Getting to Know Jan Notzon

Jan Notzon is a writer best currently known for releasing his latest novel, the Id Paradox. To learn more about his book and inspiration, check out the interview between he and I below.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led-up to you
writing The Id Paradox?

I'm a one-time actor and playwright who wondered why it was so thrilling,
even liberating to play a demonic character like Richard III. Doing it
well enough to gain effusive accolades, I chose a story in which I could
explore that primitive, bestial part of us that goes after what it wants
without a thought for others.

Can you tell us a little bit about The Id Paradox?

The Id Paradox is about three friends, Jake, Artie and Connors, whose bond
is forged on an almost fatal canoe trip, is tested by the apparent death
of Artie and Jake's belief that Connors is responsible, and is again
cemented by Artie's rescue from a Mexican prison and their efforts to heal
his broken spirit.

What inspired you to write the book?

I was inspired by a question: is that bestial part of us something to be
fought, to be gotten rid of? Or is it an essential part of us without
which we could not function?

How did you come up with the title?

If it is an essential part of us yet causes such evil, that is a paradox.

What was the writing process like and did you face any challenges
writing the book?

Oh gosh, there are so many challenges in telling a complex story. I always
want to bring a feeling of closure for the reader but not spoon-feed a
conclusion. I'd rather the reader tell me what the story is about and what
he or she got out of it.

What was the highlight of writing this book for you?

I suppose the greatest pleasure was in finishing it, although they say a
work of art is never finished, just abandoned. I loved describing the
canoe trip, which I actually took, the devotion of the three friends and
the exploration of what makes us who we are.

Do you have any other projects or events coming up?

I'm working on my fifth novel now. It is quite a challenge as it concerns
Polish immigrants in the 19th century, and there is very little
information on them. Consequently, it really taxes my imagination.

What do you hope readers will take away from The Id Paradox?

Well, what I want most of all is for the reader to be captivated by the
story. If it inspires them to think about themselves and this life we
share, that is so much gravy.

Where can people buy a copy of the book?

People can order it online from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or order it from
their local bookstore, which I would love for them to do, to keep your
local bookstores open!