By now, you may have caught wind of the viral sensation brewed between Jack Daniels’ legal and local author Patrick Wensink. If not, here’s a summary:
Local author publishes book. Author’s publisher chooses a cover that pays homage to Jack Daniels, tying into said book’s plot. Brown-Foreman Corporation notices said book cover, along with hundreds of other copyright infringements, and sends a classy letter to said author. Said author blogs about said letter. Much virality ensues, landing said author’s book on the best-seller list.
The great news is, Patrick Wensink’s book already had great reviews. As he says in his interview with WFPL’s Erin Keane, “I’d like the world to be applauding me because I make Hemingway look stupid, but I’ll take trademark infringement.” That gave me a chuckle, so of course I immediately sought out Wensink for an interview.
First of all, congrats on the huge success of your book. Has it sunk in yet? Do you have any specific plans for what you’ll do next? Entourage? Book tour? Publicist?
Broken Piano for President, shockingly, is sticking in the Amazon Top 100. Right around #45. That’s unheard of for a small, independent press and author. It’s been overwhelming and flattering.
Next, we’ll be releasing a collection of my nonfiction essays this fall and a novel in early 2013.
You mentioned you watch a young baby, and joked on Facebook about having to put off a Yahoo! interview until nap time. Are you a work-at-home dad? I personally work from home while managing four kids ages 1-11, so I feel ya, dawg. What are the challenges you face as a writer, with a baby as a sidekick?
Yes, I’m a work at home dad. We have a 9 month old boy who is just discovering how well his fingers fit into light sockets, so it’s tough!
Time and focus are the biggest challenges. I used to have 8 hours a day of peace and quiet and focus. Now I squeeze my writing into nap times. I have also taken up the oh-so-healthy habit of drinking coffee at 10pm and staying up late to work while the rest of the house is in bed.
Yesterday I nearly had to bring him into the NPR studio to do an interview until I found a last minute sitter. It’s been crazy balancing being a parent and a suddenly internet-famous person. But I’ll look back fondly, assuming I don’t have a stroke.
In the past, I’ve noticed authors who were on the receiving end of viral book successes were hungry to talk about something other than the hype. So, please, Mr. Wensink, tell us about your book!
It’s a dark comedy about a man who is more productive when he’s drunk than when he’s sober. It’s filled with booze and hamburgers more addictive than meth and angry cosmonauts. Just like Hemmingway, I’m told!
What’s your poison? How much do you drink? Need we alert local authorities?
I drink daily. Not usually to drunkenness, but I am a bourbon man. Which makes it hard for me to love a Tennessee whiskey, but Jack Daniel’s is growing on me for obvious reasons.
Where do Louisville/Southern Indiana readers know you from, outside of your books?
Project Improv! I am an improv comedian, too. We perform the last Thursday of every month at the Bard’s Town. It’s free!
Who are your favorite writers from the local area?
My friend Jason Jordan is a great local writer. My favorite writer, though, isn’t a writer. I’m obsessed with Will Oldham’s lyrics. Beautiful.
Nice dancing, too!
Tell us about your favorite bookstores/coffee shops/writing haunts.
Bar None. The best bookstore in Louisville is Second Story Books on Highland Ave. John Ashley curates a weird collection in a funky old house. Best used books anywhere in town!
I swear, we have the coolest authors in the Louisville area, folks. Thanks for making some time for me in your day, Patrick, and all the best to you with your writing career.
Readers, if you know an author who deserves to shine in the Local Author Spotlight, please get in touch. Either side of the river is fine–we speak Southern Indianaese, too! Books about relevant local subject matter are encouraged, as well. Email RedTashBooks@gmail.com and please put “LouisvilleKY.com Author Spotlight” in your email subject. Thanks!
Leslea Tash is a Southern Indiana journalist-turned-novelist. Formerly a freelancer, she now writes dark fantasy, horror, fairy tales, and other fun stuff including the 5 star, Amazon “Hot New Release” Troll Or Derby under the pen name Red Tash. She always welcomes your feedback on this column on the LouisvilleKY.com site, on Facebook, on her websites or twitter. Just about anywhere works. Get in touch!
