Philip Krummrich lives and works in Morehead, Kentucky, where he directs the Honors Program
and wears a few other hats at Morehead State University. His other published work includes three volumes of translations, some poetry, and a few pieces of travel writing. Born in Illinois, U.S.A. Hopelessly addicted to books, travel, languages, dining. Supports addictions by teaching, which has become an addiction in its own right. Irritated beyond endurance by stupid noise, ugly language, and bad food, but hopes that surgery will not be required.
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Philip Krummrich interview with Meg Tuite
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved your story, “Through and Through.” Perkins reminds me a bit of Ignatius Reilly from A Confederacy of Dunces, one of my favorite books of all time. He is such a lovable, eccentric character. Is there a Perkins you know out there in the world?
I don't know a Perkins; probably he represents a person I wish I could be. I know that I liked the idea of a narrator without (well, almost without) neuroses or ambitions, untortured by angst.
Perkins is much wiser that his boss, Williamson, who attempts to break Perkins down and humiliate him with tedious jobs while waiting outside of his office for hours, yet he understands Williamson and his motivations and never seems to get ruffled by it all. This makes us love Perkins even more. How did you set up the structure for this story? Did you start with a first sentence or get a feel for the characters first?
I started with the concept of an eccentric who waged a campaign against the fast-food spelling of "through." For a long time, I had nothing else, and I discarded a number of attempts to construct a story based on the concept. Once I combined the concept with the notion of a lazy, good-natured detective/narrator, it all fell into place quickly, and I enjoyed every minute I spent writing. Regarding the structure, I always had the sense that the campaign would start off seeming like a joke, and gradually escalate.
I laughed out loud through most of this story! The dialogue is priceless! Have you written many stories before? I see from your bio that you’ve written three volumes of translation, some poetry and travel writing, but how about fiction?
I have not written many stories. I tried a novel once, and still have it in a box somewhere, but I suspect it should stay there. I've also tried my hand at short plays. I appreciate your kind words about the dialogue!
This story is perfect in and of itself, but have you considered a novel based on the inimitable Lynn Perkins? I’d be the first in line to buy a copy!
I did think that I would like to try another story or two, although I was afraid the formula would not hold up for many attempts. Ever since this story was accepted, I have been encouraged to think more seriously about a larger project.
What are you reading at this time?
I have always read miscellaneously, and I dón't think I'm likely to develop more self-discipline at this stage. In the past few weeks, Robert Barnard, Terry Pratchett, Kate Chopin, Byron, lots of poetry.
Who were your greatest influences in writing?
I can tell you some of the writers I have most enjoyed reading, and suspect myself of trying to imitate, at least here and there: Rex Stout, Terry Pratchett, P.G. Wodehouse, Peter Fleming, Peter Mayle, and Bill Bryson. That's obviously a very short list.
What are you working on at this time?
I'm trying to see if I can do anything with the intertwined stories of George Keats and John James Audubon; they got involved in a business deal in the early days of Kentucky, with surprising consequences for them and their families, including John Keats. Creative writing will always have to come third for me, well behind my family and my job, so it may be a long time before I get anything else written.
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