1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I began writing and creating art in a more focused way in 2020. Before that, I lived what many would call a “normal life.” I built companies—mostly within the advertising industry—and worked as a creative director at several major U.S. firms. Eventually, I built my own company in Denmark, which grew to around 50 employees and earned 77 international advertising awards. Nice houses, nice kids—it all looked good from the outside, but looking back, it felt a bit trivial.
Then COVID hit. I still remember watching the first Danish press conference in March 2020. It felt disturbingly staged—something was off. As the lockdowns began and fear took over, I noticed how quickly people chose compliance over questioning. I felt I had to respond, and art became my outlet.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
My creative response began with Wilderness State, a poetry and illustration book I made during the first lockdown. It was a raw and honest reaction to what I was seeing in the world around me. The main poem, “Rather Free Than Loved,” became more relevant over time than I ever could’ve imagined. I’ve attached it here with this interview—it captures the emotional and psychological shift I experienced better than anything else.
But by 2022, I realized we still couldn’t talk openly about what had happened. The atmosphere was too divided, too reactive. That’s when Stupid Goose was born—along with the entire Villa Viva universe. I needed a new, symbolic way to explore what we had all gone through. Through simple, animal-like characters, I could look at our behavior from the outside. Stupid Goose became my way of continuing the conversation—without ever needing to say “COVID.”
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The core theme is about reclaiming independent thought and resisting groupthink. Villa Viva was my way of processing this—through symbolic, layered storytelling that holds up a mirror without being preachy. The world I created invites people to reflect—with humor, honesty, and hopefully a bit of courage.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I chose a naive and simplistic storytelling style because what I was trying to say was deeply complex. That simplicity became a strength—it let the deeper truths rise to the surface. Once the characters came to life, I fell in love with them. They started driving the story, and I followed.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I’d sit down with the Lazy Dog. He’s not the most likable, but he’s definitely the most complex. I’d ask why he stays in Villa Viva. What does he really think would be best for that little society? I’m not sure he’d answer. Maybe he doesn’t care. But that says something too.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Instagram has been useful, especially for sharing the visual side of my work. But most of the real traction has come from word of mouth and real conversations. I try to connect directly with people who resonate with the message, rather than just chasing numbers.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Speak your truth—whatever it is. Don’t water it down to make it more acceptable. We live in a time that’s desperate for honesty. If something feels wrong to you, say it. Don’t get swallowed by comfort or groupthink. Art still has the power to break through. Use it.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Yes—depending on how Stupid Goose is received, I already have two more Villa Viva books on the way. That world is still growing. I feel like it’s just getting started.
Website – https://wildernessstate.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wildernessstate/
Discover more from Author Anthony Avina
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