Frequently Asked Questions
How can I follow you on social media?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/John.W.Maly
X: https://twitter.com/John_W_Maly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.w.maly/
Who were your literary influences?
Historically, it’s a long list, but it includes Hemingway, Dickens, and Hunter S. Thompson on the literary side, Tolkien in fantasy, and Neal Stephenson in sci-fi. Dickens’ Bleak House was a big early influence on Juris Ex Machina, particularly on the Foxwright scenes.
What else have you written?
I’ve written various poems and short stories. My first short story Into the Sunset was a finalist in the Writers of the Future contest, and that got some useful editorial feedback from the late Dave Wolverton. I later wrote another short story called Living Room. Neither of these stories has been published, but I may release them as part of some future promotion. (I’ve also written some depressing poems, one of which was published in 166 Palms, a Stanford University literary anthology.)
What's your favorite book of all time?
Tough question, but I’m going to say An Island to Oneself by Tom Neale.
Did you really sleep underwater?
Yes! I spent a few nights in “La Chalupa”, a former undersea lab that is actually now an underwater hotel in Key Largo.
Do you accept unsolicited story ideas/manuscripts?
No.
Do you have a particular political affiliation?
Yes.
What's your favorite hot sauce?
This is a difficult but important question. At any given time, I have two dozen kinds, from as many different countries, in the door of my refrigerator. If I had to pick a single brand, it would be Marie Sharp’s from Belize. I also have a weakness for hot sauces containing fruits. I avoid sauces that are all heat and no flavor, because life is too short for that nonsense.
What's your favorite rum?
The next one.
What's your favorite scotch?
As alluded to in Juris Ex Machina, it’s Lagavulin 21. SMWS 29.63 (a Laphroaig 18-year from 1989) was also quite nice.
What are your views on serving scotch over ice?
It’s barbaric. Don’t do it!
Will you be my spirit animal?
I’m already your spirit animal’s spirit animal.
Is it true that you died?
No, but check back periodically as this is subject to change.
