Brandon Hobson and I discuss Forest of Fortune through the lens of addiction to drugs and gambling. Not your average interview. This one might surprise you.

BH: Tell me—what’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

JR: Think of yourself as an artist. Knowing your craft is essential, but you’re not a barrel maker. You’re not a framer. You’re not hammering little cabinets together. You’re a fucking artist, so take risks everyday. You weren’t put on this planet to follow rules.