Q&A with Jon Methven

Jon Methven is a novelist and humorist who lives in New York City. His first novel, “This is Your Captain Speaking,” was published in June 2012, but his work has appeared in Timothy McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The New York Times, New York magazine, Buzzfeed, The Morning News, n+1 and The Awl.

What are the best books you’ve read recently?
I just read “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving” by Jonathan Evison, which was brilliant, as was “Beautiful Ruins” by Jess Walter. I reread Stephen King’s “On Writing” once a year. Also in the nonfiction genre, “The Visioneers” by W. Patrick McCray, is really great – it’s about, in part, space colonization.

What was your favorite book as a child?
“The Giant Jam Sandwich,” about a small town invaded by wasps, and they all pitch in to build a giant sandwich to trap them in it. It’s brilliant. I read it to my son now.

Why do you enjoy attending book festivals, either as a presenter or audience member?
I enjoy meeting other authors and hearing their approach and ideas.

Have you been to the D.C. area before? If so, what is your favorite thing about it?
My first experience with the D.C. area was as a child, when my parents took me on vacation. I loved the monuments and museums. Now I enjoy going with my wife for seafood and beer.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, aspect of being a writer?
The waiting. You’re always waiting, and if I don’t have a new project to keep me busy, it drives me mad.