Arlo Gust

Author of Dolphins on Acid

Arlo Gust, a name whispered in literary circles with a mix of curiosity and intrigue, burst onto the scene with his debut novel, “Dolphins on Acid.” For a first-time novelist, Gust’s journey to literary acclaim is as unconventional as the characters that populate his imaginative worlds.

Residing in the quiet corners of Virginia alongside his supportive wife, Arlo Gust has taken a path to writing paved with unexpected twists. A former cat herder turned aspiring astronaut, he harbors a whimsical dream of crafting a rocket from repurposed items—a testament to his boundless creativity and determination.

Despite his eccentric aspirations, Arlo Gust has plenty of intellectual pursuits that are equally eclectic. His reading habits oscillate between the existential philosophies of Nietzsche and the pragmatic wisdom of Dale Carnegie, offering a glimpse into the diverse inspirations that shape his writing style.

Deep-seated in his beliefs,  Arlo Gust finds that his spiritual compass points towards the ancient astronaut theory—a testament to his fascination with the mysteries of the cosmos and humanity’s place within it. His favorite color, orange, might raise an eyebrow or two, often associated with unconventional thinking but embraced by Arlo Gust with unapologetic enthusiasm.

Musically inclined in ways that mirror his literary eclecticism, Gust’s auditory preferences sway towards the haunting melodies of Mongolian throat singing. Yet, in a twist that mirrors his penchant for the unexpected, Arlo Gust counts his favorite instrument as the humble kazoo—a nod to his playful spirit amidst intellectual pursuits.

Beyond the realms of literature and space exploration, Gust boasts an unexpected prowess: he is a professional cornhole player. Perhaps it is in the precision of aiming for a target that Arlo Gust finds a parallel to the discipline required in crafting his narratives—each throw a metaphor for the careful construction of words and ideas.

In addition to his literary and cosmic pursuits, Arlo Gust finds solace and inspiration in the simpler joys of life. A devoted aficionado of fish watching, Gust spends leisurely hours by tranquil ponds and streams, captivated by the graceful dance of aquatic life beneath the surface. His keen eye for detail, honed by years of observing feline companions, now finds fulfillment in the serene beauty of underwater worlds.

Yet, Gust’s interests don’t end with the contemplative tranquility of fish watching. In a display of his whimsical charm, he has also cultivated a surprising talent for pig calls—a skill that brings laughter and wonder to gatherings with friends and fellow enthusiasts. With each oink and snort echoing through Virginia’s rolling hills, Arlo Gust reminds us that amidst the complexities of existence, there exists joy in embracing the unexpected and celebrating life’s myriad passions.

Arlo Gust’s creativity extends beyond the realms of literature and outer space, delving into the realms of color and craft. A fervent enthusiast of color by number, Gust finds delight in the meticulous process of bringing vibrant scenes to life, one numbered section at a time. His patience and attention to detail, honed by years of observing and interacting with his feline companions, now manifest in his ability to blend hues with precision and finesse.

In a testament to his ingenuity and resourcefulness, Arlo Gust has also embarked on a unique artistic endeavor: crafting intricate pieces from popsicle sticks. With a keen eye for design and a penchant for repurposing everyday materials, he transforms humble wooden sticks into stunning sculptures and mosaics that reflect his eclectic tastes and imaginative spirit. Each creation, whether a miniature rocket poised for liftoff or a whimsical interpretation of cosmic constellations, embodies Gust’s unwavering dedication to merging artistry with innovation.

Through his passion for color by number and art made from popsicle sticks, Arlo Gust not only enriches his own life with creative expression but also inspires others to explore the boundless possibilities of artistic exploration. In the quiet corners of Virginia, amidst the rustling of leaves and the occasional oink of a playful pig call, Gust’s artistic pursuits serve as a testament to the transformative power of passion and the enduring allure of unconventional dreams.

Arlo Gust’s hands are as familiar with the heft of power tools as they are with the pen. A self-proclaimed fixer of things that aren’t broken, Gust’s affinity for power tools reveals yet another layer of his multifaceted personality. In his Virginia home, the hum of drills and the whirr of saws are as common as the turning of book pages. With an insatiable curiosity and an innate desire to tinker, Gust often finds himself immersed in projects that defy conventional logic—refining, modifying, and enhancing items that others might consider perfectly functional.

This passion for fixing the unbroken isn’t merely about the end result but the process itself. For Arlo Gust, each project is a journey of discovery, an opportunity to meld creativity with craftsmanship. Whether he’s retrofitting a bookshelf with hidden compartments or designing an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine from household items, Gust’s endeavors exemplify his belief in the perpetual potential for improvement and innovation. Through his love of power tools and his penchant for the seemingly unnecessary, Arlo Gust continues to challenge norms, proving that the pursuit of perfection is a craft in itself.

In “Dolphins on Acid,” the first time novelist Arlo Gust weaves a tapestry of surrealism and introspection, blending elements of science fiction with philosophical undertones. His prose, akin to the gentle ebb and flow of Virginia’s rivers, carries readers through uncharted waters of the mind, challenging perceptions and beckoning them to question the very nature of reality.

As Gust embarks on his literary odyssey, his debut novel stands not only as a testament to his creative prowess but also as a harbinger of things to come. With a mind as vast as the universe he dreams of exploring, Arlo Gust remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring novelists and dreamers alike, proving that within the unlikeliest of narratives, the most profound truths may unfold.

Arlo Gust’s aspirations extend beyond the realms of writing and outer space, embracing a touch of the fantastical and the fortuitous. With any money raised from the sale of his debut novel, “Dolphins on Acid,” Gust intends to indulge in the purchase of magic beans and lottery tickets. This whimsical plan reflects his belief in the power of dreams and the allure of the unknown. The magic beans symbolize his hope for miraculous possibilities and adventures, while the lottery tickets represent a chance at serendipitous fortune. Through this blend of whimsy and hope, Gust continues to weave a narrative where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, echoing the enchanting and unpredictable journey of his own life. 

Email Arlo Gust at [email protected].
View Arlo’s profile on. Goodreads.