Finding the Funny in the Absurd: A Q&A with Barry Smith, Author of The Deranged Ramblings of a Fevered Mind

Why does a workday drag while a week flies by? Why does whichever supermarket queue you choose inevitably contain the customer with the unpriced item? And if slimming pills really worked, shouldn't the jar get smaller too?

These are just some of the questions occupying Barry Smith's wonderfully wandering mind.

In The Deranged Ramblings of a Fevered Mind, Barry turns his attention to everything from politics, religion and science to ageing, technology, British weather, supermarket trolleys and the peculiarities of everyday life. Sometimes philosophical, frequently satirical and always ready to find humour where you least expect it, his observations invite us to laugh at the modern world while perhaps questioning it a little too.

We caught up with Barry to discover where his observations come from, how humour helps him make sense of the world’s absurdities, and to get to know the man behind the ramblings as he begins his publishing journey.

The Deranged Ramblings of a Fevered Mind is a brilliant title. Where did it come from, and how accurately would you say it describes what goes on inside your head?

It could have come from one of the many voices in my head, none of which I have any control over. They don't get on together. I try to ignore them, especially the grumpy one that tells me I can't afford things.

Your observations range from supermarket queues and British weather to politics, religion, science, war and the future of humanity. Where do these thoughts usually begin? Are you constantly noticing things and mentally storing them away?

It's my natural curiosity, covering many subjects and aspects of life. I think it demonstrates how extensive my ignorance is.

Some of the funniest observations in the book begin with completely ordinary frustrations and then take an unexpected turn. Do the punchlines tend to arrive immediately, or do you find yourself working on an idea until you discover the twist?

I think it's just looking at things from a different angle and through a very distorted lens. I've no claim to originality. I've been exposed to a lot of knowledge and experience over the years, so I've bound to have been heavily influenced by others.

Beneath the humour, there are some surprisingly serious reflections on humanity, from inequality and prejudice to the environment and the way we treat one another. How important was it to you that the book could make people think as well as laugh?

My thinking can be serious or light-hearted, and this is reflected in the content. The aims were to make people laugh, think, and maybe also be baffled.

You clearly enjoy playing with language, grammar and familiar sayings, often taking phrases we've heard hundreds of times and turning them completely on their heads. Have words and wordplay always fascinated you?

The written word has been important to me. That's mainly because I have no ability whatsoever in graphic arts.

There are hundreds of observations in the book. How did you actually build the collection? Were you carrying notebooks around, adding thoughts as they occurred to you, or did the book begin more deliberately?

Like most people, I can usually think of something witty or clever to say, but only later when it's too late, and then I've forgotten it by the time the opportunity arises again. So the idea was to record my thoughts on an app. Easy to start, impossible to stop.

One line says, “If I can make one person smile during the day, the day has been a success.” Is that ultimately what you hope this book does for its readers?

That, and providing some comfort and inspiration.

What does a perfect day look like for you when you have absolutely nothing you need to do?

I think it would involve warm weather, good news from the lottery, compliments from those around me, and green at the local traffic lights. In fact, forget the others; just the traffic light thing would do.

Away from the observations and humour on the page, what is one thing about you that readers might be surprised – or amused – to discover?

I think I've got an unhealthy addiction to cryptic crosswords. If there isn't a collection to hand, I start to suffer withdrawal symptoms.