Sixth time’s a charm in the case of Jon Clinch, whose novel, titled simply Finn is an elaborate expansion on the life of Huckleberry Finn’s notorious father, Pap. Clinch wrote his first novel five separate times before arriving finally at a version he felt was suitable. Of writing novels, Clinch, who spoke with NPR this past weekend, said “It’s like building a house out of raisins. It’s the most bizarre thing.” Regardless, he says the failed efforts were still valuable time, and “honestly, I’m just as happy that they’re not out there dragging behind me.” Clinch was discovered on Backspace, BKSP.org, when his current agent read the ten pages Clinch had posted and asked to see more.

And aren’t we glad he did? Finn imagines the life of “Pap” Finn, father to the famous Huckleberry, who appears only briefly, and primarily as a corpse, in Twain’s original text. Clinch took full advantage of the more Gothic aspects of the novel, creating a cast of murdering, moon-shining characters the gives the queen of southern depravity, Flannery O’Conner, a run for her money.

Listen to the full interview.