Steven W. Simon Explores Outsiders, Misfits, and Creative Freedom in His Genre-Defying Writing

Steven W. Simon, author of Red as Apple and Into the Fracking Fields, brings powerful, genre-defying stories to life.
Defying Genres With Unconventional Narratives
Steven W. Simon discusses his themes of outsiders and misfits, his journey as an independent author, and how his works challenge genre conventions to explore the complexities of the human experience.
Steven W. Simon is an author whose work resonates deeply with readers who have ever felt like outsiders. His evocative storytelling and poignant poetry capture the essence of those who exist on the fringes of society, offering a voice to the misfits and the misunderstood. Simon’s ability to create complex characters and vivid settings makes his works memorable, lingering in the minds of readers long after they turn the final page.
In a recent interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Simon delves into the inspiration behind his diverse body of work and discusses his unique approach to writing. His novellas, such as Red as Apple and Into the Fracking Fields, showcase his talent for crafting immersive worlds that reflect the complexities of the human condition. Through these stories, Simon explores the themes of alienation and the struggles of those who don’t fit societal norms, drawing on his own experiences as a self-identified misfit.
Simon explains that his personal experiences of feeling “like a goofy, weird, short kid” have shaped his approach to writing. In his novella Into the Fracking Fields, the character Michael mirrors his adolescent self—unsure and desperate to fit in. In Red as Apple, Simon presents Ansel, an adult version of himself: quiet, worn down by failures, but deeply committed to his child. These characters are not merely fictional; they are reflections of the author’s own journey.
“Simon’s evocative storytelling and powerful character-driven narratives illuminate the struggles of outsiders, marking him as a uniquely impactful voice in literature.”
As an independent author, Simon embraces complete control over his work. “I have complete control of my work and marketing,” he shares, emphasizing the freedom it affords him to write without the constraints of marketability. However, this independence also means that the responsibility for success or failure rests solely on his shoulders. Despite the inherent challenges, Simon values the creative freedom his path provides.
The setting of Into the Fracking Fields plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. Drawing inspiration from the disrepair of coal mining towns and the Rust Belt, Simon brings a sense of hopelessness to the story, while also incorporating a more speculative aspect involving hydraulic fracking and gas drilling. The setting, located within the New Madrid Seismic Zone, serves as a reflection of America’s sociological and racial disparities. Through this dystopian world, Simon raises questions about the nature of American experiences and the blurred lines between “normal” life and dystopia.
Simon’s genre-defying approach challenges conventional expectations. He admits that his works could be categorized as “general fiction” but acknowledges the fluidity of this label. “Maybe ‘Americana’?” he muses, comparing his style to a blend of John Steinbeck and Jack Kerouac. This genre-less writing, while freeing, presents challenges in finding an audience. The digital age’s focus on keywords and compartmentalization makes it difficult for authors like Simon to find a streamlined path to success. Yet, he remains committed to writing stories that connect with readers on a deep level, hoping that they see themselves in his characters and take something meaningful away from his work.
Balancing multiple forms of writing, including novels and poetry, is another aspect of Simon’s creative process. He notes that the transition between these forms requires time and space. Novels often begin with a single scene that evolves into a broader narrative, while poetry springs from observations or feelings, offering a different kind of creative outlet. This dual approach allows Simon to explore a range of emotions and experiences, from the profound to the mundane.
Steven W. Simon’s works offer a window into the complexities of the human experience, giving voice to those on society’s margins. His ability to blend raw emotion with sharp social commentary makes him a distinctive voice in contemporary literature, and his commitment to independent authorship ensures that his work will continue to challenge readers’ perceptions of genre and storytelling.