James Frey
Friday, September 05, 2008
 |
James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces, My Friend Leonard, and the new Bright Shiny Morning, tells us how he writes.
Where are you right now?
Amagansett, NY. At my desk.
Where do you write?
Sometimes here, sometimes New York City. Have desks in both places. Sometimes I sit on a couch in front of the TV.
How do you write?
Just sit down and work. Focus on one sentence at a time. Never self-edit, never go back. I don’t use outlines figure everything out as I go.
What keeps you writing?
I love it, and it’s my job.
Who do you write for?
For myself, and for the readers who support me.
Do you discuss your work with anyone?
Not really. At least not while I’m writing something. I end up discussing it when it’s finished because that’s part of the job.
How do you know if your work is good?
I just believe it is.
Do you have any unwritten characters in mind?
Hundreds.
Which book do you wish you’d written?
A Season in Hell, by Arthur Rimbaud
What is your literary guilty pleasure?
Detective books. I love detective books. Chandler, Hammett, Spillane, Simenon.
Which writer made you want to write?
Many, but Henry Miller probably had the most influence. He lit me up. Still does.
Who’s the most exciting author writing today?
Most are pretty boring. I’d probably say Michel Houellebecq. One of the few who invites controversy, instead of hiding from it.
If you weren’t writing you’d be…?
No idea. Can’t imagine another life.
What next?
The Final Testament of the Holy Bible. And I’m not joking.