Interview with M.B. Maskovas, Author of The World, Silently Spinning

What can you tell us about your new release, The World, Silently Spinning?

The World, Silently Spinning, is my first full-length novel. I originally had the idea about four years ago. The book is a work of literary fiction set in a post-apocalyptic world. It follows a young woman named Katy, who finds herself as the only human left on Earth. In a deeply emotional journey, Katy reckons with loneliness and loss while moving through the world in the only way she knows how.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I have always been a creator and a writer, but my career took me down a different path. When I decided I wanted to become an author more seriously, I thought back to my roots – reading books like Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut, and The Stand by Stephen King had deeply influenced me as a teenager. I’ve always been an avid reader and wanted to create my own worlds.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

I’ve already touched on this a bit. Still, my top five list would be something like the following (not necessarily in order): The Stand by Stephen King, Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut, anything written by Tamora Pierce, White Oleander by Janet Fitch, The Lord of The Rings by Tolkien.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

I know it’s a boring answer, but I’d love to resurrect and chat up Tolkien. I’d be curious to dissect his writing process – how does he create such elaborate worlds and keep track of everything that happens in them? I’m guessing the content he had saved up is well beyond what we saw in his books. It takes an incredible mind to create that much that is so elaborate.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is getting into the flow – which seems to be so easy when you have an idea that just HAS to come out. You get to tell yourself any story that you want, and there is no one standing over you saying “it would never happen that way” or “that idea is too crazy”. It’s great that you get to create worlds – and my next favorite thing is getting to see the excitement and wonder of other people when they experience those ideas for the first time.

What is a typical day like for you?

I live in a rural mountain town. My usual day starts with waking up and taking care of the animals (watering, feeding, etc.). Then I sit down and write for 1-2 hours every morning – that’s my time. I usually spend time with my consulting work after that and sometimes will sneak in a hike or a walk. I sometimes will write again in the evening and spend the rest of the time with my family (my partner and my dog) or reading/playing a good video game.

What scene from The World, Silently Spinning was your favorite to write?

[Spoilers] You know, there were a few scenes that were just really fun to write in this book. The one that stands out the most to me was writing the scene with the ill-fated rabbits (I’m trying to be generic here because I don’t want to give it away too much). I had a lot of fun with it because it’s the first time things really get topsy turvy in the world, and it’s so visceral and creepy.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

If you don’t ask, the answer is always no—an important lesson not only in consent but in finding your way in the world.

M.B. Maskovas is the author of the new book The World, Silently Spinning.

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