On Michael Silverblatt’s Bookworm radio show (KCRW) there’s a fine interview with Mario Vargas Llosa. They discuss how realist stories have supplanted magicalism in Latin American literature and the use of humor. They talk much about writing itself, and the point-of-view of a donkey. The link is: http://www.kcrw.com/etc/mario-vargas-llosa
March 7, 2011
Writing: The Sweetest Curse
Writing is like pro football—you have to work at it until you sweat every day (and, of course, the injuries are more severe).
February 22, 2011
Writing: Abuse Most Pleasurable
I just spent an hour typing a new page into my novel while sitting in my underwear on the edge of my bed. I’m in bare feet, it’s ten degrees out, and there’s no heat in my bedroom. My skin is freezing. But my story is set on an island near Cuba where it’s eighty-five degrees in the shade, so I’m warm as a fetus . . . in my mind. My feet, however, are suing my brain for negligent affliction of frostbite and they want an immediate divorce. I’m hoping my heart will step in and adjudicate the matter, but it’s too busy being happy about the page I wrote. Sometimes writing is a form of abuse most pleasurable.
February 13, 2011
From Ice to Iceplant Flower
Seen too much ice lately? Has it frozen your pen or your keyboard? Do you need a little inspiration? Try a little of this optical inspiration. If you stare at this flower for only five minutes, you are sure to find a great idea in the middle of your medulla.
Photo by Anne Abrams.
February 25, 2010
Mendocino Coast Writers Conference
The Mendocino Coast Writers Conference is held on the scenic northern California coast. I know, I learned to write and swim there (Fort Bragg, CA). Its faculty has included: Barbara Kingsolver, John Lescroart, Ronnie Gilbert, and Gary Snyder. It offers scholarships and contests and nature hikes. I wish I could be there to see Glass Beach, Noyo Harbor, and Pudding Creek. It’s held this year in late July. Check it out at http://mcwc.org.
February 25, 2010
So good to have company
Thanks to all the visitors today. I’m thinking you didn’t come yesterday because you didn’t know about the site yet. They don’t call me Sherlock Holmes. Thanks also to Charlotte for her comments. This is inspiring; I’ll have to add some new material now you’ve brought it to life for me.
February 21, 2010
Humor in Angst
My style of humor is comparable with Nick Hornby of High Fidelity, said agent Carolyn Jenks.
Here’s a Nick Hornby interview in the Guardian (UK):
davidkrancher.com 