Interviewing Tade Thompson

Hellllooo!

This week I’ve read the excellent, disturbing and compelling Jackdaw by Tade Thompson where a character who just happens to be named Tade Thompson and is a science fiction writer writing also a book inspired by Francis Bacon But for this character it becomes a nightmare of pushing boundary, shame and destruction alongside unusual ghosts related to Bacon constantly watching him. Its brilliant and I was delighted to get to ask Tade some questions about the book and a few other things

Hi, Womble!

How do you like to booktempt Jackdaw? 

I have no idea what that word means.

(Phew fortunately, I can help in these situations. I’ve described Jackdaw as a startlingly fascinating story …and literary fiction being poured into the horror grinder’. Rather fantastic!)

How much prior to writing Jackdaw was Francis Bacon someone who interested you and why?

Science fiction led me to Bacon. The xenomorph in Alien was designed by H.Giger, who took inspiration from a Bacon painting.

Jackdaw explores the tortured artist and mid-life crisis themes we see a lot in media. What did you want to explore differently in this novel?

I treated it as a haunting. Aspects of the mid-life crisis thought patterns bubbled up when stirred by the ghostly goings-on. I also didn’t want the protagonist to be a hero. All of that’s been done to death, and I think readers have infinite variation on the thought patterns of the once-young now-old marginally successful writer.

How was writing Tade Thompson as a character?

The name was a stumbling block. I kept reminding myself that this dude was not me, therefore there was no dignity to hold on to.

Did he do what you expected him to and how far did you want to push yourself into the narrative?

I’m a tyrant with my characters. They do as they’re told or go to bed without their dinner.

As for me, I was just substrate for fungus to grow on.

After writing this did you feel differently about Bacon and making art in general?

Not even a little bit.

What else can we look forward to from you in the future and where can we find out more?

More books, more short stories, more screen stuff, all of varied subject matter because who wants to get bored while writing?

What is your opinion on Galactus and why is Gavin Smith incorrect?

Bit of a glutton, good with kids, shame about the helmet.

Gavin Smith is wrong about everything all the time.

What great books have you read recently?

Industry of Magic and Light by David Keenan.

IN. by Will McPhall.