Quick 5 with Ariel S. Winter

June 13, 2017 William Linker

Author Ariel S. Winter

Eye On The Future

Ariel S. Winter may share a name with a noted young actress on the popular TV sitcom “Modern Family,” but he’s making a name for himself in his own right. The Baltimore author’s second novel, “Barren Cove” (Atria/Emily Bestler Books), recently was released in paperback. Winter was a finalist for The Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Shamus Award and the Macavity Award for his 2012 debut novel “The Twenty-Year Death” (Hard Case Crime Book). He is also the author of the children’s picture book “One of a Kind” (Aladdin), illustrated by David Hitch. Jmore recently spoke to Winter about “Barren Cove,” his influences and his shift from mystery to science fiction writing.

1. What makes “Barren Cove” unique as a story?

It’s set in a world in the not-too-distant future, where robots are now the primary life forms on Earth. The characters function in a very human way, but one of the reasons that makes them interesting is that robots are immortal. There is no reason a robot couldn’t be immortal, so it makes it a different existential question than a human one, because the characters truly have to decide whether they want to die or not.

2. Why are you compelled to write across genres?

I’ve always been a reader, and I think most readers read across the genres. I became a writer in part because I love reading everything. As a kid, I read fantasy and sci-fi, mystery and realistic fiction. When I write, I want to play in those worlds that sort of excited me as a kid.

3. Who influenced you to become a writer?

Well, “Barren Cove” was influenced specifically by Isaac Asimov, of course, and Philip K. Dick. The other huge influences are actually Victorian romances. So “Wuthering Heights” is the obvious one and “Frankenstein,” which is my favorite book. Stephen King, though, has probably been my biggest influence overall.

4. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Obviously, read as much as possible and write as much as possible. A lot of writing does happen in your head, but one of my professors said something that always stuck with me, that the only writing that does matter is what’s done at the desk. Unless you actually put it on paper, it means nothing.

5. What are you reading now?

I’m reading Chester Himes right now. I just finished J.K. Rowling’s mysteries that she wrote under a different name. I just read all three of them; they’re great books. And I just read James Ellroy’s first novel, “Brown’s Requiem.”