Santa Fe, NM, just an hour’s drive from where I grew up. Now, whenever I’m home, I make the trip out to see him, and we drink martinis and talk books. James is one of the most erudite people I’ve ever met, a man who’s penned a psychoanalytic monograph on the misunderstood psychologist Wilhelm Reich (no relation). You need further proof of his genius? James had the good sense to publish my latest, Pure Cosmos Club. Now, James has his own new novel, The Moth for the Star, coming out on September 12th, from 7.13 Books. It’s a metaphysical murder mystery set in depression-era New York City. I read the book in its entirety earlier this week over a redeye transatlantic flight. In fact, I’m still struggling with jet lag, but I’m eager to discuss the book with James, so here we go…
You can read the whole interview at CrimeReads.
