What’s the new project?

AM: It’s a full-length novel.

So fiction this time?

AM: Yes, fiction this time.

Do we get to know the title now, or is it too early?

AM: It’s too early. It needs a round of editing before I settle on a title.

Did you make a conscious decision to switch to a fictional storyline after publishing What Do You Say to the DJ?

AM: It definitely was a choice to say that I needed to move into a different genre for this one. Plus, DJ really worked because of the interplay with Dara [Shifrer, his co-author] and I’m on my own this time. The memoir was fun but I kept thinking that my life would way more exciting if I took a little creative license with the story.

I think you referred to it as “mostly autobiographical”? Probably a little bit of your trademark sarcasm in there. When you write, do you edit as you work, or do you wait till the end and then polish?

AM: There’s one full length draft where I do a minimal amount of editing. There is definitely rewriting throughout the entire writing because it’s a continuous process of discovery of the characters and the plot. No matter how much I think I know about a character when I really get into the storytelling, things get fine tuned.

Do you have any little quirks when you are writing?

AM: I developed a fine talent for writing with a beer in my hand. It doesn’t disrupt the writing process as much as you might think.

I’ll let that one go. In DJ, part of the story revolves around your dating life. Is the scene better now for you?

AM: Are you asking me out on a date?

No, well, maybe, we’ll talk after. What kind of themes can we expect in the new book?

AM: Thematically, this is almost written as part two of What Do You Say to the DJ? Anyone who has read that will find some similarities in the themes and the angst that drives the characters. It’s about growing older and reaching this point in your late twenties where all of a sudden you have to act like an adult with adult responsibilities and adult relationships. I’m still amazed at how much more complicated life gets as you get older. Many things don’t come easily with adulthood, and part of growing up is learning to deal with it.

You planning on having accompanying art in the book?

AM: I liked the interpretation that artwork brings to the story, so yeah, it’s being planned for inclusion.

So when can we expect the new book?

AM: It will be on sale this winter.