Interview with Richard Easter, author of Cover Stories

What can you tell us about your new release, Cover Stories?

Cover Stories is a book for everyone who enjoys music and literature. I guess it’s what people would now call a “mash up”. I’ve taken 8 classic songs, from artists such as David Bowie (Space Oddity), The Beatles (Dear Prudence) and The Stones (Sympathy For The Devil) and “remixed” them as short stories. So you get to hear Major Tom’s story from Space Oddity, for example. Who he was, how he became an Astronaut (or rather, a “Starman”) and why he doesn’t seem too bothered about being lost in space. Then there’s The Rolling Stones’ devil – why exactly does he need some sympathy? I get “under the hood” of the songs, as it were and fill in the details. It’s as close to reading music as you’ll get.

Who are your literary heroes working today? Why do you admire them?

I have to say, I’ve been a fan of Stephen King since I was a teenager and still am. He has such an identifiable style, like hearing Hendrix play, or Bowie sing. You just know you’re in a King novel, even without seeing the spine of the book. I’d love my writing style to be as recognizable, so that’s why I admire him.

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

They tend to be factual / music books actually, although I keep revisiting Orwell’s “1984” as with every passing year, that becomes less like fiction and more scarily like fact. So, in no particular order;

“1984”

“England’s Dreaming” Jon Savage. Another book I go back to every few years. This takes you right into the world of The Sex Pistols and Punk Rock from a guy who was there. None better book about that whole time, both musically and socio-politically.

“The Last Party” – John Harris. Fast forward from punk 20 years and you get this, the finest dissection of mid ’90’s “Cool Britannia” – takes me back every time and I read this at least once a year.

“The Shining” – Stephen King. Masterpiece, nothing more to add!

“No-One Here Gets Out Alive”- Danny Sugerman. Into the dark heart of Jim Morrisson and The Doors from a writer who became their manager at the age of 16, or something stupid.

What’s on your writing desk?

My writing desk is my lap, with a laptop. So, in the interests of privacy, I shall not describe any further.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Going from a blank page to a whole book, with characters, situations and worlds that never existed into they make their way into black and white (and color in your head!)

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

My wife and daughter. Obvious answer, yes, but sometimes things are obvious because they are obvious, if that makes any sense in a zen kind of way. Music, too, naturally.

What scene in Cover Stories was your favorite to write?

I have to say, it’s all the devil’s speeches in “Sympathy For The Devil”. Many other writers have had fun with that character. I wasn’t the first, and I won’t be the last. Specifically, where Satan meets Jesus. You know that scene in “Heat” where De Niro and Pacino meet? That’s what I had in mind.

Richard Easter is the author of the new book Cover Stories. 

Connect with Richard:
Author Website
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